Shangri-La is a Japanese science fictionlight novel, written by Eiichi Ikegami and illustrated by Ken'ichi Yoshida. The novel was initially serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Newtype magazine between April 2004 and May 2005. The chapters were collected into a single bound volume on September 23, 2005, and was later re-released in two volumes by Kadokawa both released on October 25, 2008. A manga series adaptation drawn by Tasuku Karasuma started serialization in Kadokawa's Ace Assault in January 2009, but was later transferred to Shōnen Ace. An animetelevision series, directed by Makoto Bessho, written by Hiroshi Ōnogi and featuring character designs by Range Murata and animation character designs by Kumi Ishii, premiered in Japan on April 6, 2009.
Plot
In the mid-21st century, the international committee decided to forcefully reduce CO2 emission levels to mitigate the global warming crisis. As a result, the economic market was absorbed predominantly by the trade of carbon. A great earthquake destroys much of Japan, yet the heavy carbon tax placed on the once-industrialized country is not lifted, so Tokyo is turned into the world's largest "jungle-polis" that absorbs carbon dioxide. Project Atlas is commenced to plan the rebuilding of Tokyo and oversee the government organization, which the Metal Age group opposes due to its oppressive nature. However, Atlas is built with enough room for only 3,500,000 people, and most are not allowed to migrate into the city. The disparity between the elite within Atlas and the refugees living in the jungles outside its walls sets up the background of the story.
Characters
Main characters
Duomo
A city surrounded by deadly jungles where the main characters live. Duomo is home both for citizens and for the headquarters of the Anti-Government organization Metal-Age. It is eventually destroyed during the burning of Tokyo to eradicate the Daedulus. ;Yuri Gamagori
Atlas
Moon Palace
Ishida Finance
;Zhang
Akihabara
A group of elderly Otaku brokers who reside in the Black Market of Akihabara. ;Old Man Army ;Old Man Camera ;Old Man Loli
Others
;Canary ;Hiruko/Lord of Atlas
Locations
;Atlas ;Duomo ;Ikebukuro ;Akihabara
Media
Light novel
Shangri-La began as a light novel which was initially serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Newtype magazine between the April 2004 and May 2005 issues. A single 592-page volume was released on September 22, 2005. The novel was re-released in two bunkobon volumes both released on October 25, 2008.
Manga
A manga adaptation illustrated by Karasuma Tasuku began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's Ace Assault magazine in January 2009. After that magazine was discontinued in March 2009, the manga was transferred over to Kadokawa's Shōnen Ace magazine. The first bound volume was released on November 21, 2008, followed by the fourth on February 23, 2010.
Anime
An anime adaptation of the novel was produced by the animation studioGonzo, and was the first Newtype work to be animated for television. The series was directed by Makoto Bessho, written by Hiroshi Ōnogi, and featured character designs by Range Murata. The series premiered on April 6, 2009 on Chiba TV. The first DVD compilation volume was released by Kadokawa Entertainment on July 24, 2009. The Internet streaming media service Crunchyroll also aired the series on simulcast with episodes airing one hour after they were released in Japan. The series made its North American television debut on April 1, 2013 on the Funimation Channel. The anime has three pieces of theme music: one opening theme and two ending themes. The opening theme is "Kimi Shinitamō Koto Nakare" by May'n. The first ending theme is "Hajimari no Asa ni Hikari Are." by Midori, and the second ending theme is "Tsuki ni Kakuseshi Chō no Yume" by Midori.
