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What does 'Hana Kuma' mean? Naomi Osaka and LeBron James trolled for 'vulgar' company name

The name of the company has triggered a bizarre controversy due to its explicit meaning in Swahili

Naomi Osaka, 24, a four-time Grand Slam tennis champ has teamed up with NBA legend LeBron James to launch her new media company named 'Hana Kuma'. Apparently, the name of the company has triggered a bizarre controversy on social media due to its explicit meaning in Swahili, where it translates to “woman without a vagina.” Knowingly or unknowingly, Osaka's choice of name has given huge attention to the company. The sporting superstar, who was born in Japan, told the New York Times Tuesday, June 22 that Hana Kuma means “flower bear” in Japanese.

The name controversy began trending on Twitter in multiple African countries, which many users slamming Osaka and urging her to change the name of the company that she shares with James. “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.

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A user asked, "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.”

“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 user wrote.

Osaka hasn’t yet responded to the controversy, but she shared a cryptic tweet Wednesday night, writing: “Prayers for all my overthinkers. We be going through it.” To which a user replied, "“If you keep the name #hanakuma, the name will override the news and the stories you wish to share. The name of the brand is already news! I suggest a change and also, just being a bit respectful to global culture. It’s not overthinking here, it’s protecting a brand!” One user called the name "unethical" and wrote, "This name, Hana Kuma, In swahili is a very unethical name that means "Not Having a Vagina."

"Good idea; the problem is the name of the company "Hana Kuma" in Swahili speaking countries & people it sound lewd/indecent name, it has a rather more explicit meaning -- that a woman has no vagina," another user wrote. 

Many users mocked Osaka for her choice of company's name with their witty tweets. A user user, "How will I convince my parents I wanna watch Hana Kuma channel." Another user shared a picture of a man with swollen face and wrote, "Me when I tell my mom my favorite series is about to start on Hana Kuma channel:"

Osaka told the Times that she hopes Hana Kuma will become a top Hollywood media company that produces TV shows, documentaries and branded content. The company has been founded in partnership with SpringHill - a marketing firm co-founded by James. Osaka said that the company will place an emphasis on diverse storytelling. “What excites me is being able to inspire people and tell new stories, particularly ones that I would have wanted to see when I was a kid,” she stated. “I always wanted to kind of see someone like me.”

The tennis sports star is currently the world’s highest-paid female athlete, raking in a whopping $57 million last year. Much of Osaka’s earnings come from endorsement deals, with the savvy star inking lucrative partnerships with brands including Nike and Louis Vuitton. Earlier this week, the former World No 1 announced she was withdrawing from the upcoming Wimbledon tournament, due to an Achilles injury.