Heritage source of strength for Osaka
For Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, USA TODAY Sports conducted an email interview with tennis star Naomi Osaka. Born in Japan to a Haitian American father and a Japanese mother, Osaka is a former No. 1 ranked singles player, the first Asian player to do so. She is a four-time Grand Slam champion and is playing in the French Open.
Osaka is also the co-founder of Hana Kuma (which means flower bear in Japanese), an Emmy Award-nominated, story-driven and multicultural creative house. Hana Kuma recently partnered with the LPGA to develop personal brand campaigns for the golfers. She’s also launched a mental health video podcast series called “Can’t Wait to Hear from You.”
Since this is Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, wanted to ask how tennis has treated you overall being someone of Asian and Haitian heritage. Were you ever treated with the same kind of hostility, for example, that the Williams sisters were early in their careers because of your ethnicity?
I’ve felt that I’ve been welcomed with open arms for the most part. There have been a few exceptions but overall, I love how I grew up and I’ve felt supported.
Being of Japanese and Haitian heritage is my source of strength. Having diverse life experiences has made me more tolerant, accepting, and curious. While I’m naturally soft-spoken, a trait inherited from my Japanese side, I believe my fierce competitiveness comes from my Haitian roots.
What would your message be to Asian players who are working towards becoming professionals?
I would encourage Asian tennis players to embrace their unique backgrounds and cultures because that’s what makes them who they are. I think Asian countries love supporting their own. Growing up, I looked up to Li Na. There is so much rising talent from countries like China and Japan and there’s no reason that Asian players
can’t continue to be dominant figures in the sport.
You have been extremely brave fighting racism, particularly antiBlack racism, and especially in 2020, and also since. When you look at America now, have things gotten better since 2020 in terms of race? Or worse? Or the same?
From wearing different face masks during the US Open 2020, each honoring a victim of racial injustice and police brutality, to speaking out on social media, supporting equality organizations, and joining protests, it’s my way of raising awareness and honoring Black lives that were lost.
I think that my generation is very outspoken about demanding change.
People are more willing to speak out and stand up for justice. While we’ve taken some steps forward, there’s still a lot of work to be done. I’m committed to using my platform to make a difference and stand up against racism in any way possible.
How would you describe your tennis game right now in one word?
Assertive
What are you most proud of with your game right now?
I would say I’m most proud of my tenacity. I knew that coming back from pregnancy that it would be a long and challenging road, but I’m trusting the process, staying focused, and taking it one day at a time.
What inspired you to create “Can’t
Wait To Hear From You?“
I’m someone who gets lost in my own thoughts. I thought it would be cool to create a podcast where we get a glimpse into the minds of leaders in various industries and fields. I’ve been incredibly lucky to receive so much love and support from my close circle and my fans.
My hope is for this video podcast series to encourage people to have open discussions surrounding mental health and self-appreciation while feeling less shame.
What are the biggest mental health challenges facing professional athletes like yourself ?
Tennis is such a grueling sport both physically and mentally. I always say that great tennis players must have a short memory. Whether you just lost a point or an entire match, you have to be able to reset quickly and move on. During the season, you’re playing almost every week so there’s no time to dwell on the previous event. Being able to reset mentally and not over think the past is a huge aspect of tennis, no matter what level you’re competing at.
What is the next big project for your production company?
We’re developing some amazing content and experiences across sports, fashion, and female empowerment. Keep an eye out for Hana Kuma at Wimbledon – we’re gearing up to make a major impact and shake things up in a big way.
The LPGA partnership: What inspired it and how has it gone?
Throughout my career, I’ve received so much love and support from my fellow female athletes.
With Hana Kuma, I want to pay it forward by helping empower and champion the LPGA players, providing the tools and resources necessary for them to invest in themselves and build a future beyond their sport. Together, we can continue to uplift and inspire the next generation of female athletes.
We’ve teamed up with eight incredible global athletes and hosted an inperson workshop for the wider LPGA player base, inspiring them to think ‘beyond the green’ when it comes to building their brands.