Shohei Ohtani is a name that echoes in baseball stadiums around the world. Fans marvel at his powerful home runs and blazing fastballs. Before he made his mark in Major League Baseball, the Japanese star played in Nippon Professional Baseball as he played for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. After arriving in Los Angeles, he first played for the Los Angeles Angels before joining their cross-town rivals. Before he knew it, the rarity of his two-way talent earned him Babe Ruth comparisons early in his career. He’s now a Los Angeles Dodgers star, donning jersey no. 17.
But beyond the bright lights and roaring crowds, there is a story that began long before he became a superstar. His journey started in a small town in Japan. He grew up surrounded by family, tradition, and a deep love for the game. Many people wonder about the roots that shaped him into the player and person he is today.
So, what is Shohei Ohtani’s ethnicity? To answer that, we need to look back at his family’s history and the culture that helped mold his remarkable path. Let’s explore where Ohtani comes from.
What are Shohei Ohtani’s ethnicity and religion?
Born on July 5, 1994, in Mizusawa, Iwate, Ohtani is Japanese by ethnicity. He has long been the sensation of his hometown. Although most Japanese follow Shintoism, Ohtani has been practicing Christianity all his life.
Raised in Oshu, Japan, the young Ohtani first started playing baseball in the local Little League. It was more of a weekend ritual for him throughout his childhood. It’s no surprise that his parents also have an athletic background. In fact, his elder brother also played baseball. As for his personal life, Ohtani tied the knot in 2024, but didn’t reveal the identity of his wife. All he said was, She is “an ordinary Japanese person.”
Sep 2, 2024; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) bats against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the eighth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
It wasn’t until the Dodgers shared a picture of the happy couple in an X post that the name of Ohtani’s wife was made public: Mamiko Tanaka. The couple recently became parents for the first time to an adorable baby girl. Moreover, Ohtani is the third and youngest child of his family. If you believe zodiac signs reveal a lot about a person, you should know that Ohtani is a Cancer.
So, you now know where his goofiness comes from! Apart from that trait, he’s also widely known for his kindness. Aside from his athletic capabilities, both former and current teammates can vouch for his kind nature.
What is Shohei Ohtani’s Nationality?
Shohei Ohtani is Japanese by nationality. He usually speaks Japanese, as it’s his first language. When in LA, he has an interpreter, Will Ireton. He currently lives in Los Angeles, having signed with the Dodgers back in 2023 for a massive 10-year, $700 million contract.
Just so you know, even before Ohtani, many players had brought Japanese pride to the United States, but there’s something truly special about Shotime. He has further encouraged many Japanese phenoms to grow in the world of baseball.
His father, Koru Ohtani, was the one who first influenced Ohtani towards baseball. As a young kid, he often played catch with his dad and brother. At just 17, when he was a high schooler, he started throwing pitches at mid-90s velocity. Eventually, his speed spiked to 99 mph, and that’s when the hype began.
Credit: Marta Lavandier / Associated Press
When he entered the major leagues, all the clubs raced to sign him. From the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees to the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Dodgers, everybody wanted the Japanese star’s two-way prodigy. He currently has 32 home runs to his name as a designated hitter. On the other hand, as a pitcher, he had to take a year-and-a-half break from pitching as he navigated two major injuries. Right now, he’s back in his pitching role after all this time, and Dodgerland simply loves him.
It may seem early to predict, but Ohtani is very likely to become a Hall of Famer in the coming years.
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