Tennis star Naomi Osaka and her older sister Mari Osaka once turned an everyday pandemic essential into a creative fundraising project supporting disadvantaged young people in Japan.
In July 2020, the sisters launched a limited-edition face mask priced at $10, with proceeds going toward UNICEF programs supporting disadvantaged youth in Japan. The project combined their interest in fashion and Japanese culture with a charitable cause.
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A Mask Designed To Be More Than Protection
The idea began with Naomi, who wanted to create a mask that was not only useful for protection but could also serve as a fashion statement.
At the time, she noticed that many people in the United States were wearing similar medical masks, while masks had already been a familiar part of everyday life in Japan, including as a form of personal style.
Mari joined the project and helped develop the design.
Cartoon Eyes Inspired By Japanese Culture
The final mask featured playful cartoon-style animal eyes.
The design reflected the sisters’ shared love of animation and cartoons, while also drawing inspiration from their connection to Japan. Naomi and Mari spent part of their childhood between Long Island and Tokyo and developed a strong interest in Japanese fashion and culture.
Naomi had previously recalled visiting areas such as Harajuku, Shibuya and Ginza during trips to Tokyo, experiences that influenced her appreciation of Japanese fashion.
$10 Masks Supporting UNICEF Programs
The charity component was at the heart of the initiative.
The sisters worked with UNICEF Japan, directing the proceeds from the mask sales toward programs supporting disadvantaged youth in Japan. The amount ultimately raised was not publicly disclosed.
The first batch reportedly sold out, showing the strong interest surrounding the project.
A Practical Design With Reusable Features
The masks were designed for repeated use rather than being disposable face coverings.
According to coverage of the project, they featured a three-layer construction and could be washed up to around 50 times.
This combined everyday practicality with the sisters’ aim of making protective equipment feel more personal and expressive.
Naomi Osaka’s Connection To Japan
Beyond the charitable goal, the project reflected Osaka’s longstanding connection to her mother’s homeland.
Naomi and Mari grew up with influences from both Japan and the United States, and their memories of Tokyo played a role in shaping the mask’s visual identity.
The project therefore brought together several elements of their lives—fashion, animation, Japanese culture and philanthropy.
Why This Matters
1. Turning Everyday Products Into Fundraising Tools
The project showed how an ordinary item could be connected to a social cause.
2. Supporting Disadvantaged Youth
Proceeds were directed toward UNICEF programs supporting young people facing disadvantage in Japan.
3. Combining Fashion and Charity
The sisters used a playful design to make a practical pandemic item more expressive.
4. A Personal Connection To Japan
The initiative also reflected Naomi and Mari’s cultural connection and childhood experiences in Japan.
Final Word
What began as Naomi Osaka’s idea for a more fashionable face mask became a collaboration with her sister Mari that connected creativity with charitable giving.
The $10 masks were ultimately more than pandemic accessories they provided a way for the Osaka sisters to channel their shared interests into support for disadvantaged young people in Japan through UNICEF programs.
