Naomi Osaka Will Star in a New Japanese Manga Comic-Book Series

Japanese and Haitian tennis star Naomi Osaka has inspired a new manga character who will debut in Nakayoshi magazine next month.

The three-time Grand Slam winner shared a picture of her character on Twitter on Sunday – complete with pink hair, an orange visor and a tennis racket.

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

Ms Osaka, the world’s highest-paid female athlete, said she and her sister grew up reading manga and were excited about the new comic.

Her sister, Mari Osaka, has been involved with the character’s creation.

“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 tennis champion tweeted on Sunday.

Nakayoshi said the new manga, called “Unrivalled Naomi Tenkaichi”, will be unveiled in the issue released on 28 December.

A previous attempt to portray Ms Osaka – who has a Japanese mother and a Haitian father – as a cartoon character in an animated advert was quickly embroiled in controversy.

Tennis star responds to ‘whitewashed’ ad

The noodle company Nissin was accused of “whitewashing” the star in the drawing by depicting her with white skin and light brown hair.

“I’m tan, it’s pretty obvious,” Ms Osaka told a press conference last year, adding that the company had apologised to her directly.

The athlete has been a popular endorsement figure in Japan but she has also been the target of intense racism.

Earlier this year Ms. Osaka replaced her tennis idol/rival Serena Williams as the world’s highest-paid female athlete.