Hikari Kuina is one of those characters who grabs attention fast. She’s calm under pressure, tough in a fight, and loyal when it matters most. So it makes sense that many viewers ask the same question while watching Alice in Borderland: Is Hikari Kuina trans? The series answers this directly in a key episode. The show does not leave this as a mystery. It answers it directly in a key episode.
TLDR
Yes. In Alice in Borderland, Kuina is revealed to be a transgender woman in a flashback in Season 1, Episode 7.
Hikari Kuina’s Story: What the Show Confirms
In Season 1, Episode 7 of Alice in Borderland, the story cuts back to Kuina’s life before Borderland. In that flashback, the show confirms she is transgender and shows how hard her home life was. Her story highlights these points:
- She was raised in a strict martial arts household and expected to live as her father’s “son.”
- When she expressed who she is, her father reacted with rejection and pushed her away.
- Her mother shows quiet support and helps her move forward.
That’s why fans often describe Episode 7 as the moment where the show answers the question.
Why So Many People Asked Before Episode 7
Even before the flashback, a lot of viewers suspected there was more to Kuina’s backstory. Not because of one single clue, but because the show frames her as someone who’s already been through a personal fight long before the games. In fan discussions, people often point to:
- How she carries herself with confidence
- How she refuses to be intimidated
- How her story is revealed as part of who she is, but not the only thing she is
These are just viewer’s opinions, but they explain why the question became so common online.
A Note About The Actor
In the live-action Netflix version, Kuina is played by Japanese actress Aya Asahina. That’s separate from the character’s identity. The character is written and presented as trans in the story, regardless of the actor’s personal identity.
Why Kuina’s Representation Stands Out
What makes Kuina’s portrayal so powerful is that she is a fully realized character, with her own personality, strengths, flaws, and goals. A lot of trans characters in TV and film are written in a way that reduces them to one topic: suffering, shock value, or a “reveal.” Kuina’s character is different in a few ways that viewers often appreciate:
- She’s important to the story: Kuina isn’t just there in the story. She affects key moments and is treated as capable and reliable.
- She’s allowed to be strong: In many shows, trans characters are written only as victims. Kuina is written as someone who can protect herself and others.
- The show doesn’t turn her identity into a punchline: The flashback is serious, and the present-day story treats her as a woman.
Some viewers wish a trans actor had been cast. But it does explain why Kuina is frequently mentioned in conversations about better trans representation.
Cultural Context: Why This Discussion Shows Up Frequently
When a trans character is played by a cis actor, it often sparks debate. Some viewers focus on visibility (“at least the character exists and is treated seriously”), while others focus on opportunity (“trans actors should get trans roles more often”). You can see both views in fan conversations around Kuina.
Organizations like GLAAD have published guidance and resources aimed at improving trans inclusion and encouraging better industry practices, including casting and storytelling support.
Did The Creators Ever Confirm It Outside The Show?
The most reliable confirmation is still the show itself: Episode 7 makes it clear on screen.
Many secondary sources, like character databases and recaps, also describe Kuina as transgender, but you don’t need them to prove it as the series already does.
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