Alice in Borderland Season 3 has arrived on Netflix, introducing a wave of new players forced to compete in deadly games. Among them, the blue-haired and instantly memorable Rei Morikage has quickly become a fan favorite, with actor Tina Tamashiro‘s performance generating significant excitement online.
The new season sees Arisu return to the dangerous Borderland to rescue his wife, Usagi. He must form a new team to survive unpredictable games governed by the Joker card. It is in this high-stakes environment that Rei makes her mark, standing out with her unique style and sharp mind.
Who is Rei Morikage?
Rei Morikage is a new supporting character in Season 3 and a key member of Arisu’s team. Before her arrival in the Borderland, Rei was a university student with a great love for anime. This passion influences her distinctive appearance, which looks like it’s straight out of an anime.
Her character is defined by a mix of playful charm and a more mysterious, strategic nature. She is portrayed as intelligent and clever, but she also shows a side that finds dangerous games exciting, making her a complex and intriguing addition to the cast.
Rei’s Role in the Games
Rei first appears in the second episode during a complex challenge called “Zombie Hunt.” In this game, players use special cards—Zombie, Vaccine, and Shotgun—to infect opponents or cure teammates. Rei quickly devises a smart plan to help Arisu’s team survive.
She suggests creating alliances based on trust and careful threats. Her idea is to have players promise to use their Vaccine cards on each other. At the same time, they would threaten to use Shotgun cards on anyone who breaks the agreement. This strategy helps the team gain an advantage, showing Rei’s talent for strategy. When the game descends into chaos, Rei is not frightened but excited, saying:
“Now it’s starting to feel like a game!”
After surviving the Zombie game, Rei continues to play a important role. She is shown participating in subsequent challenges, including the “Runaway Train” game and the “Kick the Can” game. In the final game, “Future Sugoroku,” a maze that tests players’ minds with visions of their possible futures, Rei faces her personal fears but manages to survive by working with the team.
Tina Tamashiro Brings Rei to Life
The character of Rei is played by Japanese model and actor Tina Tamashiro. Born on October 8, 1997, in Okinawa, Tamashiro is of mixed Japanese and American heritage. Fans might recognize her from other roles, such as appearances in the Japanese version of “Suits” and “The Way of the Househusband.”
Tamashiro’s performance has been praised for capturing Rei’s many sides—her cleverness, her mysterious aura, and her unique style. Her portrayal has been a major factor in the character’s quick popularity.
Fan Reaction to the New Character
Since the season’s release on September 25, 2025, Rei has sparked a positive reaction on social media platforms like X. Fans have expressed admiration for her character design, her strategic mind, and Tina Tamashiro’s performance.
One fan posted, “She is crazy I LOVE HER,” while another called Rei “the best cast addition to season 3.” Viewers have also specifically complimented her distinctive look, including her two-tone blue hair and matching nail polish.
Rei’s Distinctive Style and Background
Rei’s visual design makes her instantly recognizable. She has a short, two-tone bob hairstyle with cyan on top and a darker blue at the ends. Her outfit is a sporty combination of a black and white zipped jacket with patches, a pleated blue skirt, and detached gaiters. Her accessories, including layered necklaces and a choker, complete her edgy, anime-inspired look.
In the final game, players see glimpses of their possible futures, and Rei’s scenes reveal more about her past. She has a difficult relationship with her mother and a strong desire to pursue a career in animation. After the group survives and returns to the real world, the final scenes show Rei achieving this dream, talking to her mother on the phone about her first anime project.
Rei Morikage is a new character created for the Netflix series and does not appear in the original Alice in Borderland manga.
Also Read: Alice in Borderland 3 Draws Mixed Reactions Over New Baby Plot and American Version Hint
Credits: Alice in Borderland Wiki – Fandom, beebom
