Manga- OVA
- Netflix
Shuntarou Chishiya (
Appearance
Chishiya is a young man with dyed platinum blond hair that reaches his shoulders and a tiny mole under his left eye, usually hidden behind his long bangs. He is notably shorter than most people around him, so he often wears platform sneakers. His outfit always includes white-colored parts, mainly a white hoodie with pockets to hide his hands in.
When first encountered, Chishiya is dressed in a printed T-shirt with a white zip-up hoodie on top, dark-gray loose-fitting joggers, and black and white sneakers. While at the Beach, Chishiya wears the hoodie on bare skin, white board shorts with a blue pattern, and flip-flops. At the beginning of the Second Stage, Chishiya changes his clothes to white loose-fitting joggers, a dark-gray T-shirt, and a long two-tone open-front cardigan. For the rest of Season 2, he appears wearing a black T-shirt with a thick white hoodie on top, and black loose-fitting joggers.
Personality
Chishiya is portrayed as a highly intelligent individual, whose observation skills prove advantageous in most situations, enabling him to survive all types of games. His complete disregard for human life and manipulative nature allow him to use others for his own benefit, which he justifies with his wish to stay alive. He remains calm under any circumstances and analyzes his predicament with a smirk on his face, trying to find a solution, even if everyone else around him starts panicking. Despite his preference to operate in the shadows, he tends to have a sharp tongue and displays rude manners in his interactions with others, and he has openly admitted to being clever on multiple occasions. Niragi once mentioned that Chishiya's eyes are "irritatingly condescending".
History
Prior to his arrival in the Borderland, Chishiya worked as a junior doctor at Sakurazawa University Hospital (unlike in the manga, where he was revealed to be a medical student), his practice being in pediatric cardiovascular surgery. It was shown through a flashback that he had a patient named Hayato. Chishiya was seen comforting the boy and then reassuring his mother that his condition was more stable and his surgery would be happening the following week.
Afterwards, a superior took Chishiya aside to inform him that Hayato's surgery would have to be postponed, because the organ transplant waiting list order had changed. Handing Chishiya an envelope containing a patient referral, the other doctor explained that the transplant (originally intended for Hayato) would instead go to the grandson of a friend of the hospital director, a major financial donor. When Chishiya asked about Hayato, his superior said that the boy would get a transplant later, and that Chishiya would have to deliver this news to Hayato and his family.
After Hayato's death, Chishiya's superior attempted to justify the decision by claiming that, even if the surgery had proceeded as scheduled, there was no guarantee it would have been effective. He further stated that doctors cannot always work by their own ideals, and that money, power, and connections often affect the outcome. That moment sent Chishiya down the path of becoming cynical and disillusioned by the injustices within the medical system. He realized that he would not always be permitted to live up to his own ideals, and that his most vulnerable patients would pay the price. The brief flashback also showed a softer, caring side of Chishiya, as he was once hopeful of helping other people.
Story
Season 1
Chishiya observing "Game of Tag"
Chishiya first appears at the beginning of the Five of Spades game, which is the second game that Arisu and Karube participate in. Arisu first notices him in the lobby of Toei Sendagaya Apartment building with his hood on and his eyes closed, quietly listening to music through earphones and charging his phone in the corner.
After the game rules are explained, Chishiya uses the elevator to get to the top floor of the building, walks towards the right end, and starts observing other players. His face is still hooded by his jacket, giving him an off-putting appearance, which also results in Aguni ignoring him.
During the first half of the game, Chishiya watches Arisu's and Usagi's actions and makes comments about them, both surprised and astonished by their progress. He agrees that informing each other of the Tagger's location is a great plan, but he does not believe that anyone would go along, so Usagi's decision to support Arisu sounds unexpected yet amusing to him. He does not seem to be in any danger himself, as there is no scene with the Tagger going up to the seventh floor, and Chishiya remains unfazed up until there are only a few minutes left to clear the game.
Chishiya holding his DIY taser
As the game draws to a concluding point, Chishiya looks at the timer and decides to head towards the safe zone. Meeting Arisu by the door, he convinces him to open it and walk in first, confidently following and looking around the apartment. As Arisu is about to open the door to the main bedroom, another Tagger appears behind them. Arisu pushes Chishiya away from the gunfire, and Chishiya assists by attacking Horse Head with his DIY taser. However, the effect does not last long, and the opponent resumes shooting, which forces Chishiya to run out of the apartment and close the door. Then, when Usagi jumps into the room through the window, Chishiya throws his taser to her, helping her knock the Tagger off balance and clear the game along with Arisu.
After Arisu's phone displays "GAME CLEAR", the Tagger's phone shows "GAME OVER", and her collar explodes, covering the whole white wall with her blood. Chishiya looks at it with slight confusion and remains in the room long enough to rummage through the Tagger's pockets and find a piece of paper with a peculiar drawing, but the meaning of it remains unclear.
