The new Netflix film “This Is I” is inspired by the true-life journey of Japanese icon Ai Haruna. The drama tells the story of Kenji Onishi, a young person who dreams of becoming an idol but faces bullying and struggles with their identity under society’s judgmental gaze. This Is I begins streaming globally on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, exclusively on Netflix. The film stars Haruki Mochizuki, Tae Kimura, and Seiji Chihara.
The movie explores themes of dreams, identity, and courage. It follows Kenji’s life as it changes after meeting a compassionate doctor, leading to a journey of self-acceptance and transformation.
The True Story Behind ‘This Is I’
This Is I is more than a fictional story. It draws direct inspiration from the real experiences of Ai Haruna, a celebrated figure in Japan. In 2009, Ai Haruna made history by winning Miss International Queen, a prestigious beauty pageant for transgender women held in Thailand. Her victory and public life have made her an important icon for many.
The film’s main character, Kenji Onishi, is a fictionalized representation inspired by Haruna’s early life and struggles. The story shows Kenji being bullied for wanting to be an idol, a dream that clashes with societal expectations. Kenji eventually finds a community in a cabaret and receives crucial help from a trailblazing doctor.
“This Is I stands as a testament that true beauty transcends appearance, and World Equality becomes possible when everyone has the right to be themselves, the right to dream, and the dignity of being treated as equal.” — From an official post about the film
While the specific plot details are dramatized for the movie, the core emotional journey—searching for belonging, facing societal rejection, and finding the strength to live authentically—mirrors the real challenges Haruna and many others have faced.
Main Plot and Character Journey Explained
The plot summary describes a powerful journey of self-discovery. Kenji Onishi dreams of becoming an idol but faces intense bullying and struggles with their identity. Life takes a dramatic turn when Kenji meets Dr. Koji Wada, a compassionate physician who advocates for people living with gender dysphoria.
Dr. Wada becomes a mentor and supporter for Kenji. After the doctor performs his first gender-affirming surgery, Kenji begins to embrace life as Ai Haruna. This is not just a physical transformation but a full embracing of her true self. The film shows their powerful bond as they support each other through loneliness, societal backlash, and a shared search for dignity and authenticity.
The narrative moves from a place of pain and isolation to one of community and strength. Before meeting Dr. Wada, Kenji finds belonging in a cabaret, which serves as a refuge from a judgmental world. The film appears to chronicle this path from internal conflict and external hardship toward public emergence and self-acceptance.
Breaking Down the Ending and Its Meaning
While detailed reports on the exact final scenes are not yet available, the official descriptions provide a clear direction for the film’s conclusion. The ending likely focuses on Ai Haruna’s emergence onstage as her true self. This moment symbolizes the culmination of her journey—from being bullied for her dreams to finally claiming her identity in the spotlight.
The title, This Is I, points strongly to a theme of self-declaration and authenticity. The ending probably serves as an affirmative answer to the question posed by the title. It is the moment where the character can finally state, “This is who I am,” without apology.
The story is framed as one about “the courage to stand firm against the judgment of society”. Therefore, the ending likely emphasizes triumph, dignity, and resilience. It shows that true beauty is about being authentic, and it argues for a world where everyone has the right to dream and be treated as an equal human being. The finale is not just a personal victory for Ai but a hopeful message about acceptance for everyone.
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Streaming Details and How to Watch
This Is I is available to stream globally. It started streaming on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The film is an Netflix Original, meaning it is exclusive to the Netflix platform.
Viewers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, and all other regions where Netflix is available can find the movie on the service. It is listed under the Drama genre and carries an R21 rating, indicating content suitable for adult audiences. You can watch it by searching for “This Is I” directly on Netflix or by visiting the film’s official Netflix page.
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