Mamiko Tanaka: The Former Basketball Star Married to MLB’s Shohei Ohtani

Mamiko Tanaka, born December 11, 1996, grew up in Japan where she first discovered basketball and honed her skills before turning professional. Source 1

She spent four seasons with the Fujitsu Red Wave in Japan’s Women’s Japan Basketball League, establishing herself as a reliable presence on the court. Source 6

After retiring from competitive play, Tanaka’s profile remained visible through FIBA records and sports coverage. Source 9

Tanaka met Shohei Ohtani in Japan; the couple kept their relationship private until Ohtani announced their marriage on Instagram on February 29, 2024. Source 3

The pair welcomed a daughter in 2025 and a son in 2026, choosing to share minimal family updates publicly. Source 7

Today, Tanaka is recognized both for her athletic background and as the supportive spouse of one of baseball’s biggest stars.