Rantaro Amami

Rantaro Amami (天海 蘭太郎) is the deteuratagonist and a student in the Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles and a participant of the Killing School Semester featured in Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony. He doesn't remember his talent at the beginning of the Killing Game, so his title is the Ultimate ??? (超高校級の「???」 lit. Super High School Level ???).

Appearance
Rantaro is an attractive handsome young man with looks that resemble those of a stereotypical "playboy."

He has curly hair the color of green tea, which he keeps relatively short, a small patch at the base of his head completely shaved, with two short ahoges sprouting from the top of his head. He has a few longer clumps of hair hanging down in front of his left ear and between his eyes, and long bangs that cover the majority of his forehead, sideswept so as not to impair his vision. His eyes are green, and they slope downwards towards the sides of his face, both framed by notably long, thick eyelashes.

He wears a dark blue striped sweater with wide, elbow-length sleeves, a small chain accessory pinned on just beside his right shoulder. Underneath this, he wears a darker shirt that pokes out from below the hem of his sweater and from above its low-dip collar, still leaving his collarbone exposed, and another white garment that hangs out of the bottom. He also wears baggy, light-brown sarouel pants, and navy-blue slip-on shoes with white soles. On his sweater there's the crest of his former high school, Hope's Pass High School, as well as a larger symbol, a ship's steering wheel, which also bears some resemblance to the setting sun, which covers most of the lower half of his sweater, centered to the left.

Rantaro wears a necklace with a rectangular crystal pendulum hanging at the end of it, a silver bracelet on his right wrist and a different, larger, dark brown bracelet on his left that wraps around his wrist several times. He has multiple silver rings: one on his left index finger, one on his right thumb, and one on his right index finger, and on his right middle finger he wears one longer and darker ring. His right ear has five ringed cartilage piercings, and he wears a small beaded earring in the lobe of each ear. His official design sketches show him with a silver piercing on his right eyebrow, however this is not included in any of his game sprites.

In the prologue, he wears the uniform of his original high school: indigo-colored pants with a brown cardigan and loafers. The top two buttons of his shirt are undone, and his red, gray and black, tri-colored tie sits loosely around his neck, his sleeves casually rolled up over his elbows. He wears none of his jewelry.

Personality
When he was first introduced, Rantaro seemed like a mysterious individual. Later it could be seen that he is a carefree and relaxed person, and he is actually described as one of the more ordinary students despite his mysteriousness, with he himself stating that he can sometimes get a bit overwhelmed by the others' stranger personalities. Nevertheless, he is shown to have more patience than others with some eccentric students like Kokichi Oma and Miu Iruma, having a tendency to just laugh off some of the potentially hurtful things they say. Even though Rantaro cannot remember his talent, he doesn't seem worried about it, instead, he simply says he just looks forward to finding out what it is. He is usually seen smiling and describes himself as "not a suspicious guy", and he gives off a really calm and composed vibe, making him seem like a pretty reliable person. His speech is characterized by being very friendly and colloquial, using the "～っす/-ssu" copula in his sentence (in the Japanese release only). Fan translations usually adapt this pattern by using teenage slang in his lines.

Despite his appearance and manner of speech, he has cold, excellent insight, and is both determined and brave. He even has downright frightening expressions whenever he gets very serious. While the other students descend into confusion and chaos when Monokuma and the Monokuma Kubs state their objective, he is capable of coldly interrogating them about their motives. He also shows a deep understanding of the situation and often talks and acts like he knows something the others don't know, saying profound-sounding and enigmatic sentences, which often make him sound quite suspicious or even eerie. He is shown to be very competent in the Killing Game scenario, understanding that in order to truly win the game you must end the game itself instead of outwitting other participants, and he warns Kaede about her inspirational speeches and strong cooperation with others, because it makes her a notable threat in the eyes of the mastermind. During his Free Time Events with Kaede, she notices that he calmly observes other students and makes logical assumptions about them. He plans to end the Killing Game, telling the others not to intervene, but he ultimately fails because of Kaede's actions.

People (especially girls) occasionally seem to assume that Rantaro is a womanizer, he himself is aware that he looks like a "playboy", but he always insists he isn't that kind of person and he doesn't have a girlfriend, stating that he's just a chill, friendly guy. Apparently, he dislikes it when people assume that he is a womanizer or the kind of person to quickly hook up with someone based on his looks, possibly because his father might be one. During the cutscene with him, Kaede and Tsumugi in Chapter 1, the two girls talk about how his looks give the impression of a playboy while he really isn't that kind of person at all, though in the English version Tsumugi also seems to assume that he might be gay considering his insistence on not having a girlfriend and his somewhat stereotypical mannerisms. Since Kaede still keeps assuming that his nail art skills are related to a possible girlfriend, he admits it's always been "for family, nothing romantic". Furthermore, he appears a bit awkward whenever other people flirt with him or assume that he is flirting with them, sweating slightly and putting his hand behind his head while smiling awkwardly. Kaede especially tends to assume he is flirting with her, but he always tells her it's nothing like that.

