Netflix is set to premiere the heartfelt Japanese LGBT drama This Is I on February 10, 2026, bringing the remarkable true story of entertainer Haruna Ai to global audiences. This biographical film explores themes of identity, resilience, and the power of friendship against society’s harsh judgments.
This Is I: The Story Behind the Film
This Is I chronicles the journey of Haruna Ai, who captured worldwide attention in 2008 with her viral lip-syncing performances. Despite her eventual success, Ai struggled from a young age with her true identity, facing society’s cold stares and discrimination while never abandoning her dream of becoming an idol.
The turning point comes when she meets Dr. Wada, a physician with his own traumatic past. Together, they build an irreplaceable bond of trust and friendship, supporting each other through social backlash and adversity that threatens to break them.
Meet the Cast
| Actor | Role | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Haruki Mochizuki | Haruna Ai | Love Is Better the Second Time Around, Black Postman |
| Saito Takumi | Wada Koji | He’s Expecting, Bullet Train Explosion |
| Kimura Tae | Hatsue (Ai’s Mother) | Shanghai Typhoon |
| Chihara Seiji | Kazutaka (Ai’s Father) | Tokyo Psycho |
| Nakamura Ataru | Aki | Do Me When You Come Home |
Rising star Haruki Mochizuki takes on the challenging lead role of Haruna Ai. Though relatively new to the industry, Mochizuki has already demonstrated remarkable range in critically acclaimed dramas. Opposite him, Saito Takumi brings depth to Dr. Wada, leveraging his experience from previous Netflix productions to create a nuanced portrayal of a supportive ally.
Creative Vision
Directed by Yusaku Matsumoto and written by Masahiro Yamaura, This Is I is a TOHO Studios production with Yoshihro Sato serving as executive producer. The film will stream exclusively on Netflix, continuing the platform’s commitment to diverse, authentic storytelling from around the world.
The production values promise to deliver an emotionally resonant experience, balancing the glamour of entertainment industry aspirations with the raw reality of discrimination and personal struggle.
Why This Film Matters
This Is I represents more than just another biographical drama—it’s an important contribution to LGBTQ+ representation in Japanese cinema. By focusing on Haruna Ai’s authentic journey, the film offers viewers worldwide a window into the challenges and triumphs of living authentically in a society that often resists change.
For fans of Japanese storytelling, this film joins Netflix’s growing collection of compelling content from Japan. If you enjoyed other Japanese dramas on the platform, you might also love our recommendations for 10Dance, another groundbreaking LGBTQ+ film that premiered on Netflix recently.
Those interested in exploring more Japanese content should also check out our guide to Alice in Borderland Season 3, one of Netflix’s most successful international series.
Release Details
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Platform: Netflix (Global)
Genre: Biography, LGBT Drama
Language: Japanese (with subtitles)
Runtime: TB
FAQs
Q: Is ‘This Is I’ based on a true story?
A: Yes, This Is I is a biographical film based on the real-life experiences of Japanese entertainer Haruna Ai. The film dramatizes her journey from struggling with identity to achieving fame while facing societal discrimination. While certain elements may be dramatized for cinematic purposes, the core story reflects Ai’s authentic experiences and her relationship with Dr. Wada, who played a crucial role in her journey.
