Japan celebrates Osaka; Sponsors cautious about activism

Posted September 14, 2020 7:00 am

By YURI KAGEYAMA and STEPHEN WADE

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2020, file photo, Naomi Osaka, of Japan, wears a protective mask due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, featuring the name "George Floyd", while arriving on court to face Shelby Rogers, of the United States, during the quarterfinal round of the US Open tennis championships, in New York. Osaka's victory in the U.S. Open helped raised the issue of racial injustice in the United States. Before each of her matches, she wore a mask with the names of seven Black Americans who died as victims of violence.(AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File) The Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) - Japan is celebrating Naomi Osaka's victory at the U.S. Open, especially her array of corporate sponsors.

But like much of Japan, they are more muted in backing - or understanding - her campaign against racial injustice in the United States. Unlike the U.S., Japan has relatively few immigrants and has a generally lower level of awareness about racism - even at home.

Osaka was born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father, but moved to the United States when she was three and was raised there.

Before each of her seven U.S. Open matches, she wore a mask with the names of Black Americans who died as the victims of violence.

Osaka is expected to compete for Japan in next year's Olympics and, like many athletes, may want to use that stage to deliver her message; in Osaka's case, the Black Lives Matter campaign.

The International Olympic Committee prohibits displays of 'œpolitical, religious or racial propaganda'ť on the Olympic medal podium under its so-called Rule 50. But many athletes are pushing for more rights to speak out at upcoming Olympics.

Some people lobbying for change have said 'œanti-racist'ť speech is not political speech.

The Associated Press contacted several of Osaka's sponsors. Forbes magazine listed her last year as the world's richest female athlete with earnings of $37.4 million in the previous 12 months.

The reaction of Japanese watch-maker Citizen Watch Co. was typical of the responses. The company declined to comment on the masks, but expressed delight in an official statement that the tennis star was wearing one of its products - a Naomi Osaka watch with a yellow band during the U.S. Open.

Sports equipment manufacturer Yonex Co. expressed support for Osaka's feelings, while also stressing that she won her third Grand Slam using one of its rackets.

"National borders and racial discrimination should not exist in sports, and we are carrying out our business activities with hopes that everyone who takes part in sports around the world will have fun. We think Ms. Osaka's actions reflect our basic stance, and we respect her actions.'ť

Nissin Foods - the instant noodle maker - said Osaka's third Grand Slam win underlined the spirit behind the company's 'œHungry to win'ť slogan, and looked forward to her participation in the Olympics.

But when asked about the masks and Osaka's campaign against racial injustice, the spokesman declined comment calling it 'œher personal matter.'ť

Automaker Nissan Motor Co. said it planned no statement.

Some response on Japanese social media has been negative, lashing out at Osaka. Of course, there has also been ample praise.

Negative outbursts against people who stand out can be common in Japan, where conformity and teamwork are valued, and individualism is often seen as selfish and unbecoming.

The statement from the Japanese Prime Minister's Office made no reference to Osaka's masks or any mention about racial injustice, saying on Twitter: 'œCongratulations. It was a full-set comeback from behind, and you never gave up till the end. Thanks for inspiring us.'ť

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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2020, file photo, Naomi Osaka, of Japan, holds up the championship trophy after defeating Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, in the women's singles final of the US Open tennis championships, in New York. Osaka's victory in the U.S. Open helped raised the issue of racial injustice in the United States. Before each of her matches, she wore a mask with the names of seven Black Americans who died as victims of violence. The daughter of a Japanese mother and Haitian father, she has become a leader of the Black Lives Matter movement. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2020, file photo, Naomi Osaka, of Japan, reacts during the women's singles final against Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, during the US Open tennis championships, in New York. Japan is celebrating Naomi Osaka's victory at the U.S. Open, especially her array of corporate sponsors - many of whom represent corporate Japan.But like much of Japan, they are more muted in backing - or understanding - her campaign against racial injustice in the United States. Unlike the United States, Japan has relatively few immigrants and has a generally low level of awareness about racism - even at home. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2020, file photo, Naomi Osaka, of Japan, returns a shot to Victoria Azarenka, of Belarus, during the women's singles final of the US Open tennis championships, in New York. Osaka's victory in the U.S. Open helped raised the issue of racial injustice in the United States. Before each of her matches, she wore a mask with the names of seven Black Americans who died as victims of violence. The daughter of a Japanese mother and Haitian father, she has become a leader of the Black Lives Matter movement. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File) The Associated Press

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