Naomi Osaka stuns at Wimbledon with all-white kimono paying homage to Japanese heritage, then wins opening match
Naomi Osaka arrived for her first-round Wimbledon match in an elegant, full-length white kimono, inspired by Japanese tradition and the film Kill Bill, before defeating France's Elsa Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5.
The entrance
Osaka walked onto Court 3 enveloped in a white ceremonial kimono, immediately drawing gasps and applause from the crowd. The garment was crafted from reclaimed vintage kimonos and a traditional Japanese wedding robe (shiromuku), layered with a long tulle bow at the back. Underneath, she wore her official Nike match dress, but the kimono dominated the moment.
Design and inspiration
Designed by Tokyo-based Hana Yagi, the kimono featured embroidered cranes and cherry blossoms, symbols deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Osaka later said the silhouette was deliberate:
The piece also nodded to Quentin Tarantino's film:When I think about the most iconic silhouette, for me it is a kimono. You don't have to see the colour of a kimono to know that it is a kimono.
I love Kill Bill. I remembered absolutely falling in love with Lucy Liu's character. She has an all-white kimono, and I remember thinking that was really cool. It was my interpretation of that, while also paying a lot of respect and love to Japan.
Respecting tradition
Wimbledon's dress code demands nearly all-white attire, a rule enforced with military rigour since 1877. Osaka's kimono, though elaborate, complied fully. Before the match she removed the detachable outer layers to reveal her competition outfit. Designer Hana Yagi explained to Vogue that the pieces were made from
repurposed kimonos and traditional Japanese wedding garments originally created for important moments in people's lives.
After the win
Osaka defeated Jacquemot comfortably and then reflected on her approach:
She admitted that the elaborate entrance added pressure, but also helped her focus. The victory advances her to the second round.When I am on the court I don't want to be myself, but someone different and I try to get into that role a little bit.
Crowds and commentary
The public reaction was immediate.
Fans turned their heads as she walked by, and many called the kimono beautiful. Osaka promised more striking looks for later rounds.It's something we have been waiting all day, right? to see what Naomi Osaka will show up in at Wimbledon.
