In the vast world of gaming, where countless players chase perfection in top-tier titles, one individual stands out for his unique passion and skill in conquering the unconquerable. Rakuro Hizutome, better known by his online alias Sunraku, is no ordinary gamer. Dubbed the “Trash Game Hunter,” he dedicates himself to clearing poorly made, infamously frustrating games—often dismissed by others—with unmatched determination and finesse. However, Sunraku's story doesn't end there. When this prodigy shifts his attention to the critically acclaimed VRMMORPG Shangri-La Frontier, a game adored by millions, he embarks on a legendary journey that cements his place in gaming history.

This article delves into the life of Sunraku, exploring his gaming origins, defining traits, key relationships, and the milestones that have shaped his journey both in and out of the virtual world. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to Shangri-La Frontier, prepare to discover what makes this quirky, talented gamer one of the most compelling protagonists in modern gaming fiction.

What is "Shangri-La Frontier"?

"Shangri-La Frontier" follows the story of Rakuro Hizutome, a gamer with an unusual passion for "trash games"—notoriously poorly designed and overly difficult titles. Despite his love for these games, he decides to tackle a masterpiece VRMMO known as Shangri-La Frontier, which boasts a staggering 30 million players.

The original manga, currently serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine, has become a massive hit, achieving an unprecedented four consecutive first-place rankings in reader surveys. With its growing popularity, the series has surpassed 10 million copies in cumulative sales, cementing its place as a fan-favorite in the world of manga.

ANime Official SIte (EN)

Who is Sunraku?

Sunraku, whose real name is Rakuro Hizutome, is the protagonist of Shangri-La Frontier. A 17-year-old high school student with a sharp mind and unparalleled gaming skills, he is famously known as the “Trash Game Hunter” for his habit of taking on poorly designed, highly frustrating games that most players abandon. In Shangri-La Frontier, a popular VRMMORPG, he sets his sights on conquering this “god-tier game,” where his skills truly shine.

Who is Sunraku's True Identity Rakuro Hizutome?

Rakuro Hizutome
Age: 17
Birthday: November 21 (Scorpio)
Special Skill: Achieving full combos in rhythm games while muted
Likes: Gaming, sashimi
Dislikes: Lag, skewed random number generation

Behind the avatar of Sunraku lies Rakuro Hizutome, a reserved yet fiercely competitive individual. Known for his quirky charm and unyielding determination, Rakuro's real-life persona is often overshadowed by his extraordinary achievements in the virtual world. His love for gaming, especially unconventional challenges, defines both his in-game and real-life character.

Sunraku's Strength

Sunraku's strength lies in his deep understanding of game mechanics, incredible reflexes, and ability to think outside the box. These traits, honed through years of tackling “trash games,” allow him to navigate and dominate even the toughest challenges in Shangri-La Frontier. His adaptability, creative strategies, and fearless attitude have earned him a reputation as a near-unstoppable force in the gaming world.

His playstyle is characterized by high mobility and tricky tactics designed to catch opponents off guard. This unique approach is made possible by applying the techniques he developed through conquering a wide variety of low-quality, frustrating games. It's a distinctive trait of the “Trash Game Hunter.”

He emphasizes “fun” in his gaming experience, to the extent that he claims, “A fun defeat is better than a boring victory.” However, despite this philosophy, he is highly competitive and prioritizes winning above all else.

Who acts Sunraku in Anime Shangri-La Frontier ?

Sunraku is voiced by Yuma Uchida, a talented and celebrated voice actor in the anime industry. Uchida’s dynamic and expressive performance brings Rakuro’s quirky and determined personality to life. Some of his other well-known roles include

Megumi Fushiguro in Jujutsu Kaisen
Reo Mikage in Blue Lock,
Kyo Soma in Fruits Basket (2019)

His versatility and charisma make him a perfect fit for Sunraku’s unique character.

The Relationship Between Sunraku and Psyger 0

Rei Saiga
Age: 17
Birthday: April 4 (Aries)
Special Skill: Splitting a watermelon with a single strike
Likes: Rakuro Hizutome
Dislikes: Overly familiar people

In Shangri-La Frontier, the relationship between Sunraku (Rakuro Hizutome) and Psyger-0 (Rei Saiga) showcases different dynamics in the real world and within the game.

Relationship in the Real World:
Rei Saiga is a classmate of Rakuro Hizutome and secretly harbors feelings for him. However, due to her reserved personality, she is unable to express her emotions openly. To get closer to him, she decides to start playing Shangri-La Frontier.

Relationship Within the Game:
In the game, Rei Saiga takes on the persona of Psyger-0 and embarks on various adventures alongside Sunraku, building a strong bond of trust. Known as the "Maximum Firepower," she is a top-tier player whose exceptional skills are highly regarded by Sunraku.

Revelation of Her True Identity:
As the story progresses, Sunraku realizes that Psyger-0’s true identity is Rei Saiga. This discovery intertwines their real-world and in-game relationships, deepening their connection further.

Thus, the relationship between Sunraku and Psyger-0 (Rei Saiga) is a complex blend of friendship, trust, and hidden emotions, adding depth to their interactions both in the game and in reality.

Where Can We Watch Shangri-La Frontier?

The anime Shangri-La Frontier is available on various streaming platforms, depending on the region. Here’s a list of streaming services by country where you can watch the series:

United States: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Netflix
Canada: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Brazil: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Australia: Crunchyroll, Netflix
New Zealand: Crunchyroll, Netflix
Thailand: Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
Indonesia: Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
Singapore: Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
Vietnam: Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
Hong Kong: Netflix, iQIYI, Bilibili
South Korea: Netflix, Wavve, Bilibili
China: Bilibili, iQIYI
India: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Saudi Arabia: Netflix, Crunchyroll
United Arab Emirates: Netflix, Crunchyroll
Turkey: Netflix, Crunchyroll

Note: Availability may vary, so check each streaming service's official website for up-to-date information.

ANime Official SIte (EN)

Snraku's Key Moments and Images from Various Episodes

Next, we’ll take a look back at Sunraku’s standout scenes from each episode of the anime, accompanied by images.

Source : Shangri-La Frontier Official