The Fascinating Journey of Chishiya in Alice in Borderland
Exploring the complex character of Chishiya and his impact on the show
Chishiya's Journey in Alice in Borderland
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From hilarious interactions to beating difficult games, Chishiya is the best Alice in Borderland character – or at least one of the most interesting parts of the show. Played by Nijiro Murakami, Chishiya first appeared in Alice in Borderland season 1, episode 2. While Arisu and Usagi are the protagonists, some of the show's most complex character moments come from Chishiya, who goes from anti-hero to fan-favorite throughout the series.
Chishiya, Arisu, and Kuina in Alice in Borderland season 1
Whether Chishiya will be in Alice in Borderland season 3 remains to be confirmed, but there is room for his story to continue, now presumably in the real world. Alice in Borderland season 2’s ending episodes saw a deconstruction of Chishiya, which made his previous moments in the show even better in hindsight. Not all of Chishiya's actions were good ones, but the character was always a scene-stealer regardless.
Chishiya wakes up in the hospital in Alice in Borderland season 2's finale
Chishiya's Impactful Moments
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While Arisu and Usagi are the protagonists of Alice in Borderland, some of the show's most memorable moments come from Chishiya. Let's take a closer look at some of the impactful moments that shaped Chishiya's character and influenced the narrative of the show.
Chishiya’s introduction in episode 2 is great by itself, but one specific moment is even better. Whereas all the players would start to panic whenever the Horse Head approached, Chishiya knew exactly what he had to do. The character was not as physically strong as some of the other players, such as Aguni, and he did not have a gun like the Horse Head. However, Chishiya did have a teaser with which he electrocuted the Horse Head and helped save the day. Without Chishiya, Arisu and Usagi would have never succeeded in pressing the buttons to finish the game.
The Horse Head attacks Arisu in Alice in Borderland season 1, episode 2
Chishiya’s redemption would only properly happen in season 2, but the end of the Beach arc at least gave him one major redeeming moment. Niragi, who by then had killed countless people on the Beach, had come face to face with Chishiya and was ready to kill him. However, in a move straight from an action film, Chishiya throws a bunch of cards at Niragi, jumps in front of him, and attacks him with a flamethrower. Considering all the despicable things Niragi had done, seeing Chishiya seemingly defeat him once and for all was a cathartic scene. However, Niragi didn’t die and would still get his revenge against Chishiya.
Chishiya on the rooftop about to attack Niragi in Alice in Borderland
Chishiya has been a fascinating part of the show since his introduction, but it was season 2, episode 6 that made him into a layered character. More than a gimmick or a charming trait, Chishiya’s approach to the games and life itself was a consequence of his experiences as a doctor. Chishiya’s backstory reveal is one of the most shocking Alice in Borderland scenes, as no one who was not familiar with the source material could have imagined that the character who seemed not to care about life was a doctor in the real world. Learning more about Chishiya’s past only made the character more interesting in hindsight.
Chishiya as a doctor in Alice in Borderland season 2's flashback
Chishiya's Evolution and Future
Chishiya’s journey in Alice in Borderland is marked by evolution and transformation. From being an enigmatic and mysterious character to revealing a layered backstory, Chishiya's evolution is a central aspect of the show’s narrative. His complex interactions and impactful decisions have left a lasting impression on the audience, making him one of the most intriguing characters in the series.
Chishiya talking to Arisu on the radio in Alice in Borderland
Up until “Beauty Contest,” it would not be too far-fetched to assume that Chishiya would have chosen to stay in the Borderland. For a character who did not fear death and did not care much about others, staying in the Borderland would not have been a bad idea. However, hearing Chishiya say “decline” after players are offered the chance to stay in that world confirmed how much the character had changed after the King of Diamonds game. Chishiya is essentially a new person after he wakes up in the real world, which creates an interesting challenge for how Alice in Borderland season 3 will approach the character.
