The Representation of Ikigai in The Character of Ryohei Arisu in The Drama Alice in Borderland

Abstract

Ikigai is a Japanese concept associated with what makes life feel worth living and with the subjective feeling that one's life has meaning. This study examines how ikigai is represented through the character Ryohei Arisu in the Netflix drama series Alice in Borderland. The study uses Mieko Kamiya's thought as its primary conceptual framework, particularly the dimensions of meaning and value, resonance, self-actualization, change and growth, future orientation, freedom, and life satisfaction. A qualitative approach is employed through textual and audiovisual analysis of selected scenes and dialogues from the first and second seasons. The findings show that Arisu's ikigai does not emerge as a single fixed purpose, but as a process of loss, reconstruction, destabilization, and renewal of meaning. The deaths of Chota and Karube collapse his reason for living, while Usagi's affirmation, memories of his two friends, the ethical choice not to sacrifice others, and hope for a future with Usagi reconstruct that meaning. After his ikigai is reconstructed, Arisu demonstrates a clearer direction in life, greater perseverance, responsibility for his choices, motivation to learn and change, empathy, and deeper social relationships. These findings affirm that the drama represents ikigai as dynamic and relational: meaning may weaken when guilt and loss re-emerge, but it can be rebuilt through choices, relationships, and orientation toward the future.