Rantaro also looks similarly awkward when he thinks Shuichi wants to ask him out in the bonus mode, Love Across the Universe, and he takes a moment to realize what Shuichi might mean by "taking their clothes off". He appears slightly uncomfortable but answers seriously that he is flattered but Shuichi can't ask him out of blue like that, and while looking a bit offended and sighing with slight annoyance, he states he is not that kind of guy, and that Shuichi would have better luck with someone else. If Shuichi suggests reading dirty books with Rantaro, he seems to find it quite amusing and advises him in a somewhat big-brotherly manner to do it in his private time, assuring him that he won't tell anyone. When Shuichi talks about not wanting to leave him alone during his Free Time Events, Rantaro is surprised and then blushes awkwardly and tells him he can't be serious and that he's not sure how to respond to a guy saying that. This along with his Love Suite scene, which portrays his ideal relationship as one that mirrors his relationship with his younger siblings, seem to imply that he has little interest in romance and sex, or at the very least does not consider it a big priority, and dislikes casual hook-ups.

Instead, due to of having multiple little sisters, he acts like a responsible big brother towards some of his classmates. He has great knowledge of concepts that are considered feminine because he used to help his younger sisters with certain things like schoolwork and nail art. However, Rantaro considers himself a terrible brother after an accident in the past, even calling himself the "Ultimate Useless Older Brother". The possibility of his sisters hating him and their safety in general appears to be his biggest concern, and even though he is seemingly a relaxed person, he is actually very stressed during the Killing Game, because he is very worried about his sisters and feels that he needs to get out fast in order to get back to them. He tends to smile constantly even if he's actually feeling bad on the inside, which is supposedly a habit he developed due to having so many younger siblings to take care of. Very few times, when he gets a feeling that his sisters might accept him, he can have a real smile and laugh. His biggest dream is to reunite his sisters and obtain their acceptance, and he is extremely dedicated to this dream, to the point that he once joked that he may have some sort of sister complex. In his Love Suite scene, his fantasy shows his ideal situation in which he wishes to stop being a teacher for his younger sibling because he claims it's too dangerous for them to be involved with him any longer, and he wishes to spare them from all the details, by which he's likely referring to the Killing Game. He even mentions himself dying, though he claims it's just a joke. However, his younger sibling wishes to support him despite the risk and convinces him to tell them about it, which makes Rantaro genuinely happy and feel peace. In the bonus mode, with Shuichi's support, he believes he'll become a real Ultimate Big Brother some day.

Rantaro is shown to be a bit unsure of himself. A lot of this anxiety is related the stress caused by his sisters' situation, but he is also shown to be a bit insecure about his memory issues, assuming that others wouldn't trust someone like him and wondering if he can even trust himself. His unsure nature is also seen in the way he often laughs in a laid-back manner and states that he's just guessing after explaining some of his reasoning. Furthermore, he appears surprised whenever someone is really nice to him, as he blushes and states that it's such a sweet thing to do, clearly not assuming other people would treat him like that. Whenever he is in the bad mood, he tends to sigh in slight annoyance and won't hesitate to openly state out loud that he doesn't want to talk. It's also been shown that, despite his rather chill demeanor, he possesses a no-nonsense attitude towards very immature and childish behavior, at least when it comes from people of his own age. During Love Across the Universe, if Shuichi suggests childish activities such as shouting inside the library or playing with certain objects for no apparent reason, he often responses with slight annoyance and awkwardness, once even telling Shuichi to be an adult. He also feels a bit embarrassed to do things like baking or dancing with him.

As a big character trait, Rantaro has had the nature of an adventurer since a young age, as he apparently had a tendency to go on small adventures all by himself. He has also stated that he likes to travel, and has done plenty of times, having been to some reasonably dangerous areas as well as popular tourist destinations. He claims he admires travelers and loves to visit new places and meet new people, and would love to do that his whole life. However, he has stated that he does not like to use the term "traveler" of himself, as it's a bit "too romantic" for him.

Shuichi inferred that Rantaro's character in the previous Killing Game was selfless, as he joined another Killing Game and became the Ultimate Survivor because he chose to sacrifice himself for the other students. However, this contradicts to the fact that he himself, through the footage that he left behind, said that he wanted to participate in and win the next Killing Game.

