With the World Series spotlight on her husband, Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, Mamiko Tanaka has found herself in the public eye more than ever—whether intentionally or not. During Game 1 of the World Series against the New York Yankees, Tanaka was spotted hanging out with Chelsea Freeman, wife of Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, while rocking her custom ‘Ohtani’ outfit.
Her enthusiastic support drew plenty of attention, with fans loving her stylish tribute to her husband. Before Game 5, additional footage surfaced online showing Tanaka’s basketball skills, and it quickly went viral. The clips showcased her playing professionally in Japan, demonstrating that she was an “absolute baller” during her career.
On Friday, the Dodgers celebrated their 8th franchise championship with a victory parade in Los Angeles, and Mamiko Tanaka made a surprise appearance at Dodger Stadium—this time without her husband. Accompanied by their beloved dog, Decoy, Tanaka posed for pictures with fans in what turned out to be a rare public outing without Ohtani by her side. The sight of her engaging with the Dodgers faithful was a pleasant surprise for many, especially given how private the couple tends to be.
Decoy, their adorable dog, seemed to steal the show for much of the evening, delighting fans with his playful demeanor. Yet, the fact that Tanaka was so open to interacting with the crowd also left a positive impression. It was a side of her that fans don’t often get to see, as she usually stays out of the limelight, supporting her husband from the sidelines.
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Mamiko Tanaka is more than just the supportive partner of a baseball superstar—she’s also an accomplished athlete in her own right. She played for the Fujitsu Red Wave in the Women’s Japan Basketball League from 2019 to 2023, where she made her mark on the court.
In the 2022-23 season, she averaged 24 minutes, 7.8 points, and 6.0 rebounds per game, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport. The viral footage of her playing basketball served as a reminder that she has her own impressive athletic achievements, separate from Ohtani’s baseball success.
Although there is still an air of mystery surrounding Tanaka and Ohtani’s relationship, the couple’s love story became public earlier this year.
In February, Ohtani revealed on Instagram that the two had gotten married, referring to his wife as a “normal Japanese woman” who is also “very special to me.” The announcement took many by surprise, as the couple had managed to keep their relationship largely out of the spotlight until then.
Friday’s victory parade was a special moment not just for Ohtani, who was celebrated for his contributions to the Dodgers’ championship run, but also for Tanaka, who stepped into the public eye in a way she rarely does.
The support from the fans was palpable, and Tanaka’s willingness to engage with them helped make the occasion even more memorable.
The appearance of Mamiko Tanaka at the victory parade served as a reminder that behind every superstar athlete, there are often loved ones who provide unwavering support.
For Tanaka, stepping out and celebrating with the fans was a reflection of her pride in both her husband’s accomplishments and her place in their shared journey.
As Ohtani continues to make headlines for his historic performances, it’s clear that Tanaka plays an important role in his success, cheering him on every step of the way.
