Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are pursuing their second consecutive World Series title, and it’s evident that the superstar will be a major attraction of the championship, with his NLCS home run baseballs estimated to be worth seven figures. As the Dodgers and the Japanese sensation prepare to battle the Toronto Blue Jays, supporters have questioned just how private Ohtani remains, particularly regarding his family life and spouse, Mamiko Tanaka.
It was only recently that the Dodgers phenom revealed he had wed Tanaka, a former basketball athlete. With attention now focused on the Dodgers and Blue Jays matchup, Ohtani’s private affairs are once again under scrutiny, which seems reasonable given the 31-year-old is arguably baseball’s most beloved personality.
Who is Shohei Ohtani’s wife?
Shortly after inking a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers, the Japanese phenomenon stunned the sporting world by revealing his marriage. On Instagram, the athlete posted: “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 to come and thank you for your support.”
Does Shohei Ohtani have kids?
While Ohtani chose to keep her identity under wraps, it was later disclosed that Tanaka had become his wife, with the former basketball player making occasional appearances at Dodger Stadium. The couple celebrated the arrival of their first child, a daughter, in April 2025, sharing a two-photo Instagram post featuring a heartfelt message to supporters and an image of their baby’s tiny feet.
“Welcome to the Ohtani Family!” the announcement read. “I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy beautiful daughter. To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.”
When did they get married?
Ohtani’s romance was shrouded in such secrecy that even his teammates and colleagues within his baseball organizations remained unaware that the Japanese sensation had a significant other or had tied the knot. The specifics surrounding Ohtani’s marriage to Tanaka remained closely guarded, causing some of his fellow players to wonder about the circumstances.
“It’s cool,” former Dodgers player Chris Taylor remarked when questioned about whether he felt slighted by not receiving a wedding invitation, according to Sports Illustrated. “He wasn’t invited to mine.”
Current Los Angeles player Kike Hernandez confessed he was completely baffled upon seeing Ohtani’s announcement, sharing with the publication that he felt bewildered. “He only posted a picture of his dog,” Hernandez revealed.
“So I want to ask him if he married his dog.”
According to Yuko Tamura, the Japanese culture’s view on marriage plays a role in this secrecy. In essence, the bride usually places the husband’s parents and family customs first. If a notable figure like Ohtani asks his wife to maintain a low profile, it is expected of her to comply.
