Tennis star Naomi Okasa is making a major push into Hollywood after launching a new media company called Hana Kuma, which means “flower bear” in Japanese. Osaka is of Japanese and Haitian ancestry.
She launched the company in partnership with SpringHill, an entertainment, marketing and products company co-founded by LeBron James, who was recently certified as a billionaire by Forbes magazine.
Okasa, 24, told the New York Times that the company will feature television series, documentaries, anime and branded programs. Okasa did not say whether she would star in anything herself.
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“I honestly can’t say if I’ll personally be in anything right now,” Osaka said. “What excites me is being able to inspire people and tell new stories, particularly ones that I would have wanted to see when I was a kid. I always wanted to kind of see someone like me.”
James, 37, in a tweet said he was “incredibly proud” to work with Osaka on the new venture as part of his SpringHill Co., created with Maverick Carter.
“This incredible woman and the stories she is going to bring to life is EXACTLY what we about!!!,” the four-time NBA champion said.
Okasa is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion and she is one of the highest-paid tennis players in the world. In 2021 alone, she earned $57 million, with a huge part of her earnings coming from sponsorships. Some of her major sponsors include Procter & Gamble, All Nippon Airways and Nissin.
Osaka became the first person of color from Japan to reach No. 1 in the rankings and also the first to win a Grand Slam trophy. Besides tennis, Osaka has also been involved in several investment moves that may shoot up her earnings in the next few years. Aside from her endorsement deals, she is also a part-owner of a National Women’s Soccer League Team, North Carolina Courage.
She has also invested in a skincare line known as KINLÒ, purposely for melanated individuals. She created the product with Ghanaian-born dermatologist Dr. Naana Boakye. KINLÒ’s products will consist of body spray, lip balm, eye cream, and an SPF 50 Tinted Face Lotion and sunscreen that could potentially save lives aside from protecting the skin.
Also, Osaka recently launched her maiden swimwear collection in collaboration with Los Angeles-based fashion brand Frankies Bikinis. The line aims to empower women and make them feel extra confident.
