Nijiro Murakami’s Chishiya has always been one of the most admired characters in Alice in Borderland, which is why it is not surprising that many viewers were hoping he would return in the show’s season 3. Audiences anticipating his appearance in the Japanese live-action Netflix show‘s season 3 are in for an interesting surprise.

When Chishiya was first introduced in Alice in Borderland season 1, he almost came off as a villain because of how cleverly he tricked the show’s main heroes, Arisu and Usagi. However, he soon became a part of the series’ main roster as he teamed up with protagonists and rose in the ranks to become one of the most liked Alice in Borderland characters.

What particularly drew many viewers to Chishiya was his laid-back and cool demeanor, even during the most grave situations in the games. He never broke under pressure and almost always outclassed his enemies with his unmatched wit and fearlessness. In season 3, though, he has a slightly different role.

Nijiro Murakami Returns As Chishiya At The End Of Alice In Borderland Season 3

Alice in Borderland season 3’s promotional content did not feature Chishiya at all. He was neither in the posters nor in the trailers. This convinced many that Nijiro Murakami was not going to be a part of the show’s roster in the new installment. Even as season 3 progresses, it becomes hard not to wonder if he will ever show up.

Almost throughout its runtime, Alice in Borderland primarily focuses on Arisu and Usagi playing a final set of games with a whole new group of players. Fortunately, though, after all ends well for Arisu and Usagi, and they finally return from the Borderlands to the real world, the third season finally features Chishiya.

Nijiro Murakami’s character barely has a screen time of a minute or two towards the ending moments of Alice in Borderland season 3. In the scene, he interacts with Arisu, who’s a therapist. Both characters discuss what gives them a reason to live, and Chishiya embraces how not having any reason is also a reason in itself.

Alice In Borderland’s Other Supporting Characters Also Return At The End Of Season 3

Surprisingly, Chishiya is not the only supporting character from Alice in Borderland‘s seasons 1 and 2 who shows up in season 3’s ending moments. The season’s ending arc walks through a series of scenes where Arisu counsels his clients and asks them what makes their lives worth living.

Each of his clients in the sequence turns out to be one of the OG players from Alice in Borderland seasons 1 and 2. Viewers who remember seasons 1 and 2’s primary roster will notice how, other than Chishiya, original characters like Aguni, Kuina, and Niragi also show up in the final stretch.

Compared to all the other supporting players from Alice in Borderland seasons 1 and 2, Ayaka Miyoshi’s Ann has the biggest role in season 3. She actively helps Arisu return to the Borderlands after he learns he must go back and race against time to save Usagi. She even protects him from Banda, who, as a resident, tries to trap Arisu in the Borderlands.

Why Chishiya And The Others Weren’t Part Of Alice In Borderland Season 3’s Story

Chishiya and the other players do not play a significant role in Alice in Borderland season 3’s overarching story, but their return towards the end instills a sense of nostalgia. From a narrative standpoint, it also makes sense that they did not return for the new set of games. The show’s season 3 primarily focuses on Arisu and Usagi and gives them a solid reason to return to the games.

While Usagi’s underlying grief for her father drives her to return to the Borderlands, Arisu goes back to be able to save her. Since the story arcs of all the other players were well resolved by the end of Alice in Borderland season 2, their return would have felt forced in season 3.

Owing to this, it is hard not to appreciate how season 3 did not unnecessarily stretch every original player’s story, but still found a creative way to remind viewers of how important they once were.

Will Nijiro Murakami And The Others Return For Alice In Borderland Season 4?

Although Alice in Borderland season 4 has not officially been announced on Netflix, the series ends with a cliffhanger that hints that a massive world-ending disaster is on the horizon. This paves the way for the deaths of many humans in the show’s world, setting the stage for a massive new cycle of games with players from all over the world.

However, given how the stories of all the original cast members in the series have been resolved, it is hard not to wonder if they will return for another season if it sees the light of day. While only time will tell what the future holds for Nijiro Murakami’s Chishiya and other characters of Alice in Borderland, the show will hopefully avoid unnecessarily stretching their stories.