Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ two-way superstar, has been making headlines not just for his record-breaking performances on the field but also for his rapidly evolving personal life. On February 29, 2024, Ohtani shocked fans by announcing on Instagram that he had married a “very special” woman from his native Japan, though he initially kept her identity under wraps.
The mystery lasted only two weeks. In March 2024, the Dodgers posted a photo of Ohtani boarding a plane to Seoul with a woman later confirmed to be Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player. The caption casually referred to her as his partner, finally putting speculation to rest.
Who Is Shohei Ohtani’s Wife?
Mamiko Tanaka, born on December 11, 1996, in Mitaka, Tokyo, is far from just a famous athlete’s spouse. She carved out her own legacy as a power forward for the Fujitsu Red Wave in Japan’s Women’s Basketball League from 2019 to 2023. Standing at 5’11″, Tanaka was known for her offensive rebounding and playmaking, averaging 7.8 points and 6.0 rebounds in her final season before retiring. She also represented Japan internationally, winning silver at the 2017 Summer Universiade and nearly making the 2021 Olympic 3×3 team. Her athletic pedigree made her a perfect match for the 6’4″ Ohtani, with fans joking their child would inherit both talent and height.
The couple’s relationship timeline is a masterclass in privacy. Ohtani revealed they’d known each other for three to four years before marrying, calling Tanaka a “normal Japanese woman” during a press conference, though there was nothing ordinary about their shared spotlight. Their first public appearance together was in March 2024, walking through Incheon Airport ahead of the Dodgers’ season opener in Seoul.
Tanaka, dressed in all black, smiled shyly behind Ohtani as fans swarmed, a rare glimpse into their dynamic. By May 2024, she was confidently stepping onto red carpets, posing with Ed Sheeran at the Dodgers Foundation Gala, a far cry from her earlier anonymity.
Parenthood became the next chapter. On December 28, 2024, Ohtani shared an Instagram post featuring a pink onesie, baby shoes, and a sonogram covered by a baby emoji. Their dog, Decoy, photobombed the announcement with the caption, “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!”
The news sent fans into a frenzy, especially after Ohtani’s historic 2024 season, where he led the Dodgers to a World Series win and became the first player to join the 50/50 club with 54 homers and 59 steals. Tanaka, now a fixture at games, was seen celebrating with Ohtani and Decoy on the field after the NL West clinch, her basketball past briefly resurfacing in viral highlight reels.
The “little rookie” arrived on April 19, 2025. Ohtani skipped a game against the Texas Rangers, placed on the paternity list, and announced the birth of their daughter via another heartfelt Instagram post. The photo showed the newborn’s tiny feet cradled in their hands, with Ohtani thanking Tanaka for delivering their “healthy beautiful daughter” and joking about their nervous excitement as first-time parents.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts quipped about Ohtani’s love of sleep facing a new challenge, while teammates rallied around the news. The baby’s gender and birth date were confirmed, but true to form, her name remains undisclosed, a testament to the couple’s guarded approach to privacy.
Tanaka’s transition from athlete to MLB wag (wives and girlfriends) has been seamless but intentional. Early on, she was rarely seen, overshadowed even by Decoy’s social media fame. But as Ohtani’s star burned brighter, Tanaka grew into her role, supporting him alongside Dodgers spouses like Chelsea Freeman and Brianna Betts during the 2024 World Series run.
Her quiet confidence and athletic background made her a relatable figure, with fans admiring her ability to balance motherhood and the glare of the spotlight. The couple’s journey from secrecy to shared milestones mirrors Ohtani’s career trajectory, unexpected yet meticulously timed.
Every detail of their story, from Tanaka’s 47.7% field goal percentage in her final basketball season to the exact date of their Seoul airport debut, paints a picture of two athletes navigating fame on their own terms. Even the baby’s onesie was meticulously chosen, pink ruffles hinting at the daughter who’d soon dominate headlines. With Ohtani set to return to pitching in 2025 and Tanaka embracing motherhood, their narrative is far from over. But one thing’s clear, whether it’s a 448-foot homer or a newborn’s first photo, the Ohtani family knows how to make every moment count.