Chishiya observing Arisu and Usagi at the Beach
Chishiya is next seen at the Beach with Kuina, observing Arisu and Usagi to decide whether they may be useful for their plan. He explains that he was in the same game as them and gives a hint to Kuina that she should take a closer look at them as well. Despite being an executive member, Chishiya does not stand on the balcony with Hatter and the others, opting to lurk in the corner of the lobby with his face hidden by his jacket hood.
After the next round of games, Chishiya, who conveniently avoided all the mayhem caused by the militants, walks up to Kuina and asks for her opinion on Arisu, to which she responds with a positive comment. Afterwards, Arisu is shocked to learn that Chishiya is one of the Beach's executives. The revelation comes when Chishiya enters the meeting room, takes a seat at the table, and casually waves at him. During the meeting, Chishiya silently listens and does not make any comments.
Chishiya and Kuina approaching Arisu
After Arisu discovers corpses in the dumpster, Chishiya approaches him along with Kuina and reminds him of the third Beach rule: "Death to traitors", which serves as a hint that the militants actually kill people. Then the trio relocates to the roof, and Chishiya wonders how Arisu is planning to live in this "world that is full of despair", since Arisu's rank is not high enough to return to the real world any time soon. Chishiya expects the fragile peace at the Beach to be broken at some point, and if the militants take control, there will be no point in staying, so he plans to steal Hatter's stack of cards and leave.
The next morning, Chishiya invites Arisu to witness another executive meeting, in which Hatter is shown to be shot dead. Niragi and Last Boss decide to make Aguni the next leader, so they start threatening everyone one by one, forcing them to vote. After Kuzuryu and Mira raise their hands, Niragi switches his attention to Chishiya, pointing the gun at him. Chishiya seems unfazed, responding with an emotionless glance, which annoys Niragi, who then asks whether Chishiya is looking down on the militants.
Niragi threatening Chishiya
"But you guys are really stupid."
— Chishiya to Niragi
The bold and rude answer triggers Niragi even more, so he comes closer, moving his gun towards Chishiya's face, and claims that his condescending eyes have always irritated him. Still unfazed, Chishiya smirks, raises his hands, and votes for Aguni, teasing Niragi further.
"Are you alright with losing a precious "yes" vote?"
Chishiya revealing the password
After the new leader is assigned, Chishiya decides to enact his plan and sends Arisu to steal the cards, promising to keep an eye out for the militants in the lobby, along with Kuina and Usagi in the corridor. While Arisu is searching for the safe in Hatter's suite, Chishiya explains how he knows the location of the cards and the password. A flashback illustrates his words, showing an executive meeting, where Aguni, as the new leader, opened a black envelope in the presence of all executive members to learn the password for the safe with the cards. In the process, Chishiya was observing Aguni's behavior and searching for clues, eventually coming to a conclusion that the envelope was empty, and the wax seal on it formed the numbers that were used as the password for the safe — BOSS/8022.
Chishiya betraying Arisu
When Arisu finds a safe and tries Chishiya's password, which happens to be incorrect, Chishiya sells him out to the militants in order to gain their trust. It remains unclear whether betraying Arisu was his intention all along, or whether he altered his plans on the spot. Arisu and Usagi are both caught and taken captive. Chishiya ignores the "Why?" question from Arisu but responds to Aguni's praise by stating that it was an obvious thing to do. Carefully observing Aguni's reaction once again, Chishiya notices him staring at a picture on the wall and realizes that the black envelope was likely not empty, but contained a drawing of a stag which was meant to point to the location of the real safe.
At night, Chishiya sneaks into the suite again, while Kuina keeps watch and distracts Last Boss. Having a conversation with her through a walkie-talkie, Chishiya questions Arisu's intelligence, as, according to him, there is no way the safe with something so important inside could have been hidden in such an obvious location.
"In order to gain something, you need to lose something."
— Chishiya explaining to Kuina why he betrayed Arisu
Those words seem to scare Kuina, as she points out that she would not want to become his enemy. Chishiya looks amused because it is the same phrase Arisu used right before getting discovered by the militants.
He quickly finds the correct safe behind the painting and effortlessly steals the cards.
Chishiya and Kuina leaving the Beach
As the duo is about to leave the Beach, Kuina admits feeling guilty over betraying Arisu and Usagi. Chishiya turns around to look at her with a displeased expression.
"Is there anything we cannot do in order to survive?"
— Chishiya questions Kuina's morals
He quickly regains his composure, smiles, and tells Kuina to go and save them if she feels sorry for them. Kuina opts to stay with Chishiya and silently starts walking towards him. Just as Chishiya is about to step outside, he notices something strange and stops abruptly. Kuina continues walking and nearly goes through the exit, when Chishiya shouts at her to stay away. He throws his bracelet through the archway, and a laser shoots a hole in it. They realize that the entire hotel is surrounded by a wall of lasers, as the Beach has suddenly become a game venue. They return to the lobby and see Momoka's dead body along with an announcement that the game is "Ten of Hearts".
