The Los Angeles Dodgers sensation Shohei Ohtani made headlines not just for his groundbreaking contract but also for his personal life by announcing his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka, a name that quickly intrigued fans worldwide.
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- Shohei Ohtani announced his marriage to a former professional basketball player, Mamiko Tanaka.
- Ohtani signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the largest in sports history.
- The couple made their first public appearance on Instagram before the Dodgers’ trip to South Korea for MLB Opening Day.
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Shohei Ohtani Announces Marriage to Mamiko Tanaka
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In February 2024, Ohtani revealed he had married Mamiko Tanaka, a former Japanese basketball player, marking their first public appearance as a married couple.
Their relationship, once private and filled with clandestine meetings, beautifully evolved into public acknowledgment.
Mamiko Tanaka: Basketball Star Over the Years
Mamiko Tanaka, born on December 11, 1996, is celebrated for her basketball career in Japan.
Before her retirement in 2023, she played for Waseeda University and later for the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women’s Japan Basketball League.
Known for her forward position, she ended her last season with impressive averages, including a 47.7% field goal shooting and a 69.9% free throw rate.
When he first shared the news about getting married, Ohtani kept Tanaka’s identity a secret. He simply described his wife to journalists as a “normal Japanese woman.”
Mamiko Tanaka: a normal Japanese woman pic.twitter.com/RwnvXFNDGl
— Shawn Spradling (@Shawn_Spradling) March 14, 2024
How Did the Two Meet?
The love story between Ohtani and Tanaka began at a training facility, where a simple greeting led to a blossoming relationship.
Despite the challenges of a long-distance relationship with Ohtani in the US and Tanaka in Japan, their bond only grew stronger, culminating in marriage.
Tanaka’s Understanding of Ohtani’s Career
Ohtani has expressed that Tanaka’s comprehension of his profession played no part in his free agency decisions, highlighting the supportive and understanding nature of their relationship.
This partnership brings together two individuals deeply rooted in the sports world, sharing mutual respect and understanding of the demands and pressures it entails.
Shohei Ohtani’s Record-Breaking Contract
Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract is worth more than the Arizona Coyotes pic.twitter.com/R4YH15I9Do
— Baseball Doesn’t Exist (@BaseballDoesnt) December 9, 2023
Amidst personal revelations, Ohtani signed a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers, making it the largest contract the sports world has ever seen.
This historic deal not only shatters the record for the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball (MLB) but also in the entire realm of North American sports.
Couple’s Journey to Seoul for Historic MLB Game
Wheels up to Seoul. pic.twitter.com/NgeQYiwgS2
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 14, 2024
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ 2024 season commences in Seoul, South Korea, marking the first time an MLB regular season game is held in the country.
This monumental event, featuring games against the San Diego Padres, showcases the global appeal of baseball and the international stature of players like Ohtani.
What’s Next for Ohtani and Tanaka?
As Shohei Ohtani continues to break records on the field, and Mamiko Tanaka steps into a new phase post-basketball, fans eagerly watch this power couple.
Their journey from private individuals to public figures showcases a unique blend of talent, discretion, and dedication, setting them apart in the world of sports celebrities.
Their story shines a light on big moments in their careers and also tells us about their love story. They met by chance, and their relationship grew despite the tough world of professional sports.
Moving forward, Ohtani and Tanaka will continue to be a source of inspiration and curiosity, leading their lives with both personal and professional wins.
