Netflix’s Alice in Borderland has steadily grown from a niche Japanese manga adaptation to a global phenomenon. With its highly anticipated third season arriving on September 25, 2025, the series is once again pushing its characters—and its audience—into uncharted emotional and psychological territory.
Based on Haro Aso’s manga, Alice in Borderland is widely recognized as Netflix’s most-watched Japanese original series to date. Following its second season’s release in December 2022, it logged over 200 million viewing hours in just four weeks, earning a coveted spot on Netflix’s Top 10 list in more than 90 countries. Its explosive success proves two things: the rising global appetite for Japanese storytelling and the enduring allure of high-stakes “death game” dramas.
As anticipation builds, the show’s stars, Kento Yamazaki (Arisu) and Tao Tsuchiya (Usagi), sat down ahead of the Tokyo launch event to reflect on the global impact of the series, the toll of portraying trauma, and their hopes for what comes next in Borderland.
Netflix’s Most Ambitious Japanese Series Yet
From the beginning, Alice in Borderland has stood apart from other Netflix titles. Shinsuke Sato’s direction brought a sleek, high-energy visual style to Haro Aso’s dark and twisted universe. The blend of sci-fi, survival games, and human psychology made it uniquely compelling to audiences across cultures.
Season three is helmed once again by Shinsuke Sato, ensuring continuity in tone and storytelling. The new season also expands its cast significantly, introducing faces such as Hayato Isomura, Ayaka Miyoshi, Katsuya Maiguma, Koji Ohkura, Risa Sudou, Hiroyuki Ikeuchi, Tina Tamashiro, Kotaro Daigo, Hyunri, Sakura Kiryu, Yugo Mikawa, Joey Iwanaga, Akana Ikeda, and Kento Kaku.
The Tokyo launch event earlier this month underscored Netflix’s commitment to making Alice in Borderland a flagship franchise. The fanfare included a pop-up shop filled with merchandise, interactive games, and a premiere-style event where fans, press, influencers, and even international celebrities like AEW wrestling star Kenny Omega gathered to celebrate the show’s cultural reach. Omega, who has deep ties to Japan, even declared it his favorite Netflix series.
Where Season 3 Picks Up
Season two ended with Arisu and Usagi seemingly freed from the deadly games, waking up in a hospital after surviving a catastrophic meteor strike in Shibuya. The twist? They had no memory of the Borderland or the horrific trials they endured.
Season three’s logline reveals the new narrative arc:
-
Usagi is abducted and left unconscious by a mysterious scholar obsessed with the afterlife.
-
Arisu must return to Borderland to rescue her, where he encounters new allies and adversaries.
-
The pair must confront the final “Joker” stage, a test that could decide whether they can truly return to their world—or remain trapped forever.
The return to Borderland doesn’t just raise the stakes for survival; it also deepens the series’ exploration of memory, trauma, and the human need for connection.
Global Recognition: A Dream Come True
Both Yamazaki and Tsuchiya admit that the show’s global reception exceeded their expectations.
Kento Yamazaki: “I was surprised at the beginning, but I’m elated that global fans embraced this show. From season one, we worked with the resolve to create something for the global audience. Knowing that passion has carried us into season three makes me very happy.”
Tao Tsuchiya: “I don’t have words for how moving it is to know the show resonates worldwide. Borderland reflects the struggles of survival that exist in every society—whether in schools, workplaces, or even acting. That universality is why people everywhere connect with it.”
This international recognition has elevated Alice in Borderland from a Japanese cult hit into one of Netflix’s flagship survival dramas, placing it in the same global conversation as Squid Game.
The Emotional Weight of Trauma
Alice in Borderland doesn’t shy away from heavy themes. Suicide, depression, death, and existential dread run throughout the series, leaving both characters and viewers grappling with difficult emotions. For the actors, embodying these struggles has been both rewarding and draining.
Kento Yamazaki: “Yes, absolutely, it takes a toll. There were lots of challenges, but working through them gave me confidence. When you’re portraying trauma so vividly, it can feel overwhelming. But seeing that the work resonates with audiences around the world makes it worth it.”
Tao Tsuchiya: “Living in such a dark place for extended periods can affect your physical health. That’s why on set, we made an effort to balance the darkness with joy. There was laughter every day. Talking with Kento, the crew—it kept the work from being only brutal. It also made it feel full of love.”
Their reflections highlight the dual nature of acting in a project like Alice in Borderland: the necessity of delving deep into painful emotions, but also the importance of finding lightness and camaraderie to stay resilient.
Five Years in Borderland: A Journey for the Cast
Both Yamazaki and Tsuchiya have been part of the series for over five years, growing with their characters and watching the show evolve from a Japanese manga adaptation to a worldwide hit.
Kento Yamazaki: “As a fan myself, season three comes with pressure because of the global expectations. But with such an incredible team, I felt joy on set. If the story continues in any form—a season four, a spin-off—I would be keen to return.”
Tao Tsuchiya: “After season two, I thought that was a great ending. So when season three was proposed, I was surprised. This season introduces Usagi’s pregnancy, which adds new depth. Imagining a future for her child, beyond just Arisu and Usagi, could open the story to new, familial themes. That would be fascinating to explore.”
Their comments suggest that while season three raises the emotional stakes, it may also lay the groundwork for potential expansions of the Borderland universe.
Alice in Borderland and the Rise of Japanese Global Hits
The success of Alice in Borderland reflects a broader trend: Japanese entertainment capturing global audiences through Netflix. From anime adaptations to original dramas, Japanese storytelling has found fertile ground among international viewers hungry for fresh, emotionally intense narratives.
Alice in Borderland in particular has thrived because it combines:
-
Universal themes of survival and resilience.
-
Culturally specific storytelling, rooted in Japanese manga traditions.
-
High-quality production values, thanks to Netflix’s global investment.
This synergy has allowed the series to bridge cultural divides, proving that a story set in Tokyo’s deadly games can resonate just as strongly in Los Angeles, London, or São Paulo.
Looking Ahead: Could Borderland Expand Further?
With its momentum, Alice in Borderland could easily evolve into a multi-project franchise. Spin-offs, prequels, or even adaptations focused on side characters are all possibilities. The unexplored mysteries of Borderland, particularly the enigmatic “Joker” stage, offer fertile ground for expansion.
At the same time, the introduction of familial elements—like Usagi’s pregnancy—hints that the story could explore not only survival but also legacy and rebuilding life after trauma.
For now, season three promises to be the boldest installment yet, balancing spectacle, psychological depth, and emotional catharsis.
Conclusion: Trauma, Triumph, and the Joker Ahead
As Netflix prepares to unveil Alice in Borderland season three, fans can expect a season that not only heightens the stakes but also deepens the emotional resonance. With Arisu and Usagi confronting both personal trauma and the most dangerous stage of the games yet, the narrative is poised to challenge its characters—and audience—like never before.
For Yamazaki and Tsuchiya, the journey has been as personal as it has been professional, filled with moments of exhaustion, resilience, and pride. Their ability to channel the darkness of Borderland while finding light in camaraderie mirrors the show’s central theme: survival is never just about enduring pain—it’s about finding hope in the bleakest of places.
And as the world braces for the return of Borderland, one question looms large: Will Arisu and Usagi finally escape, or is the Joker holding the cruelest game yet?
