Fans Go Wild Over "18TRIP" Character Rui Hakko's Delinquent Past in New Visual

The latest visual release for the popular mobile game 18TRIP (Eitri) has taken social media by storm, with posts about Night Class character Rui Hakko skyrocketing and trending online.

What has fans buzzing is Rui's appearance in the newly revealed illustration, which strongly hints at his “school days.” Sporting a slightly more youthful expression than usual and wearing a sukajan (souvenir jacket) over a gakuran (traditional school uniform) in a classic Japanese delinquent (yankee) style, many fans are speculating, “Is this a real look at his student past?” The stark contrast between his usual sleek, sophisticated demeanor and this wild scene—where he stands with a fearless smirk over defeated thugs—has completely captivated the fanbase.

Furthermore, enthusiastic theories are circulating regarding his pairing with character Raiko, who was featured in the same visual release, as well as connections to past card stories. Excitement is at an all-time high for upcoming in-game events and scout gachas, with fans expressing their joy through comments like, “Rui in a delinquent-themed event is too hot!” and “I'm so happy we get to see his past self.”

Alongside the visual reveal, there has been a surge in social media posts from fans looking to trade or sell merchandise such as can badges and acrylic stands, further proving the character's immense popularity and the massive attention the update is receiving.

The Context: What is 18TRIP?

18TRIP (pronounced “Eitri”) is a Japanese mobile hospitality-adventure game co-developed by Liber Entertainment and Pony Canyon, released in May 2024. The story is set in a near-future Yokohama (called “Hama”) and follows the protagonist as they work to revitalize the local tourism industry. To do this, they recruit unique and attractive characters divided into different “classes” based on times of day: Morning, Afternoon, Evening, and Night. Rui Hakko is a key member of the Night Class (Yahan). The game features heavily stylized character designs, which frequently inspire fan theories and merchandise trading on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) among Japanese anime and gaming fans.

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