

© White Foxcrunchyroll.com
Utawarerumono: The False Faces is the second part of an epic saga (following the first series/visual novel) set in a richly detailed fantasy world. The story centers on Haku, a young man who wakes up in a snowy plain with amnesia—he remembers nothing about his past.
Haku is saved by Kuon, a fierce, beautiful girl with animal ears and a tail, who names him Haku. Together, they travel to the capital of the great nation of Yamato.
Haku is physically weak and lazy, but he is a genius strategist and engineer. As war and political intrigue begin to engulf the continent, Haku finds himself pulled into the power struggles. He joins the Imperial Guards and must use his mind, rather than his strength, to navigate treacherous alliances and confrontations with rival factions. The series explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the heavy burden of leadership that Haku never asked for.
Utawarerumono: The False Faces anime is a beloved fantasy entry for its deep character drama and political complexity.
Unlike many anime heroes who rely on physical strength, Haku's true power is his intellect. Fans love watching him win impossible battles through clever strategy, planning, and inspiring fierce loyalty in his allies.
The series is famous for its detailed lore, political machinations, and its world populated by demi-humans (characters with animal ears and tails).
The bond between Haku and his companions, especially Kuon and Atui, is the emotional core. These relationships add depth to the narrative and provide heartfelt moments amidst the chaos of war.
The anime excels at depicting large-scale military conflicts and tense confrontations, enhanced by its sweeping orchestral soundtrack that captures the grandeur and tragedy of war.
Voice: Saori Hayami
Voice: Risa Taneda
Voice: Yoshimasa Hosoya
If you enjoyed the detailed world-building, political strategy, large-scale war, and deep character drama of Utawarerumono: The False Faces, here are some excellent anime like Utawarerumono you should watch next:
Kingdom: A historical epic focused on massive military strategy and political intrigue during ancient Chinese warfare.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes: A masterpiece of military and political science fiction that relies entirely on strategy and complex character motivations.
Yona of the Dawn (Akatsuki no Yona): Features a young royal protagonist who must gather powerful allies to reclaim her kingdom, blending fantasy adventure and political plotting.
White Fox
-
Kadokawa Shoten
WHITE FOX, Aquaplus, Kadokawa, Sentai Filmworks






Utawarerumono: The False Faces is the second story in the trilogy. While it introduces a new protagonist (Haku), fans highly recommend watching the 2006 Utawarerumono anime or playing the first visual novel to fully understand the lore and the context of certain returning utawarerumono characters.
No. The story told in Utawarerumono: The False Faces leads directly into the third and final part of the story, Utawarerumono: Mask of Truth (which also has an anime adaptation). To get the complete saga, you must watch/play all three parts.
Utawarerumono: The False Faces is a blend of fantasy, war drama, and political intrigue. It originated as a visual novel with strategy RPG elements.
The main Utawarerumono characters are the amnesiac strategist Haku, and his two closest companions and protectors, Kuon and Atui.
Yes. Log Horizon (focusing on strategy and politics in an MMO) and No Game No Life (using intellect to win battles) are great anime like Utawarerumono that emphasize strategic thinking.