Simeji Ranking: Gen Z Picks the Top Athletes They Would Want as Romantic Partners

Baidu Inc. announced a new edition of its “Simeji Ranking,” based on an in-app survey conducted among users of its customizable kaomoji keyboard app Simeji for iOS and Android. The theme this time is Gen Z’s picks for the “Top 10 Athletes They Would Want as Romantic Partners.” The survey was conducted from April 28 to May 11, 2026, with 1,726 valid responses from men and women aged 16 to 29. The rankings include a wide range of athletes, from top competitors active on the global stage to those who have attracted attention for their performances and personalities. The results suggest that Gen Z values not only looks such as being “cool” or “cute,” but also qualities associated with an ideal partner, such as seeming sincere, kind, reassuring, or protective. Many athletes whose off-field personalities and atmosphere are well known through social media and media appearances also ranked highly, indicating that being someone fans want to support is another important factor. For this theme, Simeji created two separate Top 10 lists: one for male athletes and one for female athletes. The results highlight different appeal points and views on romance that reflect Gen Z preferences. Gen Z’s “Top 10 Male Athletes They Would Want as Romantic Partners”: No. 1 Shohei Ohtani, No. 2 Yuzuru Hanyu, No. 3 Ran Takahashi, No. 4 Yuki Ishikawa, No. 5 Kaoru Mitoma, No. 6 Ukyo Shuto, No. 7 Ryuichi Kihara, No. 8 Hifumi Abe, No. 9 Shoma Uno, No. 10 Ayumu Hirano. Shohei Ohtani, a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, topped the male ranking. Known for his historic two-way achievements in MLB, he won the unanimous American League MVP award in 2023 and remains a global superstar. Respondents described him as seeming sincere, kind, reassuring, and likely to keep promises. Many also praised him as humble despite his worldwide success and as a hard worker worthy of respect, suggesting that his trustworthy personality is as important to his popularity as his athletic ability. Yuzuru Hanyu ranked second. The professional figure skater, who won gold at the Sochi and PyeongChang Olympics, was praised for his beautiful performances, disciplined attitude, and elegant, calm aura. Ran Takahashi placed third, with Gen Z respondents supporting his refreshing looks, 188 cm height, and strong volleyball skills. Yuki Ishikawa ranked fourth for his performance in Italy and as captain of Japan’s national volleyball team, as well as his clean image and major influence, including around two million Instagram followers. Kaoru Mitoma ranked fifth for his elite dribbling, intellectual image, calm personality, and serious, reassuring impression. Ukyo Shuto ranked sixth for his speed, athletic ability, bright personality, and hard-working career path. Ryuichi Kihara ranked seventh as part of the “RikuRyu” figure skating pair with Riku Miura, receiving support for his gentle, gentlemanly, and reassuring image. Hifumi Abe ranked eighth for his strength, reliability, and approachable smile. Shoma Uno ranked ninth for his natural, unpretentious personality and calming presence. Ayumu Hirano ranked tenth for his cool, mysterious aura, serious attitude toward competition, and strong sense of self. Gen Z’s “Top 10 Female Athletes They Would Want as Romantic Partners”: No. 1 Marin Honda, No. 2 Saori Yoshida, No. 3 Mao Asada, No. 4 Hina Hayata, No. 5 Kasumi Ishikawa, No. 6 Riku Miura, No. 7 Uta Abe, No. 8 Hitomi Nakajima, No. 9 Rikako Ikee. Marin Honda, a figure skater and former World Junior champion, topped the female ranking. In addition to her skating career, she is popular among Gen Z through social media, media appearances, entertainment activities, and fashion. Respondents said she is extremely cute, seems fun to be with, and has an appealing atmosphere. Her smile, natural presence, and approachable character were also cited as reasons for support. Saori Yoshida ranked second. The three-time Olympic wrestling champion, known as the “strongest woman in the primate world,” was praised for seeming protective, dependable, funny, kind, and approachable despite her strength. Mao Asada ranked third as a beloved Japanese figure skating icon, supported for her elegance, healing presence, smile, and gentle image. Hina Hayata ranked fourth for her calm atmosphere, soft smile, and the contrast between her competitive and everyday sides. Kasumi Ishikawa ranked fifth for her natural, gentle, and reassuring presence after a long career supporting Japanese table tennis. Riku Miura ranked sixth as part of the RikuRyu pair with Ryuichi Kihara, who won Japan’s first-ever Olympic pairs figure skating gold medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games. She was supported for her smile, friendliness, and hard-working image. Uta Abe ranked seventh for her energetic, cheerful, and approachable personality as a Japanese judoka. Hitomi Nakajima ranked eighth as a track and field athlete whose serious competitive expression contrasts with her soft, natural everyday atmosphere. Rikako Ikee ranked ninth as a Japanese swimmer who holds numerous national records and inspired many after returning to competition following her battle with leukemia, which she publicly announced at age 18.