Chishiya and Kuina spend the first part of the "Witch Hunt" game in the security camera room. Kuina points out that everyone is shooting each other, and Chishiya smirks calling the situation unpleasant. There is a short moment when they start to suspect each other, but they quickly realize that none of them can be the Witch. Eventually, they split up and take action. Kuina goes to help Ann, while Chishiya decides to confront Niragi on the rooftop, where the latter has been sniping other players.
Chishiya's calm and nonchalant behavior makes Niragi anxious, and he points out once again how much Chishiya annoys him. Despite being the one with a gun, Niragi hesitates and denies Chishiya's claims that one of the executives is the Witch.
Chishiya setting Niragi on fire
"After the game started, the main power source changed. It switched from the electricity generator we were using to the hotel's main power supply. In other words, the ones running this game have infiltrated the Beach and are operating things from underground. Only the executives know details like how the main power is managed. Besides, you are the only ones who have the key to the underground."
— Chishiya's reasoning to target Niragi
After explaining his thought process, Chishiya reveals his plan to kill all the executives starting with Niragi. Niragi threatens him with a rifle, but Chishiya outsmarts him by sprinting forward and tossing the cards into the air as a distraction. Then he ignites his DIY flamethrower to set Niragi on fire. Engulfed in flames, Niragi screams and jumps off the building, while Chishiya, seemingly shocked by his own success, follows him to the edge of the roof to make sure he is taken out.
Chishiya watches the remainder of the game from upstairs, observing as Arisu reveals the identity of the Witch. He then witnesses Asahi proclaiming herself a Dealer before being shot down by the laser. After the game is cleared, Chishiya remains in the burning building so he can collect the Ten of Hearts card, and he is eventually joined by Kuina. He states that he was starting to find collecting the cards pointless, but he has all of them now, except for the Face Cards. He then wonders what the game masters want them to see.
Chishiya got all the cards
Guided by the paper Chishiya took from the Horse Head Dealer during the "Game of Tag", Chishiya and Kuina navigate the underground tunnels to find the Dealers' lair. Usagi and Arisu later reach the same place using Asahi's phone. Although there is some tension about Chishiya betraying the two of them, the meeting is civil and on point. Chishiya assumes that there is someone else who controlled the Dealers, since they were all killed after the players' victory, and wonders whether it could have been aliens or God. Suddenly, all the monitors turn on revealing Mira, Chishiya's fellow Beach executive, who announces herself to be a game master. Mira congratulates players on their victory and promises new games that will provide Face Cards, to which Chishiya responds with curiosity. Since the new Stage is scheduled to begin the next day, Arisu points out that this is their new target, and the quartet moves outside to watch from Shibuya Crossing as huge blimps holding Face Card signs begin to fly over the city.
Season 2
Chishiya and others waiting for the game to commence
Before the Second Stage begins, Chishiya, Kuina, Arisu, and Usagi are waiting at the Shibuya Crossing, looking up at a huge screen with the "NEXT STAGE START" announcement. There are no people around, and nothing is happening.
"They must have forgotten to press the "START" button."
— Chishiya jokes about the delay
Suddenly, the quartet hears the sound of car engines, and soon all the surviving Beach residents arrive at the game venue, stating that they have heard about the commencement of the new Stage. The conversation is cut short, as one of the players is shot dead out of nowhere, and then more and more people get violently eliminated. Chishiya points out that it is an anti-tank rifle and tells the others to hide, while slowly retreating and looking at the attacker.
Chishiya identifies the weapon as an anti-tank rifle
"Hiding behind a car is pointless."
— Chishiya observes people panicking
The quartet hides behind a small building, and Chishiya adds that the rifle can shoot from a kilometer away. Kuina notices the change in the gunshot sounds, and Chishiya confirms that now the attacker is using an assault rifle. Realizing the necessity to keep running away, Arisu tells the others to split up and take cover. Everyone scatters in panic, while Chishiya disappears from the scene (presumably having found a temporary hiding spot).
Chishiya identifies the opponent as the King of Spades
Some time later, Chishiya is shown behind a car on another street along with Kuina, where they meet Arisu and Usagi once again. As they look at the sky, they notice a large blimp carrying a massive card image that represents the King of Spades. Chishiya gives Kuina a DIY explosive, calling it a "good luck charm", and instructs her to use it in extreme circumstances.
Luckily for the quartet, Ann and Tatta arrive in a car and urge everyone to get in. Usagi, Arisu, and Kuina make it to the door, but Chishiya sees a bomb rolling right towards the car, so he tells Tatta to drive without him and quickly takes cover, bracing himself for the upcoming assault.
Chishiya waiting for the Jack of Hearts to commence
Chishiya, hooded once again and with his arms crossed, is seen in the central guardroom of the prison, as Banda walks in, alongside the other participants who are waiting for the game to begin. They are all wearing explosive collars, which display a symbol at the back. Soon, the next game is announced: "Solitary Confinement".
Hearing the explanation of the rules, Ippei exclaims that the game is simple, since they can all just tell each other their card symbols; however, Chishiya points out that the conditions to clear the game have not been revealed yet, so it is too early to jump to conclusions.
