7 Shocking Facts About The 'Alice In Borderland' Trans Girl And Her Actress’s Latest News

The character of Hikari Kuina in Netflix’s hit series Alice in Borderland has become a global phenomenon, not just for her fierce survival skills but also for her groundbreaking representation as a transgender woman in mainstream Japanese media. This article, updated for the current date of December 15, 2025, dives deep into her complex background, the latest updates on her role in the highly anticipated *Alice in Borderland* Season 3, and the surprising personal news from the actress who brings her to life, Aya Asahina, ensuring you have the freshest, most up-to-date information on this pivotal figure.

The conversation surrounding the "Alice in Borderland trans girl" goes beyond the screen, touching on important topics of casting, character depth, and the future of the series. From her heart-wrenching backstory to the recent announcement about the actress's personal life and her confirmed return to the Borderland, we explore every facet of Hikari Kuina and the talented woman who portrays her.

Aya Asahina: Full Biography and Latest Personal Updates

The actress behind the formidable Kuina, Aya Asahina, is a prominent figure in the Japanese entertainment industry. While she is celebrated for her portrayal of the trans character, her own life and career are equally fascinating, featuring a successful transition from modeling to acting, and now, major personal milestones.

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• Full Name: Aya Asahina (朝比奈 彩)
• Date of Birth: October 6, 1993
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 32 years old
• Birthplace: Sumoto, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
• Height: 171 cm (5 ft 7 in)
• Primary Career: Model, Actress, Television Personality, YouTuber
• Modeling Career Highlights: Exclusive model for the popular fashion magazine *Ray*. Known for her work as a fashion and gravure model, often described as having "a nine-head-tall body."
• Husband: Kenjiro Yamashita (a member of the popular J-Pop dance and vocal group Sandaime J Soul Brothers). They married in 2021.
• Major Recent Update: In a very recent and widely reported announcement, Aya Asahina confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child. This major life event has made headlines and adds a unique layer to discussions about her professional commitments, including *Alice in Borderland* Season 3.
• Notable Filmography (Selected): *Alice in Borderland* (2020, 2022, 2024), *Tokyo Alice* (2017), *Grand Blue* (2020), *Girl Gun Lady* (2021).

The Groundbreaking Representation of Hikari Kuina

Hikari Kuina is not just a fan-favorite; she is a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ representation in high-profile, internationally distributed Japanese media. Her character is a master of martial arts, a loyal friend, and a survivor, with her transgender identity being a crucial, yet not defining, part of her story arc.

Kuina’s Confirmed Transgender Identity

While the live-action Netflix series subtly hints at her identity in Season 1, the full, emotional revelation is explored in a powerful flashback in Season 2, Episode 7. However, her identity is explicitly detailed in the original source material, the manga by Haro Aso.

In the manga's Chapter 25, Kuina’s backstory confirms that she was assigned male at birth but identifies and lives as a woman. The flashback shows her struggle for acceptance, particularly from her traditional and harsh dōjō master father, who wanted her to take over the family martial arts school. Her mother, however, was a source of quiet support and understanding.

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The transition story is portrayed with sensitivity, showing her decision to leave home to live authentically. This personal journey is what gives her the profound inner strength and determination she displays while fighting for survival in the deadly Borderland games, such as the King of Clubs and the Queen of Spades games. Her identity is tied to her resilience, a powerful narrative choice that avoids the common trope of making the character's gender identity their sole plot point.

The Cisgender Casting Debate

A central discussion point among fans and critics is the casting of a cisgender female actress, Aya Asahina, to play a transgender character. This is a common debate in the entertainment world, particularly when it comes to roles representing marginalized communities.

On one hand, many viewers and LGBTQ+ advocates argue that trans roles should be given to trans actors to ensure authenticity, provide opportunities, and avoid potential misrepresentation. The argument is that a cis actress cannot fully grasp the lived experience of a trans woman.

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On the other hand, the show has been widely praised for the positive and respectful way it handled Kuina's story. The focus on her strength, her bond with characters like Chishiya and Arisu, and the emotional weight of her flashback resonated deeply with audiences. The fact that the show included the backstory at all, and did so with care, is viewed by many as a significant step forward for representation, regardless of the actress's personal identity.

Kuina’s Future: Confirmed Return in Alice in Borderland Season 3

The ending of *Alice in Borderland* Season 2 left the fate of many fan-favorite characters, including Kuina, somewhat ambiguous. The final moments showed the survivors waking up in the real world, having been in a coma following the meteorite strike. Kuina's final scene showed her reconciling with her mother, and seemingly finding peace and acceptance.

For a time, it was speculated that Kuina and her close ally Shuntaro Chishiya would not return for Season 3, as their narrative arcs seemed complete and separate from the main story of Arisu and Usagi.

However, recent and confirmed updates have delighted fans:

• Kuina is Confirmed for Season 3: Aya Asahina is officially listed to return as Hikari Kuina in *Alice in Borderland* Season 3. Her role is confirmed as a guest character, suggesting her appearance may be a cameo or a supporting role rather than a main protagonist arc.
• The Joker Card: The Season 2 finale introduced the mysterious Joker card, hinting that the Borderland might not be entirely over. Kuina’s return suggests that the new season, which is expected to feature a brand new story or a "Final Card Game," will pull some of the original survivors back into the deadly world, or at least show their lives post-Borderland.
• Working Around Pregnancy: Given Aya Asahina's pregnancy announcement, it is highly likely that her filming schedule and the nature of her guest role in Season 3 were carefully managed. This is a testament to the production's commitment to bringing the beloved character back, while accommodating the actress's personal life.

The return of Kuina is a significant boost for the series, ensuring that the topical authority and emotional connection established over the first two seasons remain strong. Fans are eager to see how the resilient martial artist and former member of The Beach will navigate the new challenges, whether they are in the real world or a newly revealed corner of the Borderland.

In conclusion, Hikari Kuina remains one of the most compelling and important characters in *Alice in Borderland*. Her story of self-acceptance, coupled with the latest news about actress Aya Asahina's return and personal life, ensures that the conversation surrounding the "Alice in Borderland trans girl" will continue to be a focal point as the series moves into its highly anticipated third season.