Who is Shohei Ohtani’s wife Mamiko Tanaka? Inside his relationship with Japanese basketball player after mystery marriage announcement

After keeping her identity secret since February, the wife of LA Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has been named.

On February 29, Ohtani confirmed he had married “someone from my native Japan,” without revealing his bride. Two weeks later, a photo of Ohtani with Japanese basketball player Mamiko Tanaka sparked speculation about his mystery wife.

“Not only have I started a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers, but I have also started a new life with someone from my native Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know that I am now married.” , he said. wrote in an announcement on Instagram.

“I’m excited for what’s to 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.

Ohtani’s wife is former Japanese basketball player Mamiko Tanaka (L), who retired in 2023

Tanaka was born on December 11, 1996. Although Ohtani called her a “normal Japanese woman” during a press conference, she had quite an impressive career in basketball.

Tanaka played for Waseeda University before entering the professional ranks in 2019 with the Fujitsu Red Wave of the Women’s Japan Basketball League. The 6-foot-4 forward played four years with the Red Wave before retiring in 2023.

During her senior season in 2023, Tanaka shot 47.7 percent from the field and 69.9 percent from the free throw line over 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 shows Tanaka playing in FIBA’s 3×3 tournaments.

On Thursday, Tanaka and Ohtani were photographed as the Dodgers landed in Seoul, South Korea. The team posted their photo 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 four years for the Fujitsu Red Wave of the Women’s Japan Basketball League

“On wheels to Seoul,” the Dodgers captioned the post, labeling Tanaka as Ohtani’s wife in the photo’s alt text.

Upon arriving in Seoul, Ohtani and Tanaka were greeted by a crowd of fans as the Dodgers prepared 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 watch over us warmly,” Ohtani said after his wedding announcement. “We hope the two of us (and one dog) will work together to support each other and move forward together with our fans.”

“I don’t really feel comfortable talking about when exactly I got married,” Ohtani added. However, he said it was “good timing” to share the news as the season begins.

Tanaka joined Ohtani and the Dodgers in Seoul, Korea, as the team prepares to take on the Padres

In February, Ohtani announced he was getting married, but did not reveal who his bride was

Ohtani is entering his first season with the Dodgers after signing a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract 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 used as a design hitter and could potentially play in the field.

The Dodgers have done well in spring training, compiling a 13-5 record. The team finished last season with 100 wins in 62 losses before losing to the Arizona Diamondbacks in the League Divisional Series.