Shohei Ohtani is not only one of the biggest stars in baseball today, but he’s also the highest paid. In December 2023, the Japanese pitcher signed the largest contract in MLB history with the Los Angeles Dodgers for $700 million over 10 years.
In addition to pitching, Ohtani is also a designated hitter. Thanks to his elite contributions at both positions, he’s been given the nickname “Sho-time.” But even though he is a baseball phenom and draws comparisons to Babe Ruth, Ohtani is a very private person and just recently revealed that he’s married.
Here’s more about Ohtani’s wife Mamiko Tanaka, and why some sports fans may know her.
When Ohtani announced that he was married
In February 2024, Ohtani announced on Instagram in both Japanese and English captions that he had gotten married.
He wrote: “To all my friends and fans throughout, I have an announcement to make. Not only have I began a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have began a new life with someone from my native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married. I am excited for what is come and thank you for your support.”
At the time, he did not reveal his wife’s name or when they actually got hitched explaining: “I don’t really feel comfortable talking about when I got married exactly.”
Ohtani did say that they had known each other for “three to four years” and she was “supportive of him signing with the Dodgers.”
Weeks later, FOX Sports shared a photo on X of Ohtani next to his bride and posted Tanaka’s name.
Tanaka used to play professional sports
Tanaka was born on Dec. 11, 1996, and like her husband, she is an athlete.
Tanaka is a former professional basketball player. After playing for Waseeda University in college, the 5-foot-11 forward signed with Fujitsu Red Wave in 2019. That year the team finished the regular season with a 13-3 record.
The Red Wave’s most successful season during Tanaka’s tenure came in 2021 when the team finished the season 17-3 and secured a postseason berth. The Red Wave won the quarterfinal and semifinal but lost in the finals.
Tanaka also represented Japan in the Fifa Asia Championship for Women. She retired from the sport in 2023.
Ohtani describes his wife as ‘normal’
After announcing that he tied the knot, Ohtani called his wife a “normal Japanese woman,” meaning she is not a celebrity.
When speaking about his marriage, Ohtani said: “We are still young and [there are] many things we don’t know yet … We hope that the two of us (and one dog) will work together to support each other and move forward alongside with our fans.”
