In a show full of desperate players and deadly games, one character stays perfectly calm: Shuntarō Chishiya. With his bleached hair, white hoodie, and unreadable half-smile, Chishiya became one of the breakout characters of Netflix's Alice in Borderland and one of its most popular cosplay choices.
This guide covers who Chishiya is, what makes his personality so fascinating, where he appears across all three seasons, and how to recreate his iconic look, from the classic hoodie cosplay to a wearable street-style version.
Who Is Chishiya in Alice in Borderland?
Chishiya is one of the main players trapped in the Borderland, an empty, eerie version of Tokyo where survivors must win deadly games to extend their "visas" and stay alive. The series is based on the manga by Haro Aso, and the live-action Netflix adaptation premiered in December 2020.
In the series, Chishiya is played by Japanese actor Nijirō Murakami, whose quiet, controlled performance made the character a fan favorite worldwide.
Like many names in the story, his is a playful reference to Alice in Wonderland. Arisu echoes Alice, Usagi means rabbit, and Chishiya is widely seen as the show's version of the Cheshire Cat: clever, mysterious, and always smiling as if he knows something you do not.
Chishiya's Background
Before the Borderland, Chishiya was a young doctor in training from a family of medical professionals. His parents were deeply focused on their careers, and he grew up feeling more like an afterthought than a son. That upbringing shaped a person who studies others from a distance and rarely shows emotion.
The show uses his medical background in clever ways. He thinks like a diagnostician, reading people and situations quickly and calmly, even when everyone around him is panicking.

Chishiya's Personality: Why Fans Are Fascinated
Chishiya is not a typical hero. He is self-interested, manipulative when it suits him, and often seems indifferent to whether other people live or die. Yet he is also one of the most compelling characters in the series.
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Unshakable calm. He stays composed in games that break other players.
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Brilliant strategist. He prefers outthinking opponents to overpowering them.
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Hidden humanity. As the story goes on, small moments reveal that he does care, even if he struggles to admit it.
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A real arc. His journey from detached observer to someone who chooses to help others is one of the show's most satisfying developments.
Chishiya's Key Moments Across the Series
Season 1 (2020)
Chishiya first crosses paths with Arisu and Usagi early in the season and helps them survive. He later appears at the Beach, a large community of players led by the "Hatter," where he quietly works his own angle alongside Kuina, one of the show's most beloved characters. His calm scheming makes him one of the season's most unpredictable figures.
Season 2 (2022)
Season two gives Chishiya some of his best scenes. He faces one of the face-card rulers of the Borderland in a tense, purely mental game, and the show finally reveals more of his past. By the end of the season, the survivors return to the real world, and Chishiya gets a second chance at life.
Season 3 (2025)
Alice in Borderland returned with a third season on September 25, 2025. Chishiya is not part of the main story this time, but fans were thrilled to see him return in a brief cameo in the final episode, a small but meaningful callback for one of the series' most-loved characters.
Chishiya's Style: The White Hoodie Look
Chishiya's outfit is minimal, but it is instantly recognizable. Every piece supports his cool, detached personality.
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The white hoodie. His signature piece. A clean, slightly loose white hoodie, worn with his hands buried in the front pocket.
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Dark slim trousers. Grey or black, simple and close-fitting.
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Light sneakers. Clean and understated.
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Bleached hair. Light blond, slightly messy, with a soft fringe that falls over the forehead.
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The expression. A relaxed, knowing half-smile. Honestly, this is half the costume.
What makes the look work is restraint. There are no logos, loud colors or accessories. Everything is quiet, which makes the character feel even more in control.
How to Cosplay Chishiya: Step by Step
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Choose the hoodie. Pick a plain white pullover hoodie in a heavier cotton so it holds its shape. Size up slightly for that relaxed fit.
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Add a dark base layer. A thin black or grey top underneath gives the outfit depth at the neckline.
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Keep the trousers slim. Black or charcoal slim trousers or jeans with a clean finish.
