Nissin takes down Osaka ad after backlash

By Jonathan Scott Jan 28, 2019
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Nissin takes down Osaka ad after backlash

ByJonathan Scott

Published Jan 28, 2019

Naomi Osaka did two things exceedingly well in the last two weeks: claiming her second Grand Slam title and reaching the world No. 1 ranking.

She also had another smart move during the Australian Open. When questioned by media members after her tough, three-set semifinal victory over Karolina Pliskova, Osaka offered thoughts about Nissin Food Holdings' recent ad. The Japanese company and sponsor of hers since late 2016 depicted her with a pale complexion and light brown hair in an animated advertisement.

''I've talked to them," Osaka said in the press conference. "They've apologized. It's obvious, I'm tan. It's pretty obvious.''

She believed that Nissin wasn't trying to "whitewash" her, but she noted something that global marketers should heed: ''But I definitely think that the next time they try to portray me or something, I feel like they should talk to me about it."

Advertising

It was a smooth response from the Japanese 21-year-old. A spokesperson for Nissin—no, not Nissan the car company—apologized on the company's behalf. ''We as a company put human rights first, and our stance of valuing diversity is unchanged,'' said Daisuke Okabayashi, as reported by Sports Illustrated and other outlets. He echoed Osaka's statement that the company had not sought to "whitewash" the Haitian-Japanese star, who was born in the city of Osaka, but lives and trains in the United States.

This wasn't the only time that Osaka was portrayed in a strange manner, drawing criticism from fans. After her 2018 US Open championship win against Serena Williams, an Australian political cartoonist drew Osaka to basically appear white.

Based on the backlash, Nissin certainly has a lot to 'noodle' on, and with this controversy an important precedent has been set: inclusion.

Follow Jon on Twitter: @jonscott9.

Nissin takes down Osaka ad after backlash

Nissin takes down Osaka ad after backlash

This Week on Tennis Channel Plus:

WTA St. Petersburg: Starting Monday, Jan. 28 at 5 a.m. ET, catch live coverage of the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy featuring Australian Open finalist Petra Kvitova and Maria Sharapova.

WTA Hua Hin: Top seed Garbine Muguruza headlines the field from Hua Hin. Watch every match of the Thailand Open, starting Monday, Jan. 28 at 3 a.m. ET.