Chishiya explaining the game rules to Ippei
As if to confirm that Chishiya is right to keep his guard up, the game announcement explains the point of the game: trusting each other, knowing that the opponent, the Jack of Hearts, has already been placed among the participants. Chishiya comments on the further information as it proves his previous point. The condition to clear the game is announced as the necessity to kill the Jack, while not being able to use violence or weapons against each other. Talking to himself and likely to Ippei, Chishiya explains that the game will not end unless the Jack gives a wrong answer and dies, and it is not possible to clear the game without lying to the Jack.
"There is no round limit. Enough food has been provided. While playing the game, no days will be removed from your visas."
— Additional game information
Chishiya paraphrases the explanation once again by pointing out that they will live out the rest of their days in this prison unless they lie and kill the Jack.
Chishiya giving game advice to Ippei
As the players begin asking each other for symbols and teaming up, Ippei, feeling left out, turns to Chishiya, but Chishiya decides to give him advice instead: if Ippei wants to survive, he needs to observe the others more carefully in order to decide which ones are trustworthy, and then keep them close.
"For all you know, I could be the Jack of Hearts."
— Chishiya lecturing Ippei
He then draws Ippei's attention to Yaba and Kotoko, revealing that they were having sexual intercourse in one of the cells before the game began. According to Chishiya's assessment, Yaba's intention is to control Kotoko and prevent her from talking to other players, which is smart in the long run, since having someone you can trust means clearing the game.
Next, Chishiya notices Matsushita offering partnership to Banda, but observes their conversation in silence. Just then, Urumi arrives with the rest of her alliance and asks Chishiya and Ippei if they are willing to join. Chishiya agrees, and the players take turns asking the group for the correct symbol, however, while Ippei is seen with the crowd, Chishiya stays away from the activity, watching other players instead, such as Kiryu who bullies Seto, Yaba with Kotoko, and Banda with Matsushita.
Chishiya giving his first answer in the Jack of Hearts game
As the time for Round 1 is almost over, the players are instructed to enter cells and submit their answers. Chishiya walks further along the corridor, opens one of the cells, and steps inside, with the door shutting behind him as soon as he enters. When the answer is requested, he announces "Diamonds", which turns out to be correct, and the door unlocks again behind him. He leaves and walks past Ippei, who is happy to see him alive.
Round 2 begins, and the strategies chosen before remain. Banda points out that the game will not end until either the Jack starts killing people or someone else, afraid of the Jack, does, which Chishiya loudly agrees with. He questions Ippei's naivety, but their conversation is cut short, because Kiryu's bullying of Seto becomes public, and Chishiya watches Banda's attempt to help Seto by advising him to lie to Kiryu. As Kiryu walks past them, Ippei notices the deception and attempts to warn the man, but Chishiya stops him, explaining that now the game is really starting.
Kiryu dies, and players begin to discuss it, while Chishiya observes the room in silence. He overhears Urumi's plan to eliminate Seto next and notices that Banda is looking at him, so he stares back, and Banda smiles.
Chishiya eating cookies
Most players relocate to the cafeteria, and Urumi's group starts sharing symbols, while Chishiya sits slightly further away eating cookies.
Round 4 commences despite Seto's death, indicating that he was not the Jack of Hearts, and Chishiya notices that people are starting to get nervous.
"Everyone is already starting to lose their sanity. They said there was no time limit, but it looks like things might be settled sooner than expected."
— Chishiya explaining the game flow
While in the cafeteria, Chishiya listens to another strategy from Urumi's group, which is to eliminate Meisa Tokui. During the next few rounds, he watches Matsushita getting snacks, while players keep lying to each other.
As the game progresses into Round 6, Ippei, growing more anxious, asks why the players are tricking each other. Chishiya responds in a nonchalant tone, wondering why Ippei is so surprised — after all, no one wants to be the next to die. The next few rounds play out the same, and Chishiya casually watches players eliminate each other one by one, while he is eating cookies in the cafeteria, comfortable with trusting Ippei.
Chishiya realizing he is left alone
By Round 12, Ippei admits that he cannot keep playing the game, but Chishiya reveals his suit as "Diamonds" without any further ado. Ippei starts crying because his belief in people's inner beauty has been ruined, and Chishiya calls his prior life "blessed", since Ippei never saw the world's true colors. Chishiya tries to convince Ippei to continue helping each other and asks for his symbol, which turns out to be "Hearts".
After the round ends, Chishiya notices Ippei's absence and looks through the small holes in his cell door, seeing Ippei's lifeless body and realizing that he refused to give an answer. Chishiya mutters that Ippei was "too kind for this world", but his decision has also left Chishiya alone now.
"Well, my partner's gone. So I'm screwed."
— Chishiya's realization after Ippei's death
With Ippei gone, Chishiya is left alone, so he goes to the cafeteria to design a new plan of action. As he sees Matsushita, who is casually picking out cookies, he approaches him to strike a deal and find out his symbol.
