Naomi Osaka’s new media venture with LeBron James ridiculed due to ‘vulgar’ title

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam tennis champion, is facing flak for the accidentally — or carelessly, depending on who you ask — racist name of her new media firm, Hana Kuma, which is also part of LeBron James’ company. The Japanese-born athlete told the New York Times on Tuesday that hana kuma translates to “flower bear” in Japanese — but Twitter users swiftly pointed out that it has a considerably more explicit connotation in Swahili.

The lost-in-translation dispute quickly became a hot topic on Twitter in many African nations, with thousands of fans pushing Osaka, 24, to modify the name of the firm she co-founded with NBA great LeBron James, 37.

Image Credits – Indian Express

How fans reacted to Naomi Osaka-LeBron James’ new media venture

“Naomi Osaka has joined together with LeBron James to launch Hana Kuma, a media firm.” In Swahili, the term ‘Hana Kuma’ implies something entirely different. “I’m not going to say anything,” Ugandan reporter Daniel Kibet tweeted.

“Did they conduct a global search to determine what the name means?” another inquired. “She should have been warned that it has a very obscene meaning in Swahili, which is widely spoken.”

“Amazing the lack of research,” said a third. Money well spent, but that brand will not fly in Africa. Allow it to remain in the United States and Japan. It’s obnoxious. Do you even know what that means? Remove your ego and alter your name. “May God pardon your stupidity.”

Another person pushed Osaka to alter her moniker, saying, “If you maintain the name #hanakuma, the moniker will overshadow the news and stories you want to communicate.” The brand’s name is already well-known! I propose a shift, as well as becoming more mindful of world culture. It’s not overthinking here, it’s brand protection!” Others consistently called the name “unethical” and “explicit.”

Swahili is spoken by around 200 million people worldwide, with the bulk of speakers situated in East Africa. Osaka has yet to reply to the issue, although she did post a Twitter post on Wednesday night, writing: “Prayers for all my overthinkers.” We’ll get through it.”

According to Osaka, she wants Hana Kuma might become a major Hollywood media firm producing TV series, documentaries, and branded material. The company was formed in collaboration with SpringHill, a marketing agency co-founded by Los Angeles Lakers superstar James.

Osaka, who was born in Japan to a Japanese mom and a Haitian father, stated that the firm will prioritise diverse storytelling. “What thrills me is now being able to motivate people and convey fresh tales, especially ones that I’ve always wanted to watch as a child,” she says. “I’ve always longed to see someone who looked like myself.”

The tennis pro is presently the highest-paid female athlete in the world, earning $57 million last year.

 

 

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