2026-11-14
Shangri-La Frontier Character Guide: Sunraku, Emul and Friends
Getting to know Shangri-La Frontier means learning two sets of names: the players outside the game and the avatars they use. Once those connections click, the friendships and rivalries become much easier to follow.
This guide covers the central cast's basic identities and early introductions. It avoids boss-fight outcomes, later guild developments and manga revelations. The name pairings follow the official anime character roster; the background details are checked against Crunchyroll's character guide.
Sunraku is Rakuro Hizutome
Sunraku is the player name of Rakuro Hizutome, whose favourite challenge is getting through poorly made games. His experience with frustrating mechanics helps explain why a polished VR adventure gives him so much to experiment with. Crunchyroll describes that unusual gaming background in its series announcement.
The fun of watching him is the process: testing an idea, seeing it fail, and trying something else. For me, that makes even a familiar-looking encounter interesting. The question is often how he will approach it, rather than simply whether he has enough power.
If you are new to the series, remember that Sunraku and Rakuro are one person. A change between those names usually tells you which side of his life a conversation is discussing. The official roster lists both together.
Emul connects Sunraku with Rabituza
Emul is a magically capable Vorpal Bunny NPC who guides Sunraku into the unique scenario associated with Rabituza. She becomes an important companion, and Vysache is her father. Those relationships are outlined in Crunchyroll's guide.
For a newcomer, the useful distinction is that Emul belongs to the game world. She is not another human player's avatar. Keeping that in mind makes her conversations with Sunraku more interesting to watch: they bring together his habit of experimenting and her place within that world.
My favourite way to follow their scenes is to pay attention to what each assumes the other already knows. You do not need a detailed quest chart to enjoy those moments.
Psyger-0 is Rei Saiga
Rei Saiga plays as Psyger-0, a powerful player with an imposing armoured avatar. Outside the game, she is shy and has feelings for Rakuro. Crunchyroll's profile explains both sides of that introduction.
Knowing the pairing early helps you follow the comedy without confusing Psyger-0 with a separate character. Her real-world uncertainty gives familiar game conversations an extra layer for the viewer.
There is also a similarly named Psyger-100 in the cast. Use the number as part of the name when keeping notes; the official character page lists the two separately. That small habit saves a surprising amount of confusion.
Arthur Pencilgon is Towa Amane
Arthur Pencilgon is Towa Amane's avatar. She is a model outside the game and has a player-killer background within it. Those are useful basics from Crunchyroll's character overview, without getting into her later decisions.
I find her scenes especially rewarding when I watch how she frames a choice. What does she want the other player to notice, and what might they be overlooking? Treat that as a viewing prompt, rather than a promise that every conversation hides a twist.
The full avatar name can look elaborate at first. Remembering “Pencilgon equals Towa” is enough to follow most discussions about her.
OiKatzo is Kei Uomi
Kei Uomi uses the name OiKatzo. He is a professional gamer with a fighting-game speciality, as described in Crunchyroll's guide.
That background gives you another useful lens for watching the cast. Look at how a player with competitive experience approaches a challenge, then compare your impression with Sunraku's approach. The differences are part of the pleasure of following several skilled players together.
Keep this quick character list nearby
- Sunraku: Rakuro Hizutome.
- Arthur Pencilgon: Towa Amane.
- OiKatzo: Kei Uomi.
- Psyger-0: Rei Saiga.
- Emul: a game-world companion, rather than a human player.
These basics are enough to enjoy the main introductions. Save detailed wikis for later if you prefer to discover alliances and quest outcomes as you watch.
When a particular character becomes your favourite, browse our acrylic stands or keychains for a design that fits your space. Shangri-La Frontier Fan Shop is a fan-made shop; pick the character you enjoy spending time with, whether that means a familiar avatar or a small reminder of Rabituza.