Could Chishiya from Alice in Borderland outsmart the Squid Game? Possibilities explored

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author’s interpretation, grounded in a comprehensive viewing of all seasons of Alice in Borderland and Squid Game, as well as a broad knowledge of and extensive studies on pop culture. The viewpoints conveyed are grounded in a personal examination of the given content and the stories told in both shows. Note: Spoilers ahead!

With Alice in Borderland season 3 set to release in September and Squid Game’s third season allegedly coming in June, fans can’t help but wonder: Who’d reign supreme if these two worlds collided? Will Chishiya outsmart Squid Game? And let’s not beat around the bush—the answer is a loud, unapologetic yes. Chishiya could not only just survive the Squid Game; he’d probably run it—or finally dismantle it.

From his nine-lives charisma to his calculated brilliance, Chishiya embodies everything that would make him the ultimate player in a death game. And honestly? Alice in Borderland already feels like it operates on a plane of reality where the laws of logic are stretched, bent, and sometimes obliterated. If you know, you know. So, let’s dive into how Chishiya could not only conquer Squid Game but how he could elevate it to a cerebral battlefield.

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Master of the mind games

Without further ado— take the King of Diamonds game, sometimes referred to as the "discussion game." In a high-stakes argument when every vote can result in someone's death, Chishiya challenges a lawyer, Kuzuryu, head-to-head.

Others are paralyzed by anxiety and second-guessing; Chishiya remains cool, analyzing every point of view like it were a game of chess or as though he were performing a very life-and-death delicate surgery. His opponent might be a professional at manipulation, but Chishiya is the grandmaster of logic.

It is one of Chishiya’s finest moments. This game is a mental battlefield disguised as an auction, and his opponent, Kuzuryu, is not lightweight. But Chishiya thrives in this kind of environment. He dissects Kuzuryu’s every move with ease, proving once again that outsmarting people is second nature to him.

In Squid Game, his approach would give him a huge advantage. Tug-of-war? He’d be strategizing every move before the first pull. Marbles? Forget random chance—he’d read his opponent’s weaknesses and use psychology to win every round.

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Could Chishiya really win them all?

Some fans argue that Chishiya might struggle in games that rely purely on physical ability or instinctive reactions—like red light, green light, or tug-of-war. But let’s be real: Chishiya doesn’t need brute strength; he needs strategy, and that’s something he has in abundance.

In red light, green light, his analytical mind would allow him to study the timing patterns of the doll’s head turns, calculating the safest moments to move. He wouldn’t just survive—he’d finish first, all while looking bored.

In tug-of-war, he wouldn’t rely on strength but on tactics. Remember how the old man in Squid Game taught his team to use leverage and coordination rather than power? Chishiya would take that lesson to another level, directing his team like a chessboard and outwitting even the strongest opponents.

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Alice in Borderland’s deadliest games: A walk in the park

The King of Spades game is a relentless battle where players must survive an ongoing massacre. Most players panic and scatter, but Chishiya would observe the situation calmly, finding the safest route and using misdirection to avoid being targeted. He doesn’t fight recklessly; he fights smart.

In the Jack of Hearts game, players wear collars that can only be unlocked if they guess the correct symbol on the back of their own collar. Trust and manipulation are key, but Chishiya’s ability to read people would give him an edge. While others fall into traps, he’d subtly collect information and outwit everyone, surviving without a scratch.

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The OP character with a reason

In the world of RPGs and survival games, there’s always that one character who feels almost too powerful—OP (overpowered) in every sense. Chishiya fits the archetype perfectly, but it’s not without reason. His abilities are grounded in logic, life experience, and an almost obsessive attention to detail.

Unlike many OP characters who seem to "just be cool," Chishiya’s skills are a natural extension of his backstory. In his life outside the games, he was a medical professional, trained to assess situations quickly and make life-or-death decisions in seconds. This background makes his cold, calculating nature all the more believable. It’s not arrogance—it’s survival instinct honed to perfection.

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Loyal to a fault

While Chishiya often seems detached and uninterested in forming alliances, there’s one relationship that stands out—his friendship with Kuina. The two share a deep, unspoken bond that’s built on mutual respect and understanding. Despite his aloof exterior, Chishiya is fiercely loyal to her, and their partnership is one of the few glimpses into his softer side.

In Squid Game, where trust is a dangerous commodity, Chishiya and Kuina would be the kind of duo that dominates through strategy and unwavering loyalty. He might act like a lone wolf, but when it comes to Kuina, Chishiya proves that even the most logical player knows the value of true friendship.

