Naomi Yotsumoto is the most-talked about ping pong player in Japan right now, and it's not just because of her paddle-swatting skillz. The petite 29-year old Tokyo native is revolutionizing the sport by dressing provocatively and presenting herself as more than just an athlete. After creating plenty of buzz in local and international press because of her hot pink and rainbow-striped outfits (there is no dress code in professional ping pong), she now has her own TV show and a published autobiography. And as you can see in this video (from the national mixed doubles competition this year, where she placed second), she's really pretty good at what she does. And even when she doesn't win, the commentators never fail to spend a bunch of time fawning over her outfits and noticing how the crowd perks up when she walks in. Naomi Yotsumoto = the Asian Anna Kournikova = awesome at doubles, not so hot at singles, better known for her looks than for her athleticism.
Naomi Yotsumoto's main page via Design Corner (Thanks, Baker!)
Nothing wrong with a woman wanting to look and feel pretty.
Posted by: vagrant | August 25, 2008 at 02:43 PM
This is an elegant and clever way to get things moving up... I love new generations when they comes with such ideas for the sport they love... I wish her all the best.
Posted by: AkihabaraNews.com | August 25, 2008 at 09:35 PM
She should match her paddles with her dresses.
Posted by: Dragonfang18 | August 26, 2008 at 12:18 AM
That rainbow outfit is amazing!
Posted by: Jeshii | September 04, 2008 at 08:01 AM