NewJeans Hanni's Impact in Japan: From Badminton Resemblance to Classic Song Covers

NewJeans' Hanni is generating significant buzz in Japan through two distinct connections: her resemblance to a rising Japanese athlete and her cover of a classic Japanese song. This dual presence highlights her growing influence and appeal across different cultural spheres in Japan, drawing attention from both K-pop fans and the wider public.

Japanese badminton player Maya Taguchi, born in 2005 and a 2023 World Junior Championships women's doubles winner, has become a topic of discussion for her striking resemblance to Hanni, particularly her round eyes and cute, short bob hairstyle. Separately, Hanni performed a solo cover of Matsuda Seiko's 1980 hit "Aoi Sangosho" (Blue Coral) at NewJeans' Tokyo Dome fan meeting in June 2024. This performance brought the iconic Japanese song, which symbolizes the refreshing vibe of Japan's 1980s economic boom, to a new generation and audience.

Local bloggers note that Maya Taguchi's dual image—cute and fresh off-court, yet focused and professional during matches—contributes to her appeal, with many initially mistaking her for an idol trainee. Regarding Hanni's cover, bloggers emphasize how her rendition of "Aoi Sangosho" has reignited interest in the classic track, showcasing how K-pop artists can bridge cultural gaps by reinterpreting beloved Japanese music for contemporary audiences.