Who is Shohei Ohtani's wife? Dodgers Star's secret marriage leaves fans stunned after he makes big Instagram announcement

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are chasing their second straight World Series title — and it’s clear the two-way superstar will once again be the center of attention. His NLCS home run balls alone are reportedly valued in the seven-figure range. As the Dodgers and the Japanese phenom gear up to face the Toronto Blue Jays, fans have begun to wonder how much of Ohtani’s life remains private, especially when it comes to his family and wife, Mamiko Tanaka.

Recently, the Dodgers phenom revealed he had married Mamiko Tanaka, a former basketball athlete, as per US Express News. With attention now focused on the Dodgers and Blue Jays matchup, Ohtani's private affairs are once in spotlight and have come under scrutiny which seems reasonable given the 31-year-old is arguably baseball's most beloved personality.

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Who is Shohei Ohtani's wife?

Shortly after inking a 10-year, $700 million deal with the Dodgers, the Japanese phenomenon gave a big surprise to his fans and 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."

While Shohei 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."

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When did Shohei and Mamiko Tanaka get married?

Ohtani’s love life was kept so private that even his teammates and colleagues within the baseball world had no idea he was in a relationship — let alone married. Details about his marriage to Tanaka were so tightly guarded that many of his fellow players were left curious about how it all happened.

"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.

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