Shohei Ohtani had a memorable night after winning his third career MVP award on Wednesday, but it wasn’t just his historic feat that captured fans’ attention. During the live broadcast of the announcement, a slight but unexpected punch between Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, became a viral moment, sparking reactions from fans around the world.
A Celebration with a Twist
Ohtani, who was unanimously crowned National League MVP after a record-breaking season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, was surrounded by family and friends when Clayton Kershaw announced his victory. Amid the applause and excitement, Ohtani exchanged a celebratory fist bump with Tanaka, a low-key but endearing moment that quickly became a focal point on social media.
Fans flooded the comment sections with their reactions, with many finding the gesture adorable. “Was it his wife he made a fistfight with?!?!” exclaimed one user, while another added, “Punch?! They are so cute.”
Others noted how the gesture reflected cultural norms. “A public display of affection for a Japanese married couple is not in their culture,” one fan explained, while another remarked, “As an Asian, it’s pretty normal.”
Meet Mamiko Tanaka: Athlete and Partner
Mamiko Tanaka, who married Ohtani earlier this year, is no stranger to the spotlight. A former professional basketball player in the Women’s Japan Basketball League, the 1.80m winger played for the Fujitsu Red Wave before retiring in 2023.
Ohtani announced their marriage in February 2024 via Instagram, sharing that he was starting a “new chapter” in his career and personal life. Tanaka’s athletic background and their shared competitive spirit seem to have created a unique bond between the two, something fans were quick to notice.
“She’s a baller too, so they’re all family,” one commenter pointed out, linking their athletic synergy to their friendly one-two punch.
Ohtani’s Winning Year
Ohtani’s unanimous MVP win solidified his place among baseball’s greatest players, thanks to his historic 2024 season that saw him hit 54 home runs, steal 59 bases and lead the Dodgers to a championship title. World Series. While the focus was firmly on his accomplishments, the tender moment with Tanaka reminded fans of the human side of this iconic athlete.
For Ohtani and Tanaka, it’s clear that 2024 has been a year of milestones—both on and off the field.
