Provided are data lines, scanning lines crossing the data lines, and a switching element in vicinity of each intersection of the data lines and the scanning lines, the data lines being connected via the switching elements with pixel electrodes arranged in matrix. Direct-type backlights arranged in parallel with the scanning lines are provided, and a backlight turning-ON drive circuit for turning the direct-type backlights in order at a predetermined frequency in sync with a scanning signal is provided. In at least one embodiment, the backlight turning-ON drive circuit includes a controller for controlling the direct-type backlights to turn ON in order in sync with the scanning signal in such a manner that the direct-type backlights are turned ON discretely over frames being continuous based on a vertical sync signal. In at least one embodiment, this provides a liquid crystal display device, which adopts scanning-type backlights and in which the pseudo contour and the flickering can be prevented with a driving clock of 60 Hz, which is generally adopted in liquid crystal display devices.