Chishiya recommending his biscuits to Matsushita in order to attract his attention
"These biscuits taste better."
— Chishiya recommending his cookies to Matsushita
Matsushita ignores his suggestion, so Chishiya sincerely asks about the mark on his collar, looking desperate, but Matsushita walks away. In order to attract Matsushita's attention, Chishiya mentions that Banda is a serial killer, who might also be the Jack of Hearts. As there are only five people left, he suggests sharing their symbols for survival, especially since Matsushita's position as the Jack's partner is the key to clearing the game, because he is the only one who can lie to the Jack. Chishiya then proceeds with his attempt to convince Matsushita by revealing the symbol on his collar, which is Spades, and claims to have no ill intentions, as there is no advantage for him to lie. Despite Chishiya's long speech, Matsushita refuses to strike a deal and leaves, but briefly stops to say that Chishiya's symbol is Hearts. As the camera moves into focus, it is revealed that Chishiya's symbol is actually Diamonds.
Chishiya asking Kotoko if his symbol is Clubs
Later, Chishiya tells Kotoko that his partner is dead, and there are only five players left. Kotoko is about to leave, but the mention of Matsushita stops her, and Chishiya proceeds to ask her, someone he deems honest, to disclose his symbol. He sounds desperate, as he is convinced that Matsushita lied to him, but Kotoko continues to ignore him. He then claims that Yaba, the guy Kotoko sticks with, looks like a conman, so his intention is to help her. He reveals that her mark is Hearts and then asks whether his symbol is Clubs. Kotoko takes a close look but then quickly leaves without saying a word. Chishiya calls after her, advertising his cookies as more delicious.
As Chishiya returns to the main guardroom, he takes a glance around and states that there are only 5 people left with two of them being in pairs, so the Jack of Hearts will definitely make a move. He smiles and proclaims the current round to be the last one.
All the players are invited to enter a cell and disclose their symbols. The door closes, and the timer begins. Chishiya starts speculating on the mark on his collar, given the circumstances he is in.
"Whatever Matsushita said was definitely a lie. And Kotoko totally ignored me. Which means... it is either Diamonds or Spades? Hmm... At the end I'll have to trust my intuition."
— Chishiya guessing his symbol
Chishiya revealing that Matsushita is the Jack of Hearts
Jack of Hearts game is cleared
As the time runs out, there is a bang in one of the cells, indicating that a collar exploded. Chishiya deliberately stays in his cell for a few moments longer, which is enough to hear Matsushita's laughter. He slowly opens the door, walks out with a smile, and states the obvious: Matsushita is, after all, the Jack of Hearts. When asked, Chishiya explains that it made sense to him, since Matsushita decided to pair up with a murderer. He also points out that Matsushita does not trust strangers easily, even if he was overwhelmed by Banda's monologue, which Chishiya observed from the top floor. Then Banda walks out of his own cell and confirms Chishiya's words, saying that Matsushita thought he was better than anyone else at manipulating others, to which Chishiya adds that this sort of self-importance usually comes from being in a special position, in this case — being the Jack of Hearts. Matsushita tries to lie and accuse Banda, but Yaba walks onto their floor and denies that, pointing out the connection between Matsushita and Kotoko. Then Matsushita attempts to blame Chishiya, who, in turn, explains the cookie scheme used by Matsushita and Kotoko in order to communicate during the game: they went to grab snacks at the same time, choosing a specific type that came in four differently colored wrappers, tying the color to the symbol on the collar. Seeing a certain color in each other's hands, they knew what their symbol was, so they would know if their partner tried to deceive them. Chishiya claims that both of them were only pretending to be controlled by Banda and Yaba respectively, which he caught on pretty quickly. Chishiya's explanation also hints at the fact that his cookie recommendations in the cafeteria earlier were a sarcastic joke, as he already knew the reason why both Matsushita and Kotoko kept choosing the snacks that Chishiya considered less tasty than his own.
Despite all three players giving convincing evidence on why Matsushita is the Jack of Hearts, he tries to deny that and accuse others, so Chishiya wonders why Banda and Yaba did not kill Matsushita despite suspecting him to be the Jack. He then answers his own question by pointing out that they wanted to get information out of him.
Round 14 ends with Matsushita's death. Chishiya nonchalantly walks out of the prison alone and watches as the blimp above the building blows up, indicating another cleared game.
Chishiya wondering why the King of Diamonds joined the Beach
Chishiya next appears during the King of Diamonds game, which takes place in the Supreme Court. As per the game rules, he is strapped to a chair, with a tablet on the table before him and a monitor beside it. Looking at all the participants, Chishiya expresses his surprise at the fact that one of the Beach executives, former #2, Kuzuryu, is revealed to be a Citizen, the King of Diamonds himself. Chishiya wonders why the King of Diamonds joined the Beach, and a short answer does not fully satisfy his curiosity, but the game begins, and the rules are explained:
- Contestants choose a number between 0 and 100;
- The average of the numbers everyone selected is multiplied by 0.8;
- The person whose number is the closest to that result is the winner.
