Tennis star Naomi Osaka surprised fans at Wimbledon on Monday. She arrived for her first-round match in a special white outfit inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono.
Osaka worked with a Japanese designer named Hana Yagi to create the long white gown. The outfit is named "Evolving Ceremony." It was made from seven different recycled fabrics, including old kimonos and wedding dresses. It featured beautiful drawings of cherry blossoms and cranes, which are signs of good luck in Japan. Osaka also wore a traditional Japanese flower ornament in her hair.
Osaka said she wanted to celebrate her Japanese culture. She also had to follow Wimbledon's strict rules, which say players must wear only white clothes. She explained that she got the idea from a character in the movie "Kill Bill" who wears a white kimono.
Before the game started, Osaka took off the kimono gown. Underneath, she wore a white Nike tennis dress with 3D flower designs. She played against Elsa Jacquemot from France. Osaka won the match 6-1, 7-5.