The talented Los Angeles Dodgers’ star player, Shohei Ohtani, is embracing a remarkable new chapter in his life as he prepares to become a father! This exciting news was shared by the 30-year-old baseball phenomenon and his lovely wife, Mamiko Tanaka, 28, through an Instagram post on Saturday, December 28, 2024. In the heartfelt announcement, Ohtani joyfully wrote, “Can’t wait for the little rookie to join our family soon!” The post featured an adorable photo of their dog, Dekopin, a set of pink ruffled baby pajamas, and an ultrasound image adorned with a baby-face emoji. It seems that Dekopin, affectionately known as “Decoy,” is taking the impending addition to their family in stride, relaxing comfortably with his legs in the air for an endearing snapshot.
As the couple eagerly awaits their new arrival, it’s important to explore and understand the life of Shohei Ohtani’s wife, Mamiko Tanaka, and the beautiful journey they are embarking on together as a married couple.
Meet Mamiko Tanaka: The Accomplished Wife of Shohei Ohtani
According to PEOPLE, Mamiko Tanaka, who is 28 years old, is not only known as the wife of Shohei Ohtani but also as a former professional Japanese basketball player. Her athletic journey began at Waseda University, where she demonstrated her skill and passion for the sport. In 2019, she took her talent to the next level by joining the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women’s Japan Basketball League. Standing tall and graceful at 5’11,” her professional basketball career extended over four impressive years, culminating in her retirement in 2023. Importantly, Mamiko has shown that talent runs in the family, proving that Ohtani is not the only extraordinary athlete in their household.
The Story Behind Shohei Ohtani and Mamiko Tanaka’s Marriage
Although the precise date of their marriage remains undisclosed, Ohtani shared the joyful news of his nuptials in a heartfelt Instagram post on February 29, 2024. He wrote, “To all my friends and fans, I have an announcement to make: Not only have I begun a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have started 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.” His excitement was palpable as he expressed gratitude for the support he has received, and the announcement featured an adorable snapshot of Dekopin in the corner, adding a delightful touch to the momentous occasion.
Just two weeks later, Ohtani and Tanaka were spotted together as they prepared to board a plane heading to Seoul, South Korea, where the Dodgers were scheduled to play. The team took the opportunity to make a significant reveal on Twitter, sharing a photo of Ohtani and Tanaka together, alongside another image featuring Mookie Betts and his wife, Brianna Hammonds. The post was captioned with “Wheels up to Seoul,” capturing the excitement of the moment.
Despite the two significant announcements regarding their marriage and upcoming parenthood, Ohtani has chosen to keep his personal life with Tanaka largely private. The baseball superstar has been quite reserved on social media, sharing minimal details about his everyday life with his wife. This choice reflects a desire to maintain a sense of privacy amid their public personas.
Welcoming Their First Child: The Joyous News of Parenthood
In an exciting update, Shohei Ohtani announced via Instagram in April 2025 that his wife had given birth to their first child, a beautiful daughter. In his heartfelt post, he expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy, beautiful daughter.” He continued with a touching message for their newborn, saying, “To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.” This announcement marks a significant milestone in their lives as a family.
According to The Los Angeles Times, Ohtani’s announcement of his daughter’s birth comes during a year filled with transformative changes, including his high-profile switch from the Angels to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In December 2023, he signed a staggering $700 million contract with the legendary franchise, and he subsequently led the team to secure its eighth World Series title in November 2024, cementing his status as one of baseball’s greatest players.