Unlike Daimon, who is confused about the second rule, Chishiya understands it perfectly, calling it "a drop from the sky (天からの一雫, ten kara no hitoshizuku)". After more game details are revealed, Chishiya points out that no explanation has been given about the huge scales hanging above each player's head.
Round 1 ends with Kuzuryu's victory, which means Chishiya and the other players lose one point. Reaching -10 would result in GAME OVER. Daimon assumes that the winning strategy is to predict your opponents' moves and be a few steps ahead, but Chishiya corrects her:
"Whether it is chess or poker, in an intellectual game, it is about reading the opponent, right? But what you are reading is not their psychology, it is their rationality."
— Chishiya breaking down the King of Diamonds game
Chishiya is irritated since Kuzuryu ignores him
He then looks at Kuzuryu, expecting a confirmation from him, but Kuzuryu remains silent and ignores him. Suddenly, Asuma hears dripping, and Kuzuryu reveals that sulfuric acid (硫酸) is filling the scales above them. Chishiya sounds slightly annoyed that Kuzuryu answered Asuma's question instead of his. Other participants elaborate that if a player reaches -10 points, the acid will pour on them, dissolving their bodies. Chishiya seems unfazed by the possibility of a gruesome death, as he shifts his focus back to the King of Diamonds and wonders why the Supreme Court building was chosen as the game venue, guessing that Kuzuryu was likely a lawyer in the real world. Kuzuryu confirms that fact, prompting further assumptions from Chishiya:
"What the lawyer's badge shows is fairness and equality. The value of all life, including your own, is equal. Is that what you are trying to say?"
— Chishiya attempting to guess the King of Diamonds' intentions
Chishiya is surprised to hear criticism towards his choice of 100
Round 2 ends with Kuzuryu's victory once again, and Chishiya points out that this time his number was even closer to the average. He starts asking whether Kuzuryu is trying to measure the value of life and insists on knowing the answer, but Kuzuryu remains silent. Round 3 brings a sudden victory to Daimon, who chose 1, while others, including the King of Diamonds, picked 0. Chishiya disrupted the winning streak by choosing 100. Yashige criticizes his choice, reminding him that going with 100 is a guaranteed failure, but Chishiya only smirks in response:
"Aren't you all overthinking it a bit? That kind of thing just gives me a headache, so I blew it up."
— Chishiya explains his choice of 100
Daimon calls him insane, and he smiles, considering that a compliment.
Chishiya's score by Round 10
According to the announcement, Chishiya wins Round 6. Seeing Yashige's displeased facial expression, Chishiya confidently smirks again. Round 7 brings victory to Daimon due to Chishiya picking 100 once more. Looking at the scales being filled with acid, Chishiya nonchalantly states that he would not want to die that way.
By Round 10, Chishiya is at -7 points, and he assumes that the numbers are going to go closer to 0, but he is certain that Kuzuryu has predicted such an outcome. The round ends with Asuma and Yashige reaching -10 points and getting eliminated. Chishiya, watching their fate, acknowledges that this challenge truly feels like a Face Card game, however, he seemingly remains unbothered by the suffering that someone just endured next to him. He wonders whether this is how Kuzuryu imagines equality, but the King of Diamonds ignores his question once again.
With two players gone, two new rules are introduced:
- Players who choose the same number are disqualified from the round and lose a point.
- Choosing the exact correct number causes others to lose two points instead of one.
Chishiya breaking down the random number strategy
Chishiya narrowing down the list even further
Kuzuryu and Chishiya are the only participants left
In Round 11, all three remaining players pick 0, resulting in all of them losing a point. Now at -9 points, Chishiya is on the brink of elimination, which he understands perfectly well. Round 12 ends with Chishiya's victory, and moreover, he chooses the exact number, which causes Daimon to lose two points instead of one and reach GAME OVER. She accuses Chishiya of cheating by looking at her answer, but Chishiya explains that he simply deduced her strategy.
"At the start of Round 12, you had -8 points, I had -9 points, so even if you failed, you would have another chance. So instead of trying to win, you hoped that we would eliminate each other. That is why I thought that you would pick a random number. If he and I were to destroy each other, you thought we would pick the numbers in the first half, right? That's why you avoided numbers under 50. If you were going to run away, you wanted to run far away, right? But 90 to 100 are too extreme and unpleasant, so you avoided those, too. Same with obvious numbers anyone would think of first, you would avoid those, as well. Then there are numbers like 60 or 80, the kind that just feel too "nice". When someone is suddenly asked to think of a number, they tend to go for certain ones, like the so-called fake 5-3-8 pattern. Better skip those, too. And maybe cut out the primes. Now it is starting to become clearer. Then, you rule out the numbers that people often see in everyday life, the ones you can easily associate, like game consoles, movie titles, or brand logos. After all that, the only ones left are either 62 or 74. No way to narrow down further, right? Then, well... It was just luck."
