Tennis queen Osaka a role model, says 'Indian' Miss Japan

Japanese tennis sensation Naomi Osaka not only hit the cash jackpot with her historic US Open victory -- she struck a blow for racial equality, according to a former Miss Japan.

Following her 6-2 6-4 thrashing of childhood idol Serena Williams in New York earlier this month, Osaka is set to become a global marketing force as sponsors prepare to break the bank to sign the 20-year-old.

But Priyanka Yoshikawa, who two years ago was crowned Miss Japan, believes Osaka can also help break down cultural barriers in a country where multi-racial children make up just two percent of those born annually.

"Naomi is definitely a role model," the half-Indian beauty queen told AFP.

"Japan should be proud of her -- she can definitely break down walls, she will have a big impact."
"Whether you're part Russian, American or African, you're still categorised as 'haafu' in Japan."
- 'Not about language' -
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"Why does that bother people? It's just because she has darker skin and is mixed race. People still ask me if I eat curry every day or if I can use chopsticks!
"But she's what she thinks she is. If you think you're Japanese, you're Japanese."
- Earning power -
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"She is tri-racial (Japan, United States and Haiti), a world athlete. Naomi is now the most marketable athlete in Japan, maybe in the world."