Shohei Ohtani, the renowned MLB player, recently confirmed his marriage in February 2024, choosing to keep his wife's identity private. Speculation arose when he was seen with Mamiko Tanaka, a former Japanese basketball player, shortly after the announcement.
Tanaka, born on Dec. 11, 1996, played for Waseeda University before turning professional with the Fujitsu Red Wave in 2019. In her final season in 2023, she boasted impressive shooting rates of 47.7% from the field and 69.9% from the free-throw line across 28 games.
Ohtani described Tanaka as a 'normal Japanese woman' during a press conference following the marriage announcement. In his Instagram post, he shared the news in both English and Japanese, requesting privacy for his family and friends regarding his wife.
Expressing excitement for the future, Ohtani emphasized the importance of fan support and the couple's journey together. The Dodgers player and Tanaka were later spotted together boarding a plane to Seoul, South Korea, where the team was scheduled to play.
Upon arrival in Seoul, the couple was warmly welcomed by fans as they made their way to a waiting limousine. Ohtani acknowledged the crowd with a wave, while Tanaka smiled, showcasing a united front as they embarked on this new chapter together.