After keeping her identity a secret since February, LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani’s wife has been named. On February 29, Ohtani confirmed that he got married to ‘someone from my native country of Japan,’ without revealing his bride. Two weeks later, a photo of Ohtani with Japanese basketball player Mamiko Tanaka led to speculations about his mystery wife.
‘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,’ he wrote in an announcement on Instagram. ‘I am excited for what is come and thank you for your support,’ he continued.’
Here DailyMail.com discusses everything you need to know about Ohtani’s wife, the former Japanese basketball star.
Shohei Ohtani’s mysterious wife was finally revealed on a social media post by the Dodgers Ohtani’s wife is former Japanese basketball player Mamiko Tanaka (L) who retired in 2023
Tanaka was born on December 11, 1996. While Ohtani referred to her as a ‘normal Japanese woman’ in a press conference, she had quite an impressive career in basketball. Tanaka played for Waseeda University before entering the pro ranks in 2019 with the Fujitsu Red Wave of the Women’s Japan Basketball League. The 5-foot-11 forward played with the Red Wave for four years before retiring in 2023.
During her last season in 2023, Tanaka shot 47.7 percent from the field and 69.9 percent from the free throw line across 28 games, per ESPN. Earlier in her career, Tanaka also represented Japan in international competitions. Her FIBA profile shows that she played in the FIFA Asia Championship for Women in 2011 (U16), 2012 (U17), and 2014 (U18).
A highlight reel posted by Barstool Sports also shows Tanaka playing in FIBA’s 3×3 tournaments. On Thursday, Tanaka and Ohtani were pictured as the Dodgers landed in Seoul, South Korea. The team posted their picture next to one of LA star Mookie Bets and his wife, Brianna Hammonds.
Tanaka played for Waseeda University before entering the professional ranks in 2019.
Tanaka played for the Fujitsu Red Wave of the Women’s Japan Basketball League for four years
Shohei Ohtani’s wife could start for the Wizards
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) March 14, 2024
‘Wheels up to Seoul,’ the Dodgers captioned the post, labeling Tanaka as Ohtani’s wife in the alt text of the photo. Upon arriving in Seoul, Ohtani and Tanaka were greeted by a crowd of fans as the Dodgers gear up to play their season opener against the San Diego Padres.
‘We are still young and [there are] many things we don’t know yet, but we hope you will warmly watch over us,’ Ohtani said after his wedding announcement. ‘We hope that the two of us (and one dog) will work together to support each other and move forward alongside with our fans.’Â ‘I don’t really feel comfortable talking about when I got married exactly,’ Ohtani added, per TIME. He did, however, say that it was ‘good timing’ to share the news as the season is starting.
In February, Ohtani announced that he got married but did not reveal who his bride was
Ohtani embarks on his first season with the Dodgers after signing a record 10-year, $700 million deal with the team in December. Before joining the team, he played for the Los Angeles Angels in Orange County. Ohtani underwent surgery on his right elbow and will not pitch for the Dodgers this season.
Instead, he will be utilized as a designated hitter and could possibly play in the field. The Dodgers have done well in spring training, amassing a 13-5 record. The team finished last season with 100 wins in 62 losses before falling to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the League Divisional Series.
