'Not an idol?' Japanese badminton goddess explodes in popularity, just how much? "Did an angel descend..."

*This content was translated by AI.

The latest updates on Maya Taguchi (20), a rising star in Japanese women's badminton who has garnered attention in Japan for her idol-level looks, have been released, sparking explosive reactions from local fans.

The Japanese media outlet 'Daily' reported on the 8th that "recently, Taguchi was spotted visiting her usual sports store, and the scene was shared on social networking services (SNS)," adding that "in a photo posted on the store's official SNS, Taguchi, with a short haircut and holding a T-shirt, was seen with a bright smile. She exuded a pure atmosphere that is hard to believe belongs to an athlete," focusing intensely on her.

As the photo was released, local fans poured out praise. According to 'Yahoo Japan,' Japanese netizens reacted enthusiastically with comments such as "Her face is so small," "Even so, her smiling face is so cute," "An angel has descended," and "She is a beauty who looks great with a short haircut."

Thanks to her outstanding looks, Taguchi has also gained significant popularity among Korean fans. Local media have also reported that her appearance, resembling Korean idols, has caused her popularity to surge rapidly in Korea. Even when a photo was previously posted on Yonex's official SNS, comments like "She is a real angel" and "She is so cute I don't want to go to work" poured in, and the post even made it to the most-read article on Yahoo Japan.

Not only for her looks, but she is also a top prospect in the Japanese badminton world for her skills. Specializing in women's doubles and mixed doubles, Taguchi secured the championship in women's doubles at the 2023 World Junior Championships, establishing herself as the ace of the next generation.

In particular, she is aiming for the 2028 LA Olympics as a partner with Veteran Yuta Watanabe, a two-time consecutive Olympic mixed doubles bronze medalist. The pair topped the mixed doubles division at the Singapore International Challenge 2026 held in Singapore last March, showcasing their perfect chemistry.

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*This content was translated by AI.