— Chishiya breaking down Daimon's logic
Since Daimon reached -10 points, it is GAME OVER for her, and the scales above her tip to pour acid onto her. Chishiya remembers her words about not all lives having the same value and wonders if she believed that until the end. Kuzuryu asks if Chishiya has ever seen the other side of the world with his own eyes, but the announcement interrupts them before Chishiya can respond. With Daimon gone, only two players are left to continue the game, and a new rule is added: if one player chooses 0, the other can win by selecting 100. Chishiya realizes that the player who picks the number closest to 0 will win. However, if Kuzuryu assumes Chishiya will pick 100, he could choose 1 to secure victory. For Chishiya, who is at -9 points, even a tie would be a guaranteed death.
Round 13 begins, and Chishiya asks why Kuzuryu tries so hard to be fair, to which Kuzuryu responds with a question of his own: "If there were a million doses of a vaccine, which million people would you save?" Chishiya realizes that Kuzuryu's goal is not to measure the value of life, but rather to avoid determining its value. Since Kuzuryu insists on getting an answer to his question, Chishiya claims that he would give the vaccine to children without parents or financial means, but he also admits that his response is idealistic, because the world is driven by wealth.
A flashback reveals Chishiya's past as a doctor. He once treated a young boy named Hayato, who was set to receive a life-saving surgery. However, Chishiya learned that Hayato's procedure was postponed in favor of the grandson of a good friend of the director. His colleague justified the decision, stating that money and power dictate life-and-death choices.
Chishiya letting Kuzuryu decide his fate
Back in the game, Chishiya wonders if he was meant to face Kuzuryu in this challenge. He announces that he is going to choose 100, shocking Kuzuryu, who reminds him that choosing 100 means certain death unless he picks 0.
"Here is my life, rushing towards death. Whether this life has value or not... Please, I ask you to decide."
— Chishiya giving Kuzuryu a choice
Kuzuryu selects 0, allowing Chishiya to win. Round 14 begins, and both players make the same choice silently, which leads to Chishiya's victory once again. Round 15 is the final one, since each player is at -9 points. Chishiya urges Kuzuryu to kill him if Kuzuryu is struggling to make a decision. Kuzuryu, however, states that he cannot make that choice and realizes that Chishiya planned for their scores to tie. Chishiya admits that he wanted to be there for Kuzuryu's final choice.
Chishiya looks back before leaving the venue
Chishiya selects 100 and nonchalantly shows the tablet screen to Kuzuryu, revealing his pick and reminding him that number 1 guarantees Kuzuryu's victory. Instead, Kuzuryu selects 0, making Chishiya the winner of the game. He admits that he did it for his ideals, and Chishiya wonders what happened to his usual frown, since Kuzuryu is smiling for the first time. Right before the acid begins to pour, Kuzuryu says that he is finally free and has made his own decision thanks to Chishiya. In their final moments, Chishiya watches as Kuzuryu meets his fate. He mutters that Kuzuryu has won and moved ahead, which makes Chishiya feel jealous of him. With that, Chishiya is free to stand up from his seat, so he leaves the game victorious, turning back to look at the venue for the last time before walking away.
Chishiya reunites with Arisu in the overgrown Shibuya Crossing, where they engage in a brief conversation. Chishiya states that there are only two games left, and points out that he expected Arisu to survive. In return, Arisu shares his observation about Chishiya, claiming that he has changed and become softer:
"All of your thorns are gone."
— Arisu about the change in Chishiya's personality
Chishiya accepting Niragi's challenge and inviting Arisu to join
Chishiya laughs but does not deny the fact, and explains that they have all been through a lot. He expresses the wish to share something he has never told anyone before and wonders if Arisu would like to listen. As he starts speaking, he suddenly gets shot by Niragi. Luckily for Chishiya, who falls down but does not lose consciousness, Niragi deliberately missed vital organs, so Chishiya's life is not in immediate danger. Then, Niragi throws him a gun and claims that all three of them are the same, and there is nothing better to do in the Borderland, so they might as well kill each other. Chishiya picks up the gun, calling it an interesting suggestion, and urges Arisu to join, since Arisu also has a grudge against Chishiya, which can be settled there and then. Arisu refuses, and Niragi opens fire at him, so Chishiya fires at Niragi, who then turns his aim to Chishiya and forces him to hide behind a car.
Listening to Arisu's speech and seeing his determination to stop being weak, grasping at every straw to survive, Chishiya remembers Kuzuryu's last words about being finally free to make his own choice based on his own ideals.
Chishiya protects Usagi from Niragi's shot
Chishiya opens up about his feelings
After Usagi walks into the area, Niragi starts shooting at her, and Chishiya evaluates the situation once again. Seeing how Niragi is determined to kill Usagi, Chishiya makes a crucial decision that completes and highlights the change in his personality: he shields her from the attack with his own body and collapses with a gunshot wound to his chest. Usagi rushes towards him, asking why he protected her and pressing on his wound to stop the bleeding. Arisu joins her, wondering what Chishiya had wanted to share before Niragi's attack.
