The final episode of the Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV series January period Platinum Night Thursday drama ‘My Unknown Self,’ featuring actress Karin Ono in the lead role, is set to air on March 20, 2025. This captivating series, described as an ‘unpredictable human love suspense,’ takes viewers through a twisting narrative filled with mystery and intrigue.
In this gripping finale, the protagonist, Hinata Habata (played by Karin Ono), is plunged into a tumultuous journey as she confronts inexplicable malevolence and unravels a year-long blank in her memory. With an intense determination, Hinata is set to discover the ‘fabricated sin’ and the reasons behind her memory loss, a theme that resonates throughout the series.
Episode 10, which aired on March 13, 2025, revealed shocking turnabouts through the uncovering of critical evidence via driver recorder footage. The footage depicted Kanata Nishijima (played by Kohei Otomo) brutally assaulting Ryo Aizawa (played by Hidetoshi Naito), showcasing a chilling scene where Nishijima strikes Aizawa’s head against the ground. This pivotal moment culminated in Nishijima’s powerful yet disturbing confession: ‘I thought I had to protect you. My perfect life, more than anyone else,’ leaving the audience stunned at the stark reality faced by the characters.
As the series reaches its climax in the 11th episode titled ‘Promise,’ the stakes are higher than ever. After losing consciousness following Nishijima’s aggression, Hinata awakens to find herself in Nishijima’s apartment. The setup is unsettling yet celebratory, complete with a cake adorned with candles, flowers, and red wine as Nishijima warmly wishes her a cheerful ‘29th birthday.’ However, this moment of apparent joy is undercut by Hinata’s anger as she confronts Nishijima regarding Aizawa’s death, demanding answers for the atrocities that transpired.
Hinata’s emotional response is palpable as she glares at Nishijima, asking, ‘Why did you kill Ryo Aizawa?’ In an unsettling twist, her vision begins to waver and blur, a consequence of Nishijima’s manipulative decision to increase the volume of the celebratory music, aiming to reset her memory. This highlights a broader theme of control and darkness interwoven throughout the narrative.
Meanwhile, Ryunosuke Aizawa (played by Katsumi Hyodo), Ryo Aizawa’s sibling, grows increasingly anxious as he finds himself unable to reach Hinata. His concern leads him to seek help from Sui Sugawara (played by Fumika Baba), who confirms the existence of the incriminating footage sent by Hinata, intensifying the dramatic tension. Ryunosuke contemplates going to the police for assistance, showcasing the urgency of the situation. Yet he is met with harsh words from Sui, who claims, ‘If that child hadn’t met Aizawa, Aizawa wouldn’t have died. It's all Hinata’s fault,’ reflecting the complexity and emotional turmoil swirling among the characters.
Nishijima, now fully engaged in the conflict around them, divulges further details about the day of Aizawa’s accident, compelling Hinata to grapple with her harrowing fate. The intertwining lives and secrets illuminate the profound psychological battles at play, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Karin Ono’s portrayal of Hinata has drawn praise for tackling a challenging role, while Kohei Otomo’s performance as Nishijima has left a lasting impression as he navigates the darker aspects of his character. The series has captivated audiences, not only for its thrilling narrative but also for its exploration of human emotions, relationships, and the shadows that linger over them.
As the series concludes, the plot leaves viewers grappling with profound questions about culpability and redemption, eliciting discussions around the thematic relevance of the characters’ journeys. The intricate storytelling and the depth of character development set ‘My Unknown Self’ apart as a memorable addition to Japanese drama, ensuring it will be a topic of conversation long after the final credits roll.
With its suspenseful narrative and thought-provoking themes, ‘My Unknown Self’ redefines the boundaries of the psychological thriller genre, inviting viewers to reflect on the complex interplay of memory, love, and morality while being profoundly entertained. The dramatic fate awaiting Hinata and the consequence of choices made is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever stood on the precipice of doubt and fear.
