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Japanese badminton player Maya Takuchi (20) Instagram capture
The entire archipelago is excited about the ‘goddess’ of the Japanese badminton world who has just become an adult.
On the 13th, a photo of their player Maya Takuchi (20), celebrating Coming of Age Day, was posted on the ACT Saikyo Badminton Team’s official SNS. The photo of Takuchi wearing a white kimono heated up the Japanese badminton world.
In addition, photos showing the 20-year-old badminton player’s every move with various charms, such as smiling brightly while holding a racket on the court or playing the game with a serious expression, were released one after another, and a huge fandom was formed in an instant.
Takuchi, born in 2005, is 165cm tall and is a left-handed women’s doubles and mixed doubles player. She won a gold medal in the women’s doubles event at the 2023 World Junior Championships and a gold medal in the world junior mixed team event, emerging as a young but definitely talented player.
Japanese badminton player Maya Takuchi (20) Facebook capture
As of 2026, the world ranking is known to be around 50th in mixed doubles. In particular, it is famous as a morning star recognized by Yuta Watanabe, who is called a ‘living legend’ in the Japanese badminton world.
Watanabe recognized Takuchi’s skills early on and personally proposed a partner, and they shocked the Japanese badminton world by winning the National Championships again just one year and three months after their formation.
Last year, the team of Watanabe and Takuchi won the Malaysia Super 100 mixed doubles championship last year. In particular, powerful smashing has been considered Takuchi’s trademark since his high school days.
Japanese badminton player Maya Takuchi (20) Instagram capture
Takuchi is a young player who has just come of age, but he has the stamina to endure a grueling rehabilitation period.
Takuchi suffered a left knee injury in April last year and was unable to play for several months. Some even observed that rehabilitation may be difficult, but Takuchi returned to the court proudly and lifted the championship trophy. This is why you often see comments saying ‘Take care of your knee health’ on social media posts related to Takuchi.
Currently, Takuchi is preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by treating injuries and training at the same time.
Reporter Song Hyeon-seo
