Naomi Osaka To Publish Children’s Book
October 21, 2022
Naomi Osaka, four-time Grand Slam champion and the first Asian player to hold the number one ranking in tennis, is set to release her first children’s book on December 6. Titled The Way Champs Play, it celebrates sport and play and shares steps to becoming "a true champ, including being kind, working as a team, doing your best, and most importantly, having fun." Published by her production company, Hana Kuma, a portion of the picture book’s proceeds will go to her Play Academy Foundation.
“I hope this book inspires kids to chase their dreams and encourages them to believe they can do anything they put their minds to,” said Osaka. “The leadership, confidence, teamwork and resilience I’ve learned on the court have been so valuable to me.”
The book is the latest in a series of ventures from Osaka. In the past year, she launched Hana Kuma in partnership with NBA legend Lebron James and American entrepreneur, Maverick Carter, as well as a skincare brand. This is alongside her existing sponsorships, endorsements and partnerships.
The book was inspired by Osaka’s Play Academy, which launched in 2020 in partnership with Nike and Laureus Sport for Good. The Foundation helps girls from underrepresented communities become involved in sports and maintain active lifestyles. The initiative partners with grassroots organizations to “level the playing field by changing the game for girls through play and sport.” Initially established in Tokyo, Japan, the Play Academy has since expanded to Haiti and Los Angeles, California.
“I’ve learned my greatest lessons on the court, and that’s why I started Play Academy, to ensure girls can stay in organized sports. It’s proven to give them the skills they need to succeed not just in sports but in the classroom, in the boardroom and within their communities,” she said.
Named the highest-paid female athlete in the world in 2021 by Forbes, Osaka told People she hopes her new book will help young girls find confidence and see the beauty in sports. “I wanted to reach young girls in a way that they would enjoy and understand, and it was really fun to simplify and celebrate girls in sport."
Since withdrawing from the French Open in 2021 for mental health reasons, Osaka has been public about her struggles and is an avid advocate for positive mental health and wellbeing. This year, she joined Modern Health to destigmatize mental health, especially among younger generations and marginalized communities, and diversify access to mental health care and support.
Osaka admits that she is still finding her own confidence which is another reason why the book means a lot to her. “It's really a process and something I work on daily,” she told People. “I hope that young girls see the beauty and benefit in sports and to remember that no dream is too big to dream... I also love the message that reminds young girls to also have fun, it's something that I think we lose and it's an important part of the game.”
Pre-orders of the book are available now and come with a signed bookplate from Osaka.
Source: People and ESPN