Japanese Badminton Athlete Gains Attention For K-Pop Idol Visuals

Meet Taguchi Maya, the 2005-born Japanese badminton athlete who has been gaining attention online. The player went viral when a Korean community site posted about her, comparing her visuals to NewJeans‘ Hanni.

Netizens see similarities in their face shape and round, sparkling eyes.

What’s amazing is that Maya is often photographed without makeup as she has to play on the courts.

Her natural looks and clear skin have captured the hearts of many.

Some feel that it is more because of her hair that she looks like Hanni. Hanni recently popularized a short bob in Japan.

Others compare Maya to IVE’s Rei and actress Park So Dam.

• Hanni + Rei + Park So Dam
• She’s really so pretty…
• I feel like Japanese are prettier without makeup. There’s so many that have that innocent look, so maybe that’s why. I’m f*cking jealous.
• There’s no 4th generation idol that’s like her. Even her skin is pale.
• She looks like Billlie‘s Tsuki.
• She looks more like Haerin than Hanni.

Not only is she beautiful, but Maya is also a great player. She won the gold medal at the 2023 BWF World Junior Championships for Women’s Doubles.