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Chishiya’s potential in a team environment

Despite his preference for working alone, Chishiya surprises everyone when he chooses to collaborate strategically. He’s a master at forming temporary alliances, using others’ strengths while never fully revealing his hand. His partnership with Kuina stands out, but there are other moments when he recognizes the value of teamwork—always on his own terms.

In Squid Game, a player like Chishiya would dominate by selectively joining forces with others, analyzing each situation to decide when cooperation benefits him. He wouldn’t hesitate to break alliances the moment they no longer serve his purpose, but it wouldn’t be out of malice—just cold, calculated survival instinct.

What makes Chishiya particularly fascinating is how his name itself hints at his complexity. Written as 千紫夜 (Chishiya), its meaning can be interpreted through a poetic reading of the kanji, where 千 (chi) means "thousand," 紫 (shi) means "violet/purple," and 夜 (ya) means "night." Together, it evokes the imagery of "a thousand shades of violet in the night," a nod to his multifaceted nature. The color violet symbolizes mystery, wisdom, and transformation, aligning perfectly with Chishiya’s quiet, analytical personality.

Like many characters in Alice in Borderland, Chishiya’s name is likely inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Arisu (a direct reference to "Alice") is more of a clueless wanderer than a strategist, stumbling through puzzles and learning as he goes. Meanwhile, Kuina, whose name refers to a resilient water rail, evokes the calm strength and transformation associated with the Caterpillar (Lagarta Azul) from Alice in Wonderland. Often seen with a cigarette in her mouth, she’s a steady, reflective presence—much like her Wonderland counterpart.

Other names—like the Queen of Hearts and the King of Spades—are even more explicit, grounding the series in a world that blurs the line between fantasy and nightmare. Chishiya, much like the Cheshire Cat, embodies mystery and mischief, appearing and disappearing at will, always with that knowing smile. He isn’t just a player in the game—he’s a living embodiment of the surreal, strategic chaos that defines Alice in Borderland.

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The actor behind Chishiya: Nijiro Murakami

Part of what makes Chishiya such a standout character is the brilliant portrayal by Nijiro Murakami. Known for his understated yet magnetic screen presence, Murakami masterfully captures Chishiya’s calm, calculating nature, giving the character an air of mystery that’s impossible to ignore.

Murakami’s subtle expressions and nuanced performance turned Chishiya into a fan favorite, with both viewers and critics praising how effortlessly he brought the character to life. His ability to convey complex emotions without saying much made every scene with Chishiya memorable, leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next move.

Given his rising popularity, it’s no surprise that Murakami’s portrayal is now considered one of the defining elements of Alice in Borderland. His performance elevated Chishiya from a clever side character to one of the most beloved figures in the series—a true breakout role in every sense.

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The wild card: The Joker connection

In the final moments of Alice in Borderland’s second season, we see the Joker card, leaving fans with endless questions. What does it mean? Is the Joker a representation of something greater—perhaps a symbol of chaos and unpredictability?

Chishiya could easily be linked to this card. In the world of playing cards, the Joker is the ultimate wild card. It can change the game entirely, depending on how it’s played. Sometimes, it’s worth nothing; other times, it’s the most powerful card in the deck. Doesn’t that sound exactly like Chishiya?

His unpredictability, combined with his ability to adapt to any situation, makes him the embodiment of the Joker’s essence. If there’s anyone who could take down the entire system from within, it’s him. With his skills, allies like Kuina, and his mastery of manipulation, Chishiya isn’t just playing the game—he’s rewriting it.

Bonus trivia: The hidden meaning behind the Japanese title: 今際の国のアリス (Imawa no Kuni no Arisu), is way more intense than it sounds in English. While Alice in Borderland keeps things simple, the literal meaning of "Imawa" is tied to the idea of being on the brink of death—pretty fitting, right? "Kuni" means "country" or "kingdom," so the full title could be read as "Alice in the Country at Death’s Door." Dark, ominous, and absolutely perfect for the life-or-death world Arisu and his friends are thrown into.

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Final thoughts: The reigning champion

So, could Chishiya outsmart the Squid Game? Absolutely. He’s not just a player; he’s a force of nature. With his blend of intelligence, composure, and that signature Cheshire grin, Chishiya would leave even the Front Man scratching his head.

In the world of death games, there are survivors, and then there are legends. Chishiya? He’s the latter.