TOKYO – Japan's major-winning tennis player Naomi Osaka has welcomed a new manga comic-book series where she will star as a cartoon character in a magazine aimed at teenage girls.
'Unrivaled Naomi Tenka-ichi', which will run in 'Nakayosi' magazine from late December, was produced with the help of Osaka's older sister, Mari. 'Tenka-ichi' means 'world number one' in Japanese.
"Growing up reading manga/watching anime was something that bonded me and my sister immensely so this is really exciting for both of us," the three-time Grand Slam champion tweeted Sunday.
Growing up reading manga/watching anime was something that bonded me and my sister immensely so this is really exciting for both of us ? https://t.co/mmzJ5k17x8
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) November 28, 2020
The new character, which depicts a doe-eyed Osaka with pink and purple hair and wearing a yellow visor, follows a storm of controversy over a sponsor's cartoon image of her last year.
Noodle-maker Nissin apologised and withdrew the image, which showed Osaka with pale skin and light brown hair, after being accused of "white-washing" the Japanese-Haitian player.
Osaka, who has dislodged Serena Williams to be rated as the world's highest earning female athlete, is a household name in Japan where she is the face of several leading brands. – AFP, November 30, 2020
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