As the MLB postseason unfolds, all eyes are on Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers, but there’s another story brewing away from the diamond. Ohtani’s remarkable first playoff campaign with the Dodgers has been nothing short of sensational, as the two-way talent continues to dazzle fans and analysts alike. Having become the first player in history to record 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, Ohtani remains pivotal to the Dodgers’ championship aspirations.
In a recent display of brilliance during Game 3 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the New York Mets, Ohtani electrified Citi Field with a stunning 410-foot home run, propelling the Dodgers to an emphatic 8-0 victory. His hot streak didn’t stop there; just a couple of days later, he continued to shine in Game 4 on October 17, smashing a 422-foot homer that not only gave the Dodgers an early advantage but also marked his inaugural postseason hit when no runners were on base.
Yet, while Ohtani’s on-field heroics are capturing headlines, an air of intrigue lingers regarding his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. The 27-year-old, who tied the knot with Ohtani in February 2024, has chosen to remain largely out of the spotlight, opting for a low-key existence away from the media glare.
Tanaka, once a professional basketball player in Japan, made waves as a forward for the Fujitsu Red Wave before deciding to step back from competitive sports. When Ohtani first shared the news of their marriage, he kept her identity relatively private, revealing her name only later when he posted a candid snapshot of the couple ahead of a trip to South Korea.
Despite receiving a warm welcome upon their arrival at Incheon International Airport, Tanaka maintained a subtle presence, trailing behind her husband and allowing Ohtani to take center stage. It appears she is quite content to avoid the limelight, as her public appearances are few and far between. However, she has shown her support during special moments, such as when she and Ohtani were spotted rubbing shoulders with musician Ed Sheeran at the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala in May—one of their rare appearances together.
Most recently, Tanaka was seen cheering on her husband at Dodger Stadium on September 26 during the Dodgers’ triumphant clinching of the NL West title. Amidst the thrill of postseason baseball, Mamiko Tanaka remains a figure shrouded in mystery, adding another layer to the captivating narrative of Shohei Ohtani’s postseason journey.