Naomi Osaka’s women’s singles final victory at the 2018 U.S. Open on Sept. 6 excited netizens in Japan, turning the young tennis superstar into one of the most popular figures online. Her trip to Japan last week only generated more buzz, with users being perpetually wowed by her and serious discussions about her identity sprouting up on social media.
After a brief American media blitz and some viral “Ellen” content, Osaka flew to Tokyo to take part in the Toray Pan Pacific Open. In a sign of things to come, even her plane ride over the Pacific ended up being noteworthy. Japanese musician Yoshiki just happened to be on the same flight, making for an online interaction that charmed many. And that was just the start.
Every upload to Osaka’s social media accounts prompted Japanese netizens to congratulate her on her recent success or applaud her itinerary in Tokyo. Watching sumo for the first time? Shares and excitement on Twitter. Taking photos at a “purikura” booth? Wade through the Instagram comments and you’ll find Japanese contributors lapping it up.
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