This Is I

Kenji, a high school student teased for chasing the dream of becoming an idol, keeps his aspirations private while carrying a hurt beneath the surface. When a chance encounter leads him to a cabaret club, he finds an unlikely circle of mentors and friends who accept him without judgment. A trailblazing doctor, renowned for unconventional methods, agrees to guide Kenji through a careful transformation that lets him perform as Ai Haruna, a name that feels truer than his birth identity. On stage, Kenji experiences a rush of belonging, but risk remains, as concealment and truth tug in opposite directions during every rehearsal. As the lights rise, Kenji weighs truth against concealment, while Ai Haruna reshapes club.

This Is I is directed by Yusaku Matsumoto from an original concept by Masahiro Yamaura. The film blends drama with musical performance, aiming for an intimate, character driven experience rather than a typical biopic.

Early responses praise the film for its honest look at identity and the pressures of public performance. Haruki Mochizuki's portrayal of Ai Haruna gives space to both vulnerability and resolve, supported by Koji Wada and Hatsue in a tight ensemble. Key themes include bullying, mentorship, and art as a route to belonging, with the cabaret setting amplifying emotional truth rather than glossing over it. Scenes of performance blend intimate dialogue with musical numbers, showcasing Ai Haruna's growth across several intimate acts.

The film's focus on a young performer who reclaims a public voice through unconventional support could spark conversations about gender expression and the role of spaces like cabarets in social acceptance. Ai Haruna's arc may become a reference point for discussions about identity, resilience, and the power of chosen family in contemporary cinema.

Box office data for This Is I has not been released yet, with no figures publicly available at this time. Its performance will hinge on word of mouth and festival visibility, deciding how widely Ai Haruna's story travels.