Recreating Chaos: Shibuya Crossing in Alice in Borderland

"Alice in Borderland" is a Japanese television series released by Netflix, based on the manga of the same name written by Haro Aso. The plot follows the life of a young man named Arisu (Alice), along with his friends Karube and Chota, who find themselves mysteriously transported to an alternate version of Tokyo.

In this dystopian reality, known as Borderland, the city is empty, and the three protagonists are forced to participate in deadly games to survive. Each game represents a different and dangerous challenge, and the only way to return to their normal lives is to win these challenges. The games are organized by an enigmatic entity whose intentions remain obscure.

As Arisu and his friends face a series of games and try to uncover the mysteries behind Borderland, they encounter other players, forming alliances or facing deadly enemies.

Throughout the series, they discover dark secrets about the true nature of Borderland and are confronted with difficult choices, questioning morality and the value of human life.

"Alice in Borderland" combines elements of playing cards (suits and court figures like kings and queens), mixing suspense, action, psychological drama, and science fiction to create a narrative full of twists. The series explores themes such as survival, identity, friendship, and the meaning of life. With a dark and captivating atmosphere, the plot intrigues viewers as the characters struggle to survive in an unknown and dangerous world.

Shibuya Center

Shibuya Center is one of Tokyo, Japan's busiest and most vibrant areas. The commercial and entertainment district is known for its electrifying atmosphere, fashion culture, shops, restaurants, and bustling nightlife.

The famous Shibuya Crossing, also known as Shibuya Scramble Crossing, is one of the district's main attractions. It is a busy intersection where hundreds of people cross the streets simultaneously in all directions, creating an iconic image of Tokyo. It is an impressive sight, especially at night when the colorful lights and advertisements illuminate the area.

In addition to the crossing, Shibuya offers a wide variety of shops, from luxury boutiques to large department stores. The neighborhood is known for its fashion trends and is frequented by young people and fashionistas seeking the latest styles.

Shibuya is also a popular nightlife destination, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to diverse tastes and styles. The lively and energetic atmosphere attracts both locals and tourists.

In the context of the series Alice in Borderland, Shibuya Center is the setting where the deadly games and challenges of the plot take place. The series portrays the area as a dystopian environment, transforming it into a battleground for the main characters. It is important to note that, although the series uses Shibuya Center as a setting, it may have modified and adapted some elements to fit the fictional story.

Specifically for Alice in Borderland, the producers recreated parts of Shibuya Center in a studio to film scenes involving intense action, deadly games, and other elements of the plot that would be difficult to carry out in a busy and chaotic environment. This allowed the production team to have greater control over the setting and offer a more impactful visual experience for the viewers.

It is important to highlight that although some settings were reproduced in a studio, the series still relies on and uses real locations in Shibuya Center to provide visual authenticity to the environment and atmosphere of the place.

Where to watch: Netflix.