Japanese Badminton Athlete Gains Attention For K-Pop Idol Visuals

She’s been compared to NewJeans’ Hanni.

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 NewJeansHanni.

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| Nate Pann

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

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| Nate Pann

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

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| Nate Pann

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

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| Nate Pann

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

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

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| Nate Pann
  • 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.

Source: Nate Pann
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