A nicknamed Japanese college student “Time” took social media by storm after revealing her dramatic 50-pound weight loss transformation — and the internet can’t stop talking about it.
The viral Instagram post, originally shared in January 2025, recently resurfaced and has now surpassed 24.6 million views. The buzz started because people around her were saying: “If you lose weight, you will definitely look like Tao Tsuchiya.” Curious to see if the claim was true, Nako posted a side-by-side comparison after successfully losing weight.
According to Japanese newspaper ねとらぼ, Nako once weighed more than 70 kilograms. Even then, her bright eyes and delicate features drew comparisons to the popular actress. Determined to improve herself, she committed to a rigorous weight loss plan that included monitoring her diet and exercising regularly. Over time, she lost up to 45 kilograms, for a total loss of 25 kilograms.
Despite the original comparisons, Nako jokingly admitted, “I worked so hard to lose weight, but I look nothing like Tao Tsuchiya.”
In subsequent photos, the contours of his face appear sharper and more defined and his gaze projects a fresher and more mature charisma. While she may not resemble the actress as much as some expected, netizens praised her for developing her own unique style. The comments poured in, saying: “Bella, it doesn’t matter who you look like,” “The results of hard work are incredible,” AND “Is this really the same person?”
His transformation has not only sparked attention online, but also strengthened his presence in the real world. Nako won the Miss Tsukuba University pageant and secured second place in a national beauty pageant for university students in 2023.
Responding to skeptical comments asking whether the before and after photos were of the same person, particularly due to differences in facial moles, she clarified that natural changes over time and variations in makeup can significantly alter appearance. He confirmed that both images are indeed his.
Today, Nako actively shares weight loss tips, face slimming tips and image transformation content on Instagram, presenting herself as a “small-faced creator.” What started as a celebrity comparison evolved into a personal journey of discipline, reinvention and self-confidence, inspiring millions along the way.
Sources: Yahoo News
