All eyes are on Shohei Ohtani as he embarks on his first playoff run with the Los Angeles Dodgers, continuing to prove why he is one of the most extraordinary talents in baseball history. Ohtani, who made headlines as the first player ever to achieve 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season, is now adding postseason heroics to his already legendary career.
In Game 3 of the National League Championship Series against the New York Mets, Ohtani sent shockwaves through Citi Field with a monstrous 410-foot home run, helping lead the Dodgers to a commanding 8-0 victory. Just a day later, during Game 4 on October 17, the Japanese sensation struck again, smashing a 422-foot homer that gave the Dodgers an early 1-0 lead. It marked his first postseason hit without a runner in scoring position, further showcasing his clutch abilities under pressure.
While Ohtani’s feats on the field are dominating headlines, a different kind of intrigue has emerged off the diamond—fans are eagerly trying to catch a glimpse of his wife, Mamiko Tanaka. Yet, despite the Dodgers’ high-stakes postseason run, Tanaka has remained notably absent from the public eye, fueling speculation about her low-profile presence.
Tanaka, 27, married Ohtani in February 2024. A former professional basketball player in Japan, she played as a forward for the Fujitsu Red Wave but has largely shunned the spotlight since her marriage to one of baseball’s biggest stars. When Ohtani first announced his marriage earlier this year, he kept his wife’s identity private, simply stating, “Not only have I begun a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers, but I also have begun 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.”
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It wasn’t until two weeks later that Ohtani officially confirmed Tanaka’s identity, sharing a rare photo of the couple before they boarded a plane to South Korea. Even then, Tanaka stayed in the background, walking behind Ohtani as they were greeted by fans at Incheon International Airport. Her preference for privacy has become clear, as the 5-foot-11 retired athlete has chosen to support her husband from the sidelines, avoiding the media frenzy that follows Ohtani everywhere he goes.
Despite her desire for privacy, Tanaka has made a few public appearances in support of her husband. In May, she and Ohtani were seen hanging out with singer Ed Sheeran at the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala. More recently, Tanaka, along with the couple’s dog, Decoy, was spotted at Dodger Stadium when the Dodgers clinched the NL West title on September 26. Even then, she kept a low profile, letting Ohtani and the team enjoy the spotlight.
As the Dodgers march toward a potential World Series appearance, fans are eagerly hoping for another sighting of Tanaka—perhaps even with Decoy in tow—cheering from the stands. Her quiet presence and unwavering support for Ohtani only add to the intrigue surrounding the couple, making her absence during these crucial postseason games all the more noticeable.
If the Dodgers secure their place in the World Series, it could offer another rare opportunity for fans to see the elusive Mamiko Tanaka alongside her superstar husband.
But for now, as Ohtani continues to shine under the bright lights of October baseball, Tanaka remains content in her role as his private yet steadfast supporter.
