Chiharu Shida and Nozomi Sasaki Both Known as “Akita Beauties” – A Possible Transition to the Entertainment Industry After Retirement
Jayce
Japanese badminton player Chiharu Shida, alongside her partner Nami Matsuyama, clinched the bronze medal in the women’s doubles at the Paris Olympics, winning their match in straight sets. Beyond their outstanding performance on the court, Shida’s fair complexion and sweet, first-love-like smile have quickly captured public attention. Her personal Instagram account has seen a surge of nearly 400,000 followers, earning her the title of “Badminton Goddess,” with her fame spreading from Japan to the world.
1. A Born Badminton Talent
Born in 1997 in Hachirōgata, Akita Prefecture, Japan, Chiharu Shida demonstrated exceptional athletic talent from a young age. Her parents nurtured this talent, and Shida’s passion for badminton led her to achieve remarkable success early on. In the fourth grade, she represented the Hachirōgata Junior Team and secured third place in the All-Japan Elementary School Championships, showcasing her outstanding effort and talent.
Shida’s rapid development continued, as she consistently achieved excellent results in domestic badminton competitions. At 17, she participated in the 2014 Asian Junior Badminton Championships in Taiwan, where she won a bronze medal in the mixed team event. After graduating from high school, Shida joined Saishunkan Pharmaceutical, officially starting her professional career and representing Japan in various international tournaments.
2. “Akita Beauty” Alongside Nozomi Sasaki
The Tohoku region of Japan, particularly Akita, has long been famous for producing beautiful women. The hallmark of an “Akita Beauty” is flawless, translucent skin and well-defined features, with famous Japanese actress Nozomi Sasaki being one of the most well-known examples.
Similarly, Chiharu Shida possesses fair skin and striking features. She is known for always appearing on the court with perfect makeup that remains flawless even during intense matches, further highlighting her rosy, radiant complexion. Fans have praised her as the epitome of an “Akita Beauty,” with her beauty evident in every high-definition photograph taken during matches.
3. Resemblance to Mei Nagano – “Tears of a Fairy” Even When Crying
At the previous Tokyo Olympics, Chiharu Shida and her partner Nami Matsuyama did not qualify for participation. However, in the Paris Olympics, they fought their way to the semifinals but were narrowly defeated by the Chinese team, missing out on a chance to compete for the gold. Shida was seen in tears on the court after the loss, and the photos of her crying quickly sparked discussion online. Fans not only cheered her on for the upcoming bronze medal match but also marveled at her “tears of a fairy.”
Many online users have noted a striking resemblance between Chiharu Shida and the rising Japanese actress Mei Nagano, who is also known for her “fairy-like” tears. Both Shida and Nagano share fair skin and a sweet smile, and their tears evoke a sense of innocence and beauty.
4. The “Chiharu Spin” and Adorable Habits – A Cute Contrast that Captivates Fans
In addition to her striking appearance, Chiharu Shida has a unique set of habits on the court that have endeared her to fans. After making a mistake, she often spins in place and shows a frustrated expression, sometimes stomping her foot, pointing her toes, or playfully flinging her hands, all while flashing her sweet smile. Japanese fans have dubbed this move the “Chiharu Spin,” and despite it being a reaction to a mistake, it’s impossible not to find it endearing.
A recent photo of her smiling with her tongue out during a match at the Paris Olympics sparked a wave of enthusiastic discussions online, with fans commenting that she “looks as charming and adorable as a first love.” However, when she gets serious, Shida is a formidable player, especially skilled at net interceptions and drop shots from the backcourt. Her smashes are both precise and powerful, with speeds reaching up to 371 km/h, making the contrast between her cute demeanor and fierce play all the more alluring to fans.
5. A Nogizaka46 Superfan Off the Court
Off the court, Chiharu Shida is a passionate fan of the Japanese idol group Nogizaka46. She often attends their concerts and proudly carries a limited-edition original keychain of member Mizuki Yamashita on her bag.
During her trip to Paris for the Olympics, Shida brought along her idol merchandise, which caught the attention of Nogizaka46’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, where they expressed their gratitude with a “Merci” in French. Member Kaede Sato also mentioned that she would be cheering for Shida through the broadcasts. With the support of her idols and their merchandise, Shida successfully secured the bronze medal.
6. A Potential Shift to the Entertainment Industry After Retirement?
With Chiharu Shida’s growing popularity and her Instagram account amassing 400,000 followers worldwide, she has reportedly received numerous offers for endorsements and advertisements. Several Japanese entertainment companies and talent agencies have also recognized her potential, hoping she might transition into the entertainment industry, possibly as a sports anchor. In the future, we may see more of Chiharu Shida in advertisements and television programs, and perhaps she will embark on a new career in the entertainment world after her retirement from badminton.