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Sort the hair. Use a short, light blond wig with a soft, slightly messy fringe. Lightly tousle it with a little wax or texture spray.
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Pick simple sneakers. White or light grey, low-profile and clean.
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Practice the pose. Hands in the hoodie pocket, shoulders relaxed, head slightly tilted, small smile. Chishiya never rushes.
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Optional props. Playing cards are a perfect nod to the Borderland's games. A card from the diamonds suit is a fun detail for fans.
Easy Couples and Group Cosplay Ideas
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Chishiya and Kuina: Kuina's sporty, street-ready look pairs perfectly with Chishiya's white hoodie.
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The Borderland trio: Arisu, Usagi and Chishiya together are instantly recognizable to fans.
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Card squad: dress a group in simple outfits and give everyone a giant playing card to hold. Simple and very on theme.
Street-Style Chishiya: Wearing the Look Every Day
The best thing about Chishiya's outfit is that it is basically great everyday streetwear. You can keep the spirit of the character without looking like you are in costume.
Layer a Leather Jacket Over the Hoodie
For cold weather, a white hoodie under a black leather jacket is a timeless combination, and it gives you a "Borderland after dark" version of Chishiya's look. A clean, slim black biker works best because it keeps the silhouette minimal. Try our Men's Classic Slim Fit Moto Style Black Biker Real Leather Jacket with the hood pulled out over the collar, black slim jeans and white sneakers.
Go Full Anime-Inspired Streetwear
Heading to an anime convention? Pair your Chishiya look with statement outerwear inspired by other legendary characters. Our Akira Kaneda Capsule Anime Bomber Biker Real Leather Jacket is a crowd favorite with anime fans, and our lightweight jackets collection has easy layers for long convention days.
Keep It Monochrome
Stick to white, grey and black. Chishiya's style is about clean lines and calm colors, and that palette makes almost any outfit look sharper.
Chishiya Look Checklist
|
Piece |
What to choose |
Why it works |
|---|---|---|
|
Hoodie |
Plain white pullover, relaxed fit |
His signature, instantly recognizable piece |
|
Base layer |
Thin black or grey top |
Adds depth at the neckline |
|
Trousers |
Black or charcoal slim fit |
Keeps the silhouette clean |
|
Shoes |
White or light grey sneakers |
Understated and modern |
|
Hair |
Light blond with a soft, messy fringe |
Matches the character's look |
|
Cold-weather layer |
Slim black leather biker jacket |
Turns cosplay into everyday streetwear |
FAQs About Chishiya from Alice in Borderland
Who plays Chishiya in Alice in Borderland?
Chishiya is played by Japanese actor Nijirō Murakami in the Netflix live-action series.
Does Chishiya die in Alice in Borderland?
No. Chishiya survives the Borderland and returns to the real world at the end of season two.
Is Chishiya in Alice in Borderland season 3?
Chishiya is not part of the main story in season three, which premiered on September 25, 2025, but he makes a short cameo in the final episode.
What does Chishiya's name refer to?
Many character names in the series reference Alice in Wonderland. Chishiya is widely seen as a nod to the Cheshire Cat, which matches his clever, mysterious personality and constant half-smile.
What does Chishiya wear in Alice in Borderland?
His signature look is a white hoodie, dark slim trousers and simple sneakers, finished with bleached blond hair and a calm, knowing expression.
How can I make a Chishiya costume look less like a costume?
Keep the white hoodie and slim black trousers, then add a black leather jacket and clean sneakers. It reads as Chishiya to fans and as sharp streetwear to everyone else.
Final Thoughts
Chishiya from Alice in Borderland proves that a character does not need armor or bright colors to be iconic. A white hoodie, a calm smile and a sharp mind are enough. Whether you are planning a cosplay, a convention outfit or just borrowing his minimalist style, keep it clean, keep it quiet and let the attitude do the work.
Want to give the look a cold-weather upgrade? Explore our biker jackets and find the perfect layer to wear over your hoodie.
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