Naomi Osaka, the international tennis sensation, has often been the subject of intrigue due to her multicultural roots. Recently, she provided a candid response to a fan’s inquiry about her origin during an Instagram Q&A, stating, “I’m from everywhere babygirl.” This reaction aligns with Osaka’s self-proclaimed identity as a “global citizen,” a testament to her Japanese and Haitian heritage and her international career.
Born on October 16, 1997, in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan, Naomi Osaka’s heritage is as multifaceted as her tennis game. She is the daughter of Tamaki Osaka, a native of Nemuro, Hokkaido, Japan, and Leonard François, who hails from Jacmel, Haiti. At the tender age of four, Naomi’s family relocated from Japan to New York, Long Island, to be closer to her paternal grandparents.
The move to the United States marked the beginning of her tennis training under her father’s guidance, alongside her sister, Mari. Their training journey later took them to Florida, known for its superior tennis training facilities. Despite her upbringing in the United States, Naomi and Mari were chosen to represent Japan in their professional careers, a decision that was influenced by their strong connection to their Japanese heritage.
Naomi’s mother, Tamaki Osaka, clarified this decision in an interview with The Wall Street Journal, stating that it was never financially motivated nor influenced by any national federation. Naomi and Mari were raised in a household that embraced both Japanese and Haitian cultures, and they’ve always identified as Japanese.
For much of her life, Naomi held dual citizenship of both the United States and Japan. However, Japanese law mandates individuals to select one nationality before their 22nd birthday. Naomi chose to retain her Japanese citizenship in October 2019, just before the deadline, allowing her to represent Japan in the Tokyo Olympics.
Despite her commitment to Japan, the four-time Grand Slam champion retains strong ties to the United States. She owns a lavish $7 million residence in Beverly Hills, California, and her formative tennis training years were spent in America. Naomi continues to pay homage to her Japanese heritage in various ways, including through her fashion choices.
The US Open last year saw Naomi sporting an attire that celebrated her Japanese roots. This ensemble, a collaboration with Nike and Japanese designer Yoon Ahn, included a green competition dress, a white jacket, sneakers, and Bose headphones, all accentuated with oversized bows. Ahn took inspiration from the Harajuku fashion trend, creating outfits that embody the “Lolita goth” style, a popular Japanese fashion trend.
The Japanese tennis star’s career took a backseat in 2023 following the birth of her daughter, Shai. Her return to the sport in 2024 has been riddled with challenges, as she attempts to regain her form. The 27-year-old had to bow out of the Australian Open’s third round in 2025 due to a strained abdominal muscle.
Naomi Osaka’s next move is eagerly awaited by fans worldwide. She has confirmed her participation in the Indian Wells tournament scheduled for March. As spectators gear up for this event, they are left wondering: Will this season witness the resurgence of Naomi Osaka’s dominance on the tennis court? Only time will tell.
