Shangri-La (2009)

A gripping dystopian anime following one young woman's fierce stand against an oppressive government in a jungle-consumed future Tokyo.

Shangri-La - Series Information

  • Original Title: シャングリ・ラ
  • First Air Year: 2009
  • Last Air Year: 2009
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Animation, Drama, Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
  • Content Rating (US): TV-14
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 24 minutes
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 24
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Japanese
  • Spoken Languages: Japanese, English
  • First Air Date: April 5, 2009 (United States - TV-14)
  • Networks: Chiba TV, Teletama
  • Production Companies: GONZO, KADOKAWA Shoten, GDH, THE KLOCKWORX, NTT Docomo, Sony PCL
  • Production Countries: Japan

Shangri-La - Plot

The story of a young woman fighting for her survival in a real "urban jungle." Only 18 years old, Kuniko Hojo finds herself at the heart of the battle for humanity's future when she discovers that the government which rules Atlas intends to continue marginalising the less-privileged masses outside the tower - by force, if necessary.

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Shangri-La - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Mikako Takahashi
  • Jouji Nakata
  • Takahiro Sakurai
  • Daisuke Hirakawa
  • Hisako Kyoda
  • Sachika Misawa
  • Makoto Ishii
  • Tomoko Kaneda
  • Fumihiko Tachiki
  • Yurie Yamashita

Writers

  • Hiroshi Onogi
  • Toshizo Nemoto
  • Yuniko Ayana
  • Yutaka Izubuchi
  • Shingo Takeba

Executive Producers

  • Shinichirou Inoue
  • Junji Fujita

Shangri-La - FAQs

Where can you stream Shangri-La online?

Shangri-La is available to stream on Crunchyroll, including through the Crunchyroll Amazon Channel. If you prefer to own it, the series can also be purchased digitally on the Apple TV Store. Crunchyroll remains the most accessible option for anime fans looking to watch the full 24-episode run.

Is Shangri-La based on a novel or book?

Shangri-La is adapted from the light novel of the same name written by Eiichi Ikegami, published by Media Works. The novel blends dystopian science fiction with action and social commentary, and the anime adaptation by GONZO brings its futuristic world and complex characters to life across 24 episodes.

What is Shangri-La the anime about?

Set in a distant future where a massive tower called Atlas dominates a jungle-reclaimed Tokyo, Shangri-La follows Kuniko Hojo, a fierce 18-year-old who returns home to find her community threatened by the ruling government. She becomes the unlikely leader of a resistance fighting for the rights of those left outside Atlas's walls.

Who voices Kuniko Hojo in Shangri-La?

Kuniko Hojo, the spirited protagonist of Shangri-La, is voiced by Mikako Takahashi in the original Japanese version. Takahashi brings energy and determination to the role, making Kuniko one of the more memorable heroines in GONZO's catalog. The full cast also includes Jouji Nakata, Takahiro Sakurai, and Daisuke Hirakawa.

How many episodes does Shangri-La have?

Shangri-La consists of 24 episodes, all contained within a single season. Each episode runs approximately 24 minutes. The series aired in 2009 and tells a complete story, making it a satisfying self-contained watch for fans of dystopian anime without the need to wait for additional seasons.

What content rating does Shangri-La carry?

Shangri-La is rated TV-14, meaning it contains content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series features action violence, mature themes surrounding social inequality, and dystopian conflict. Parents should be aware that while it is animated, the tone and subject matter are aimed at a teenage and adult audience.

What anime series are similar to Shangri-La?

Fans of Shangri-La often enjoy Deca-Dence, Akudama Drive, and SABIKUI BISCO for their shared dystopian energy and strong action. Tengoku Daimakyo and Gachiakuta also explore survival in harsh, divided societies. Dr. STONE offers a different but equally compelling take on civilization rebuilding in a post-collapse world.

When did Shangri-La first air?

Shangri-La premiered on April 5, 2009, in the United States with a TV-14 rating. The series was produced by GONZO and broadcast on Japanese networks including Chiba TV and Teletama. It concluded its single 24-episode season in 2009, wrapping up its dystopian storyline within the same year it began.

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