Naomi Osaka is deep in her entrepreneurial bag as the businesswoman is reminding us once again that she’s all about doing things her way.
Shortly after launching her sports agency EVOLVE, the tennis star announced her own media company — Hana Kuma — according to a press release shared with AfroTech.
Launch Of Hana Kuma
Alongside her longtime agent and business partner Stuart Duguid, Hana Kuma has launched in partnership with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Company. With the company’s name being tied to Osaka’s Japanese roots, it aims to “produce stories that are culturally specific but universal to all audiences; playful and bold in its approach to tackle important issues of society.”
As Osaka continuously champions those around her, she wants Hana Kuma to serve as yet another way to amplify voices and allow others to join her in enacting global change.
“There has been an explosion of creators of color finally being equipped with resources and a huge platform,” said Osaka, according to the press release. “In the streaming age, content has a more global perspective. You can see this in the popularity of television from Asia, Europe, and Latin America that the unique can also be universal. My story is a testament to that as well. I’m so excited for what we are building at Hana Kuma. We will bring stories to life with this goal in mind: to make unique perspectives feel universal and inspire people along the way.”
Building The Team
Joining Osaka for Hana Kuma is its Head of Development Chavonne LeNoir. At her new home, the creative executive and producer will continue her commitment to uplifting the stories of people of color by leading the company’s studio development across scripted and non-fiction content.
Upcoming Projects
In the pipeline for Osaka’s new company is a documentary series with EPIX, as well as its first project “MINK!” about Patsy Mink, the first woman of color elected to Congress, per the release.
