Liar (Akina Nakamori song)

"Liar" was recorded and released at a time Nakamori experienced a crisis in both her career and personal life. Despite being a chart-topper and award-winner, she saw her record sales steadily declining in favor of newer idol singers. Furthermore, she was in a very unstable relationship with Masahiko Kondō.^[2] It was revealed through the tabloid Friday that Nakamori had been funding Kondō's side hobbies such as auto racing and that he owed her and her former talent agency tens of millions of yen. In July 1989, three months after the release of the single, Nakamori attempted to commit suicide amidst rumors of Kondō having an affair with Seiko Matsuda. This led to the "Golden Screen Incident" months later, when both Nakamori and Kondō held a press conference in front of a gold-colored backdrop (which is traditionally used to announce engagements) to explain the events leading to Nakamori's suicide attempt. In the aftermath of the press conference, both Nakamori and Kondō were dropped from the lineup of the 40th Kōhaku Uta Gassen while Nakamori was shunned by the industry, leading to her alcohol and smoking addiction during the 1990s.^[3][4]

Nakamori has re-recorded "Liar" for the 1995 compilation True Album Akina 95 Best.

"Liar" became Nakamori's 20th No. 1 on Oricon's weekly singles chart and sold over 274,700 copies.^[5][6] It was also certified Gold by the RIAJ.^[7]

• 1989 in Japanese music