Yen Press is known for its popular isekai and fantasy series, but they occasionally venture into other genres. Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture Volume 1 is one such example, offering a supernatural mystery with adult characters. Does it stand out? Let’s dive into the story and find out!
The Plot: A Mysterious Power and Folklore Investigations
The story centers on Naoya Fukamachi, a reserved first-year university student. As a child, Naoya stumbled upon a festival held by spirits, which left him with a strange ability. After that night, he could hear lies whenever someone spoke, but the lies were not only audible—they were painfully distorted. Since people lie frequently, Naoya has isolated himself to avoid the agony of hearing falsehoods.
Now a student in the literature department at Seiwa University, Naoya’s course schedule is flexible, allowing him to explore different subjects. One such course is Folklore Studies II, taught by the charismatic Professor Akira Takatsuki. Naoya initially regrets attending the packed lecture, but soon becomes captivated by Akira’s engaging teaching style and the subject of folklore, which resonates with his childhood experience.
Akira, aside from teaching, is also obsessed with collecting stories related to folklore or the supernatural. He encourages his students to submit any folklore stories to his website, provided they are true. Naoya submits his childhood story, leaving out his ability to hear lies. This piques Akira’s interest, and Naoya is soon called to the professor’s office. Akira not only wants to learn more but also asks for Naoya’s help in investigating another folklore story.
A Duo of Investigators
Although Naoya is hesitant at first, he agrees to assist Akira and ends up working part-time with him, solving various mysteries. Akira, who is professional yet eccentric, is fascinated by anything tied to folklore. His enthusiastic approach can sometimes overwhelm those he interacts with, which is why he has been searching for an assistant. Naoya, with his unique ability to detect lies, seems like the perfect fit.
Together, they investigate all sorts of mysteries, including a haunted apartment, a curse, and a strange disappearance. Each case starts with an urban legend or folklore element but often reveals a more human and mundane explanation. Yet, Naoya’s own supernatural experience makes it impossible for readers to completely dismiss the possibility of otherworldly involvement, keeping us invested in the story.
Well-Written Characters and Intriguing Dynamics
Naoya and Akira are both well-developed and fun characters to follow. They avoid falling into typical genre tropes and instead feel refreshingly authentic. Naoya’s past has left him distant and cautious, which makes his budding relationship with Akira compelling. Akira provides Naoya with a safe space where his unique talents are appreciated, allowing him to slowly open up to others.
Naoya’s ability to hear lies mirrors the struggles of characters like the heroine of Usotoki Rhetoric, another series where hearing lies creates emotional turmoil. Both characters have been ostracized because of their abilities, leading them to undervalue themselves. Akira gives Naoya a sense of belonging and a purpose, which adds emotional depth to the narrative.
Author Mikage Sawamura’s First Series
This is author Mikage Sawamura’s debut series, and it’s clearly struck a chord, with 10 volumes published in Japan, a manga adaptation, and a two-season live-action drama (unlicensed outside Japan). The first volume is a quick read, coming in at just over 200 pages, but Sawamura’s deep research into folklore shines through. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the folklore references, Akira’s detailed explanations make the material accessible to all readers.
Translation and Presentation
Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture Volume 1 has been brought to the West by Yen Press, with a solid translation by Katelyn Smith. The characters’ voices are distinct, and the dialogue is smooth, even with the large number of characters introduced in this volume. A notable detail is the use of different fonts for the lies Naoya hears, visually distinguishing them for the reader without needing explicit clarification.
There are no illustrations in this volume, but the cover art by Jiro Suzuki is striking and captures the mysterious tone of the story.
The Series’ Future
The series is ongoing in Japan, with 10 volumes (including two extra editions). In English, Volume 2 is already available, and Volume 3 is scheduled for release in February. However, after that, the release schedule remains uncertain, so readers may have to wait a while for more. Yen Press is also publishing the manga adaptation, with Volume 2 available and Volume 3 slated for April. If you’re curious about the manga, our reviewer Noemi has previously covered it.
Conclusion: A Supernatural Mystery Worth Exploring
Associate Professor Akira Takatsuki’s Conjecture Volume 1 is a fantastic read for fans of supernatural mysteries grounded in folklore. If you enjoyed series like The Case Files of Jeweler Richard, you’ll likely find Naoya and Akira’s investigations equally captivating. The blend of realism and supernatural, along with well-developed characters, makes this a series to watch as it continues.