Relationships

 * His family:

His sisters
Rantaro felt responsible for his little sisters and wanted to help them and take care of them, to the point that he apparently learned a lot about make-up and other things that are often considered feminine; he claimed that he frequently helped his sisters with nail art. He was especially close with his youngest sister, who always followed him around. After the loss of his sisters, Rantaro blamed himself and set out to search for them by traveling around the world.

In the Ultimate Talent Development plan, it was mentioned that Rantaro's family also had a kind maid when he was a child, who took care of the children and was like another mother for them, and, to him, she seemed like an amazing woman who could do anything. The siblings sometimes had disagreements over silly things like who got to read a picture book first with the maid.


 * Ultimate Academy for Gifted Juveniles:

Kaede Akamatsu
Rantaro admires Kaede's ability bring out the best in people, and is impressed by her leadership skills and the way in which she manages to unite the Ultimates after the shock of the Killing Game announcement, even if the unity is only short-lived. As a result of this, however, he does also worry about her attempting to take everyone's troubles into her own hands, and he tells her to take it easy. He cares about Kaede, feeling that she's easy and nice to talk to, and that he's at ease when he's around her.

In the demo version, Rantaro's carefree nature seems to surprise Kaede, and she's curious as to how he stays so composed and relaxed before the Class Trial, and how he can speak out so calmly against Monokuma. She also seems surprised at his supposed lack of interest in finding out what his talent is, she herself being desperate to find out what it is. Throughout Chapter 1 of the game the two grow close, especially during their free time events, in which Kaede states that she wants to be friends with him no matter what. Despite his inability to remember his talent, and the fact that the majority of the other Ultimates treat him with at least some polite suspicion, Kaede still cares for and respects Rantaro, firmly believing that he's not the mastermind of the Killing Game, just a fellow student who wants to get out of it.

Even though the two are friends, Kaede has a tendency to assume that Rantaro is hitting on her, and that he's a womanizer, although he always denies this, saying he's not that sort of person. When he invites her to have tea with him in one of his free time events, she thinks that he is trying to flirt with her, but he insists that it was only a friendly invitation and he doesn't feel that way about her.

In one of the Chapter 1 cutscenes, much to the annoyance of Tsumugi, Rantaro paints Kaede's nails. When picking the design that would best fit her, he makes sure to take the size and length of her nails into consideration, and she is clearly impressed by his skill as she excitedly shows off her nails to an irritated Tsumugi after he's finished painting them.

When Rantaro's body is discovered in the library, Kaede begins to tremble with fear. She thinks that she's the one who murdered him, as the weapon used to deliver the final blow was the same as the one she'd planned, and he'd been lured into its path but the trick she'd come up with. The trap was originally meant as an attempt to get rid of the mastermind, but instead of doing that she'd actually ended up killing a dear friend. She tells the remaining students that she will figure out who murdered Rantaro, and says that she will never forgive the person who did such a thing. Later, in the trial, she confesses to being the blackened, after attempting to lead the others to this conclusion. Before she's executed, she apologizes to everyone that it's now impossible for all of them to escape the Killing Game together, and apologizes again to Shuichi, her closest friend, and Rantaro, clearly having been torn up by remorse and regret as a result of her actions.

In the non-canon Danganronpa V3 bonus mode Ultimate Talent Development Plan, Kaede is waiting for Rantaro near the end of the Christmas party. Kaede left some cake for him, and, in the end, they ate the leftover cake together. There is also an event where Kaede visits Rantaro at his soccer game to wish him luck and cheer him on.

Shuichi Saihara
When Rantaro meets Kaede and Shuichi, Shuichi seems confused at Rantaro's mention of everyone getting simultaneous amnesia, purposefully, and he seems a little shocked by the idea, despite the fact that it's undeniably a pretty likely theory. He thinks he is in some way mysterious, and knows more than he lets on. Rantaro is shown to have strong faith in Shuichi's abilities and considers him a real detective, even though Shuichi still doubts this himself, but later in Chapter 1, Shuichi begins to grown quite hostile towards him, strongly suspecting that he's the mastermind and that's the reason he "doesn't remember" his talent.

In the Hotel Kumasutra Love Suite event, Rantaro has the role of a private tutor or a teacher of Shuichi. As the situation reflects the relationship between Rantaro and his younger siblings, he treats Shuichi like a child, which makes him uncomfortable, and because of this, Rantaro assumes that Shuichi dislikes him, although he denies it. Rantaro seems somewhat relieved by this, although it's clearly on his mind because he soon states that he can no longer be Shuichi's teacher, thinking he made him uneasy, and adding the point that being in contact with him could potentially be dangerous. He wishes to protect Shuichi, so he doesn't lose another person who is important to him. He mentions the possibility of himself dying, and while he claims he's joking, Shuichi seems skeptical. Shuichi tells Rantaro he would rather hear the story about why he could be dangerous, even if it is a risk, rather than leave Rantaro to deal with it alone. At the end of the event, he looks very glad, starting to trust Shuichi and promising that he will one day tell him his story.

