Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya, stars of Netflix’s Alice in Borderland, recently sat down for an in-depth conversation about the series’ overseas reception, the emotional weight of its storytelling, and what lies ahead in Season 3.
While the hit Japanese thriller has already drawn international audiences through its high-stakes narrative and inventive visuals, Yamazaki and Tsuchiya say they remain deeply invested in evolving their characters and the show’s thematic core.
Global Reach and Pressure to Deliver
Yamazaki, who plays Arisu, acknowledges the dual challenge of anchoring a locally rooted drama and appealing to a global streaming audience. As the show expanded beyond Japan, it carried greater expectations, not only to retain its original tone but also to resonate across cultures.
Tsuchiya, as Usagi, underscores that part of sustaining momentum is about preserving authenticity while embracing change. In the interview, she reflects on how fan response to past seasons carries both reward and responsibility: knowing that viewers are emotionally invested adds pressure to meet those expectations.
They also admit that the darker emotional terrain, dealing with themes such as despair, loss, and existential stakes, exacts a toll on cast and crew alike. Yet the actors say that an on-set atmosphere balancing the intensity with moments of levity helped maintain morale.
What Season 3 Brings: Conflict, Stakes & the Joker
The new season finds Arisu and Usagi attempting to live normal lives, but their fragile peace is shattered when Usagi is abducted by a mysterious scholar obsessed with the afterlife, propelling Arisu back into Borderland.
The enigmatic “Joker” card, hinted in prior cliffhangers, looms as a fresh threat. Team-ups with new players, unexpected alliances, and elevated dangers are on the schedule.
In their interview, the leads discuss how this season demands more of them, not just physically (through elaborate game sequences) but emotionally, as their characters confront deeper trauma and existential choices.
Tsuchiya points out that Usagi’s motivations pivot toward preserving a future; the idea of building a family becomes a significant factor, influencing her resolve to face her vulnerabilities head-on.
Meanwhile, Yamazaki describes Arisu’s mindset as steeled: his mission in Season 3 is unambiguous, returning to Borderland to save Usagi, yet he must reconcile memories, losses, and the rollercoaster of hope and despair.
The Toll of Darkness and the Role of Camaraderie
Tsuchiya candidly acknowledges that repeatedly immersing oneself in bleak narrative arcs can be draining. To counterbalance that, the cast created a supportive environment, frequent laughter, personal conversations, and mutual encouragement helped them remain grounded.
Yamazaki echoes the sentiment: while they push into ever more challenging territory emotionally and physically, the bond among cast and crew functions as a vital buffer.
They also highlight memorable production challenges, including complex location shoots and stunts (e.g. underwater or wave simulations) that demanded both technical precision and trust in the safety teams.
Looking Ahead: Is There a Season 4?
When asked about the possibility of Alice in Borderland returning for a fourth season, both actors express openness. Yamazaki cites his enthusiasm for the series and his continued affection for the collaborators.
Tsuchiya goes further, hinting at narrative possibilities: since Usagi is pregnant in Season 3, the child could play a future role, expanding the story beyond just Arisu and Usagi.
While nothing is confirmed, the seeds for continuation appear planted and the lead actors seem eager to explore them, should the opportunity arise.
Final Word
With Season 3 poised to expand both the emotional and narrative scope of Alice in Borderland, Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya stand at a juncture: preserving the show’s original tension while pushing its characters into new, more complex terrain. Their reflections suggest that, for them, the series is not just a high-stakes survival thriller but also a deeper meditation on resilience, hope, and connection.
The new chapter lands on Netflix September 25, 2025.
By – Sonali