Meet Shohei Ohtani Wife Mamiko Tanaka: Everything We Know About Their Marriage and Family

MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani is married to former Japanese basketball player Mamiko Tanaka. The Los Angeles Dodgers star confirmed in February 2024 that he tied the knot, and in April 2025, he and Tanaka welcomed their first child, a baby girl. The couple has since become one of the most admired pairs in sports, admired for their quiet elegance and shared athletic background.

Ohtani, known for maintaining a low-profile personal life, surprised fans with the announcement. He revealed the news on Instagram, saying he had “begun a new life” with someone special from Japan. Two weeks later, his wife was identified as Mamiko Tanaka, a well-known figure in Japan’s basketball community.

Mamiko Tanaka’s Journey from Basketball Star to MLB Spouse

Mamiko Tanaka was born on December 11, 1996, in Tokyo, Japan. She studied at Waseda University, where she played collegiate basketball before turning professional in 2019 with the Fujitsu Red Wave of Japan’s Women’s Basketball League. Standing 5-foot-11, she was known for her defensive skills and consistent shooting. In her final season, Tanaka shot nearly 48% from the field and 70% from the free-throw line across 28 games.

After four professional seasons, Tanaka retired from basketball in 2023. Soon after, she married Ohtani, who had just joined the Los Angeles Dodgers in one of MLB’s biggest free-agent deals. Their union quickly became a headline topic, merging two elite athletic careers into one shared life chapter.

Ohtani described his wife as a “normal Japanese woman” during a media appearance following his marriage announcement. He also urged reporters not to contact his family or friends for details, emphasizing the couple’s desire for privacy.

Ohtani and Tanaka’s Life Together

The couple made their first public appearance together in March 2024 when the Dodgers traveled to Seoul, South Korea, for their season opener against the San Diego Padres. They were photographed arriving at Incheon International Airport, with Tanaka accompanying Ohtani alongside team staff.

Tanaka has been a visible supporter of her husband’s career. She was seen cheering for Ohtani during several Dodgers games in 2024, including the team’s clinching of the NL West division title. The couple also made their red-carpet debut at the Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala in May 2024, where they posed for photos alongside celebrities and teammates.

On April 19, 2025, Ohtani announced the birth of their daughter on Instagram, writing, “I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful daughter.” The MLB star shared only a photo of the baby’s feet, keeping her name private in keeping with the couple’s tradition of discretion.

The Impact of Their Relationship

Ohtani and Tanaka’s relationship highlights how global athletes balance fame with privacy. Unlike many sports couples, they have maintained a modest and grounded public image. Fans in Japan and the United States have praised Tanaka for her grace and supportiveness, while Ohtani continues to dominate the baseball world both as a hitter and pitcher.

The couple’s growing family adds another layer to Ohtani’s narrative as one of baseball’s most influential figures. With Tanaka’s athletic background and understanding of professional sports, the two share a foundation built on discipline, humility, and teamwork—qualities that mirror Ohtani’s approach to his career.

In summary, Shohei Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, is not just a supportive partner but an accomplished athlete in her own right. Their marriage represents a blend of sports excellence, mutual respect, and privacy, showing that even under the global spotlight, family remains at the heart of Ohtani’s success.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Shohei Ohtani’s wife?

His wife is Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player from Japan who played for the Fujitsu Red Wave.

Q2: When did Shohei Ohtani get married?

Ohtani announced his marriage in February 2024 through a social media post.

Q3: Do Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka have children?

Yes, they welcomed their first daughter in April 2025.

Q4: What is Mamiko Tanaka’s sports background?

She played basketball professionally in Japan from 2019 to 2023 after competing for Waseda University.

Q5: How has marriage affected Ohtani’s public image?

The marriage has strengthened his image as a grounded and family-oriented athlete while keeping his private life largely out of the public eye.