In a new revival of deadly game-show-themed thrillers, Squid Game is most notably on everyone’s radar. But Netflix has a plethora of equally exhilarating series that push the boundaries of survival game shows. Writer-director Shinsuke Sato, recognized for works like Kingdom and I Am a Hero, dazzles with crafty deathmatches in Alice in Borderland. The series not only spins the Alice down the rabbit hole trope, but brilliantly turns an ordinary deck of playing cards into an onslaught of intense, violent games. In the show, randomly selected people all throughout Tokyo are thrown into games directly associated with the cultural/social interpretation of a playing card. Each suit and number define the game’s motivation and in some cases the answer.
Following a handful of diverse strangers, the show throws viewers into the same madness and chaos that the characters are quickly forced to adapt to as they realize there’s no apparent way back to the real world Tokyo, and the only way to survive is to play. Here’s your guide to the topsy turvy cast of Alice in Borderland.
Ryōhei Arisu (Kento Yamazaki)
A youthful gamer outcasted by his own family due to his less than par performance in life, central protagonist Arisu struggles to find a purpose in his waking life. But when thrown into the alternate Tokyo Borderland, Arisu lives on and survives game after game on behalf of his two best friends Chōta Segawa (Yūki Morinaga) and Daikichi Karube (Keita Machida) who died during their third game, Hide and Seek. Arisu is crafty under pressure, and core memories of himself with Chota and Karube ignite a new passion within as he plays each game. Kento Yamazaki’s performance echoes his versatility following a notable performance as the iconic character L in a Death Note TV remake.
Yuzuha Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya)
Well known for an early modeling career and a lengthy resume in a variety of roles on stage and in film, Tao Tsuchiya breathes life into the role of Yuzuha Usagi. With glimpses into her real-world life as a rock climber and high-spirited individual, Usagi plays with keen wit and determination to survive and savor the little things in the Tokyo Borderland. When introduced to Arisu, a kindled friendship offers a joint safety net as they trial the games together. Tsuchiya’s other works include Arcana, Orange, and Kasane: Beauty and Fate.
Takeru Danma / Hatter (Nobuaki Kaneko)
How could it be Alice in Borderland without a magnificent Hatter? Takeru Danma delivers a tortured embodiment of the original Mad Hatter character all in the world of Tokyo Borderland’s constantly compounding chaos. Danma worked to create paradise, viewing his teleportation into Borderland as a fresh beginning for everyone there. To cope, he built upon his own selfish fantasy known as The Beach, a place untouched by the external bitterness and betrayal of the Borderland world. He ultimately deals with the consequences of maintaining The Beach even at the cost of life itself. Nobuaki Kaneko entertains with a spirited and enriched sense of self in his portrayal, and some of his other works include Followers and Gunshi Kanbei.
Aguni Morizono (Sho Aoyagi)
Revealed to be the best friend of Hatter, Morizono, played by Sho Aoyagi, does a stellar job at being the muscle aided by a deranged crew of blood-thirsty ghouls invoking terror through the Beach as soon as an unexpected death destroys the order of their paradise. Caught in the cross of the ultimate deception, Morizono comes to many realizations, too little too late. Aoyagi amplifies the mania of Borderland as his character capitalizes off of grisly murder tactics and methods to evaluate the game as ruthlessly as possible. Some of Aoyagi’s best films are Netflix’s Ju-on: The Beginning of the End, as well as Last of the Wolves.
Mira Kano (Riisa Naka)
As it’s later uncovered that Kano is one of an unknown collective of game masters, responsible for the teleportation of victims into Borderland as well as the orchestration of the games, Kano’s personality and intentions are shrouded in an enigma that unravels towards the end of the season. Her uncomfortable out-of-place giggles and piercing sincerity when delivering words of sheer horror do well to unnerve many, if not all who reside in Borderland. Riisa Naka defines "unhinged" in her role as Kano, and proves to be a masterful actress with lead roles in The Girl Who Leapt Through Time and Cafe Isobe.
Shuntarō Chishiya (Nijirō Murakami)
Chishiya is a more laid-back alternate to Alice in Wonderland’s white rabbit. Instead of hustling and bustling to the Queen’s court, Chishiya has his eyes set on collecting all of the cards from each game in the hopes to escape or potentially gain power with the game masters. Nijirō Murakami offers a sly touch to Chishiya’s quiet observing and meticulous commanding of authority amongst the Beach and throughout the games. His style of all white and silver stands out in addition to his quick-witted attacks. Murakami has also played roles in In This Corner of the World and Still the Water.
Hikari Kuina (Aya Asahina)
Arguably one of the best characters in the series, Hikari Kuina is a diamond in the rough. Her father disowning her transgender identity does little to stop her from carrying her head high while augmenting her skills as a trained fighter. Such skills come in handy during a devastating night at the Beach, and she is fortunate to find her best friend, Chishiya, as they join Arisu and Ugasi in searching Borderland for answers to their entrapment. Model and TV personality Aya Asahina may not have the extensive repertoire as her fellow castmates, but her role as Kuina will instantly spark viewers' admiration of her journey in the real world and in Borderland. You can find Asahina in Runway 24 and Girl Gun Lady.
Ann Rizuna (Ayaka Miyoshi)
In the same vein of swiftly critical thinkers, Ann Rizuna, a former forensic scientist for Tokyo police forces, cautiously plays her skills to the advantage of the remaining Beach players. Keeping an urgent manner about handling business at the Beach, while showcasing a serene nature during life-altering moments during certain games, Ann manages to survive the Borderland games and establish a powerful position at the Beach as an executive member. As one of the few remaining players with their sanity intact, Ann, portrayed by Ayaka Miyoshi, works to find a way out of Borderland with sense and sensibilities maintained at the highest level. Some of Miyoshi’s latest works include One Piece Film: Gold and Dance With Me.