Ryuji Matsuyama’s Role in Alice in Borderland Season 3 Explained

Netflix has released the highly anticipated third season of its hit Japanese series, Alice in Borderland. The new season introduces a mysterious university professor, Ryuji Matsuyama. His arrival immediately impacts the lives of returning survivors Arisu and Usagi. This character’s fascination with the Borderland games adds a fresh layer of intrigue to the storyline.

The season premiere picks up after the meteorite disaster that struck Shibuya. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the new episodes delve deeper into the psychological aftermath for the characters who returned to the real world. Ryuji’s entry signals a dangerous new chapter for everyone involved.

Ryuji Matsuyama’s Role in the New Season

Ryuji Matsuyama is an assistant professor at a Tokyo university. He first appears during an official interview with Arisu about his experiences. Ryuji boldly questions Arisu about the Borderland games and his comatose state. His colleagues are forced to intervene when the line of questioning becomes too intense for Arisu.

Later, Ryuji approaches Arisu privately. He expresses a deep, academic interest in the concept of an afterlife. He believes Arisu’s experience is unique and offers a confidential ear. This encounter establishes Ryuji as a character driven by intellectual curiosity, even at great personal risk.

His theories are put to the test when he is contacted by a secretive group. They claim to have knowledge of the games. Eager for answers, Ryuji agrees to meet them. He is soon forced to participate in a dangerous new round of games, linking his fate directly to the series’ main plot.

Connecting the Borderland to the Real World

Ryuji’s actions have immediate consequences. His involvement coincides with the mysterious disappearance of Usagi. Arisu turns to the police for help in finding her. The investigation reveals a shocking development.

Both Ryuji and Usagi have fallen into unexplained comas. Authorities now suspect their condition is linked to a series of strange crimes occurring across Tokyo. This development blurs the line between the real world and the Borderland more than ever before. The stakes are raised for every character.

The introduction of Ryuji Matsuyama successfully expands the show’s universe. It suggests that the games are not over and that new players are being recruited. This sets the stage for a complex narrative where survival is once again the ultimate goal.

The arrival of Ryuji Matsuyama in Alice in Borderland Season 3 fundamentally shifts the dynamic for the survivors. His character bridges the gap between academic curiosity and supernatural danger, ensuring the games continue with terrifying new rules.

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Dropping this nugget your way

Who is the actor playing Ryuji Matsuyama?

Ryuji Matsuyama is portrayed by Japanese actor Kento Kaku. He is known for his roles in *Wotakoi: Love Is Hard for Otaku* and *The Untold Tale of the Three Kingdoms*. His casting adds a well-known talent to the ensemble.

How does Ryuji meet Arisu and Usagi?

Ryuji first meets Arisu during a university-led interview about the meteorite disaster. He is later introduced to Usagi by Arisu outside the campus. The meeting surprises Ryuji, confirming another survivor exists.

What is Ryuji’s motivation for joining the games?

Ryuji is an academic intensely fascinated with the afterlife and near-death experiences. He sees the Borderland games as a unique phenomenon to study. This intellectual curiosity leads him to willingly accept the dangerous invitation.

Is Ryuji a friend or a foe to the main characters?

His initial intentions seem academically neutral, but his actions directly endanger Usagi. His alignment remains ambiguous, making him a potential wildcard whose true allegiance is yet to be revealed in the season.

What game does Ryuji play in Season 3?

After being recruited, Ryuji is forced to play a high-stakes version of “Old Maid” with six strangers. He wins this initial game, which grants him an audience with the enigmatic figure Banda, a survivor from a previous season.

Trusted Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, Netflix Media Center.