During the bonus mode, Love Across the Universe, Rantaro slowly warms up to and explains his situation to Shuichi. He is very glad that Shuichi believes in his goal to find his sisters, since nobody else but him does. He promised to become Rantaro's traveling companion in the search of his sisters, which could even last a lifetime, and Rantaro is moved, finding in himself anew the motivation to become a real Ultimate Big Brother.

Tsumugi Shirogane
Just before the Chapter 1 cutscene, Tsumugi is painting Kaede's nails with the brush she gave her earlier. As soon as she's finished, Rantaro comes into the room, asking what the two of them are up to, and telling them that he can do nails too. He suggests a suitable design for Kaede's nails, and then proceeds to paint over what Tsumugi has just done on them. She can be seen watching this whole ordeal with a disgusted expression on her face, and making unhelpful comments throughout the scene, clearly annoyed at Rantaro.

It was revealed in Chapter 6 that Tsumugi was the one who killed Rantaro, not Kaede. Tsumugi didn't want Rantaro to discover the secret and ruin the fun of the Killing Game, so she used Kaede's plan to kill the mastermind as a means to murder him and frame her, therefore saving herself. Both Kaede and Rantaro were some of the most determined to get out of the school, so she decided that they had to go before they found anything out. This consisted of Tsumugi also being found out as the mastermind.

Korekiyo Shinguji
During Chapter 1, Rantaro has a good impression of Korekiyo and considers him interesting, appearing to be the only one who has a positive view of him.

During his first time event with Kaede, Rantaro tells her that Korekiyo has a strong personality, but if she takes the time to speak with him she'll begin to understand him. He compliments Korekiyo, saying that he's a calm person who seems to be one of the more clever types.

In the non-canon bonus mode Ultimate Talent Development Plan, it's shown that Rantaro and Korekiyo are very good friends. They share a great interest in traveling and they both have a close relationship with their sisters, seeing each other briefly whenever they're both in the school area and telling each other what they've been up to lately. However, it's also implied that Korekiyo has taken interest in meeting Rantaro's sisters in order to make them his sister's "friends".

K1-B0
While the two aren't seen interacting much, it's shown in one of Rantaro's Free Time Events with Kaede that he does appear to have a bit more respect towards the robot than most of the other students. He recognizes that K1-B0's personality isn't as unique as his status as a robot, but he believes K1-B0 is on their side, considering the Three Laws of Robotics, and while talking with Shuichi, he smiles awkwardly as he says that he probably shouldn't say bad things about robots, because K1-B0 wouldn't like that.

During the Demo version, Rantaro spent a lot of time with K1-B0 and later vouched for his innocence during the beginning of the trial. The two sat out of it due to the lack of space.

Miu Iruma
Rantaro is a bit overwhelmed by Miu's foul mouth, but he doesn't seem to dislike her as much as some other students do.

When Kaede and Rantaro talk about some of their more unique classmates during his Free Time Events, Rantaro mentions that Miu's talent is beyond understanding for ordinary people like them, and he mentions that he understands her thought process, though and that she likes to be the one on top. Kaede gets confused by the wording of this phrase, and Rantaro laughs a little awkwardly, saying that he was just trying to make a joke.

Free Time Events & Bonus Mode Guides
The links below are full transcripts and in-depth guides for Rantaro Amami's relationship routes in Free Time Events, Love Across the Universe: Dangan Salmon Team, Ultimate Talent Development Plan, and Hotel Kumasutra including his MonoMono Machine Present preferences and most effective dialogue options.

Trivia

 * Rantaro is one of the only two people to die before seeing their Research Lab, the other being Kokichi Oma.
 * Before each class trial in both Danganronpa 2 and Danganronpa V3, a set of images featuring the faces of all the students are shown, and as each chapter progresses the characters that died have their images turned red. Unlike the victim of the first chapter of Danganronpa 2, Rantaro never appears in these pre-Class Trial images in Danganronpa V3.
 * Rantaro's English voice actor, Johnny Yong Bosch, also voices Hajime Hinata/Izuru Kamukura.
 * In a poll hosted by MyNavi, fans voted Rantaro the 6th most popular Danganronpa V3 student.
 * Japanese gaming magazine Dengeki from April 27th, 2017 to May 22nd, 2017 held two popularity polls, one that was voted electronically and the other via post cards. Rantaro was voted the 6th most popular student in the electronic poll, and 13th through post cards.