The four-time Grand Slam winner has now been immortalized in plastic. In honor of Naomi Osaka, Mattel has released a Naomi Osaka Barbie doll. Carlyle Nuera designed the Osaka doll as part of the Barbie Role Models Doll line featuring inspiring women worldwide.
“I hope all child is reminded that they can be and do anything,” Osaka wrote in her tweet announcing the collaboration.
In an essay for Time, “It’s OK to not be OK,” Osaka explained why she took a mental health break a few months ago.
This Naomi Osaka Barbie wears a Nike tennis dress inspired by her outfit from the 2020 Australian Open, complete with Nike shoes, a visor, and a Yonex tennis racket. (It’s a bit strange that they chose to recreate this particular look rather than ones from other tournaments she won, but it’s pretty cool still.)
The doll even recreates Osaka’s curly hair and beauty marks, so you know it’s the four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. In addition, it has a poseable body with 22 points of articulation and a display stand. If you have a Naomi Osaka Barbie, you’re going to want to show it off.
Breaking records and inspiring the next generation🎾We are proud to announce athlete and change maker @naomiosaka as the newest #Barbie Role Model doll! #YouCanBeAnything https://t.co/MWvQjGNIdd pic.twitter.com/Oceg1EZnL0
— Barbie (@Barbie) July 12, 2021
“Naomi’s athletic skill is unmatched, that’s a fact,” said Nuera. “But what I personally admire most about Naomi Osaka is how she uses her platform, the spotlight on her, and her voice, to advocate for social justice.”
He has spoken out about issues such as racism and mental health, and is a passionate philanthropist.
As a result of the television coverage we receive and our prominence on social media, athletes have larger and more visible platforms than ever before, Osaka writes in an opinion piece for the 2020 New York Times. As I see it, that also means that we have a greater responsibility to speak out.”
I first teamed up with @Barbie in 2019 and today we’re introducing the Barbie Role Model Naomi Osaka doll. I hope every child is reminded that they can be and do anything: https://t.co/GrPuW1WkMn
Fun fact : (the doll is wearing my outfit from the 2020 Australian Open lol) pic.twitter.com/DlL98lNfQj
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) July 12, 2021
Mattel’s new doll isn’t the first time Osaka has been immortalized. As part of Barbie’s “Shero” line, the tennis player was among 20 women who received dolls based on their likeness in 2019. This is the first time the public will be able to purchase a Naomi Osaka Barbie. Naomi Osaka Barbies are available for purchase.
Most fans who want to recreate Osaka’s Grand Slam wins will have to wait a while. There is a purchase limit of two Barbies per person, yet the $29.99 doll sold out online “[due to] high demand.”. Currently, there is no indication of when it will be back in stock, but you can request to be notified once it is.
As Osaka is currently taking a break from competition, there is a good chance your Osaka Barbie will still arrive to watch her next match with you.