"I felt like doing something out of character. Maybe it's because of the people I met here... like Kuzuryu and Arisu-kun. To me... serious people always seemed stupid. I couldn't help but want to insult those who were desperately trying their best. I resented their kindness. But I guess I was jealous. I didn't have any of those qualities, and I felt like I was blamed for being the most despicable and empty person of all. It scared me."
— Chishiya opening up to Arisu
Seeing that Arisu understands him, Chishiya admits that he expected as much and closes his eyes.
After the blimp of the King of Spades appears in the sky, Usagi and Arisu decide to hide Chishiya and Niragi under the cars to hopefully save their lives. Kuina and Ann run towards them, and the four reunite. Kuina asks whether Chishiya is alive, and Arisu answers affirmatively, even though he is not fully sure about Chishiya's future.
At the end of the episode, Chishiya is seen leaning on a car door while Usagi and Arisu walk past him.
Chishiya declining the residency
The fireworks appear all across the Borderland, along with the Queen of Hearts blimp exploding and the announcement about all the games having been cleared. Players who have survived until the end are offered a choice: stay in the Borderland and become a Citizen, or refuse the permanent residency. Chishiya is lying on the grass, barely conscious, leaning on a car door.
"As for me... I decline... I guess."
He then asks Niragi for his decision, and Niragi makes the same choice.
Chishiya in Shibuya moments before the meteorites
A flashback follows: Arisu was at the Shibuya Crossing, waiting for his friends. The scene repeated the same way as Episode 1 (Season 1) at first, with the zombie talk, then Karube putting Arisu on his shoulders, and then the trio causing a road accident. However, this time it is revealed that all the other people Arisu met in the Borderland were also at the Shibuya Crossing at the same time, including Usagi, who was standing nearby, Niragi sitting on a bench, Kuina decisively rushing through the crowd, Chishiya having a nonchalant stroll, Hatter and Aguni walking out of a shop and talking, Tatta sitting in a big lorry, and Ann looking at her watch as she walked past Arisu and his friends. The same scene that was shown in Heiya's flashback before repeats itself, but now shows that the assumed fireworks were actually a few meteorites that hit Shibuya, causing a massive explosion and crushing all the buildings in the area.
Chishiya in hospital
Later, Chishiya is seen in a hospital bed back in the real world, where he hears a man coughing next to him. Upon turning, he sees Niragi on a nearby bed, covered in bandages. Chishiya explains that Niragi experienced a cardiac arrest. When Niragi asks how Chishiya can know, Chishiya reveals that the same happened to him. It quickly becomes apparent that neither of them has any recollection of their experiences in the Borderland. Chishiya wonders whether anything has changed for Niragi after nearly dying, but Niragi dismisses it with a joke.
"I wasted a lot of my life... But from now on, I feel like I might be able to live a little better. Something like that."
— Chishiya's reconsideration of his life after a near-death experience
To Niragi's rude comment, Chishiya admits he was not the best human being before.
Season 3
Chishiya talking to Arisu
Chishiya makes a brief appearance at the end of the episode, when multiple survivors of the Tokyo Meteorite Disaster come to Arisu one by one to share their feelings about their current lives. Arisu wonders what makes life worth living but Chishiya does not have an answer.
"Well, even if I don't know the answer, it's not so bad, right? Life, I mean."
— Chishiya to Arisu's question
He takes a sip from his teacup and asks Arisu the same question, speaking formally and addressing him as "sensei" since Arisu is now his therapist. The answer both surprises and satisfies Chishiya, and he nods and smiles, deep in thought.
Games Played
Gallery
Quotes
"If you can choose your starting position, this is it."
— Chishiya in the beginning of the Tag
"As usual, everyone is going to die."
— Chishiya's pessimistic observation
"How will you live in this world where there is nothing but despair?"
— Chishiya to Arisu on the roof
"In order to get something, you have to lose something."
— Chishiya to Kuina before stealing the cards
"But I am clever."
— Chishiya to Niragi before the fight
"Who knows. Maybe aliens? Or a god?"
— Chishiya to Usagi's question about who controlled the Dealers
Trivia
- The forename Shuntarou consists of the kanji "俊" (shun) (talented, quick-witted) and "太郎" (tarou) (first son, eldest son).
- The surname Chishiya is a combination of the kanji "苣" (chishi) (lettuce, chicory) and "屋" (ya) (shop, house).
- The kanji for Chishiya's full name are displayed on his medical badge during a flashback in Episode 6 (Season 2). The katakana for his full name are displayed on the screen with the Jack of Hearts participants.
- Chishiya's alias and personality are references to the Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland.
- His surname is the word "Cheshire" pronounced with a Japanese accent.
- Unlike the manga version of the character, who cleared the Six of Diamonds and the Jack of Diamonds games, the live-action version clears the Jack of Hearts game instead, and his first game is never shown, which is why his promotional poster features him as a Hearts specialist rather than Diamonds.