April 29th marks a special day for the world of badminton, as Japanese star Chiharu Shida celebrates her 27th birthday. The highly-regarded doubles specialist is currently ranked among the world’s elite and continues to be a key figure for the Japanese national team.
Born in 1997 in the city of Hachirogata, Akita Prefecture, Japan, Shida has quickly risen through the ranks of the badminton world. She is currently a member of the Japan national badminton team (A team) and plays for the Reishinkan Pharmaceutical Badminton Team, wearing the number 0 jersey. Her journey began at青森山田中学校 (Aomori Yamada Junior High School) and continued at青森山田高校 (Aomori Yamada High School), laying the foundation for her professional career.
Shida’s impact on the court is undeniable, particularly in women’s doubles. As of September 10, 2025, she holds a world ranking of 3rd in women’s doubles alongside her partner, Nami Matsuyama. She also holds a ranking of 178th in women’s doubles with Aoi Saito. Throughout her career, Shida has amassed an impressive record of 266 wins and 100 losses in women’s doubles, and 29 wins and 10 losses in mixed doubles.
The past year has been particularly successful for Shida and Matsuyama. They played a pivotal role in Japan’s 3-2 victory over Malaysia at the Sudirman Cup in Xiamen, securing a crucial win that propelled Japan to the top of Group C and a place in the quarterfinals. This victory underscored their importance to the Japanese team and their ability to perform under pressure.
Adding to the celebrations, Shida recently turned 28 years aged, receiving enthusiastic birthday wishes from fans at the Sudirman Cup. She shared her gratitude on social media, expressing her joy and appreciation for the support she received from the staff, fans, and her teammates. “I was born on April 29th, and today I am 28 years old. After the match, the staff, fans, and the whole team congratulated us! It was a exceptionally, very happy birthday. Thank you very much. Even as I receive older, I will continue to function hard and stay healthy. Thank you all for the celebrations,” she posted on her social media platforms.
Shida’s achievements extend beyond the Sudirman Cup. She has consistently performed well in major international tournaments, including the Olympics, World Championships, and Asian Games. Her medal record includes a team bronze medal at the 2021 Sudirman Cup in Vantaa, a team bronze at the 2023 Sudirman Cup in Suzhou, and a team silver at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou. She also secured a silver medal in women’s doubles at the 2025 World Championships in Paris.
Her talent has also been recognized with awards, including the Weibo Japan Annual Sports Influence Award. Shida’s success has brought her recognition back home, where she was awarded the honorary citizen award of Akita Prefecture.
Looking ahead, Shida and Matsuyama will be aiming for further success at the Paris Olympics. The pair are considered strong contenders for a medal, and their performance will be closely watched by fans around the world. The dynamic duo will also be competing at the upcoming Asian Badminton Championships in Ningbo.
Shida’s dedication to the sport and her consistent performance have made her a beloved figure in the badminton community. As she celebrates her birthday, fans and fellow athletes alike are wishing her continued success and a long and prosperous career.
The next confirmed event for Shida and Matsuyama will be the Asian Badminton Championships in Ningbo, where they will look to add another title to their impressive collection. Fans can follow updates on the Badminton World Federation website for the latest news and results.
