Naomi Osaka’s new project with LeBron James mocked over ‘vulgar’ name

nypost.com:

new media company, Hana Kuma. The sporting superstar, who was born in Japan, told the New York Times Tuesday that hana kuma means “flower bear” in Japanese — but Twitter users quickly noted it has a far more explicit meaning in Swahili, where it translates to “woman without a vagina.”The lost-in-translation controversy began trending on Twitter in multiple African countries, with dozens of users urging Osaka, 24, to change the name of the company, which she founded in partnership with NBA legend LeBron James, 37. “Naomi Osaka has partnered with LeBron James to start a media company called Hana Kuma.

Well, this ‘Hana Kuma’ name means something different in Swahili. I won’t say it,” Ugandan journalist Daniel Kibet tweeted. “Did they do a global search on what the name means?” another asked. “She should have been well advised [that] it has a very vulgar meaning in Swahili which is spoken by many people.” A third blasted: “Amazing the lack of research.

Lots of money but that brand won’t fly in Africa. Let it stay in America and Japan. It’s offensive. Do you even have a clue what it means?

Get rid of your ego and change the name. God forgive your ignorance.”Another also urged Osaka to consider a name change, stating: “If you keep the name #hanakuma, the name will override the news and the stories you wish to share.