900 Billion Husband Otani... Wife Sat in Economy Class

Watching Husband's Game Live from Gocheok Dome General Seats
"Applauding While Sitting in General Seats" Highlighted by Local Media

When Mamiko Tanaka (28), wife of global baseball star Shohei Ohtani (30, LA Dodgers), appeared at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, there was a heated response even in Japan. In particular, they received praise for their 'frugality,' which is unusual for a baseball star couple.

On the 18th, Tanaka personally watched the 2024 MLB Seoul Series friendly game between the Korean national baseball team and the LA Dodgers held at Gocheok Sky Dome. It is reported that this was the first time Tanaka appeared at the stadium since their marriage was announced.

Shohei Ohtani's wife, former Japanese professional basketball player Mamiko Tanaka [Image source=Yonhap News]

Tanaka sat in the stands near first base with other family members, including Ohtani's mother Kayoko, watching her husband's game. Every time Ohtani stepped up to bat, the camera also focused on Tanaka's face.

Japanese local media also paid attention to Tanaka visiting Gocheok Sky Dome. Nikkan Sports said, "The broadcast footage showed Ohtani's wife applauding her husband." Another sports media outlet, D&Sports, reported, "The wife was sitting in the general seating."

Netizens also praised the Ohtani family's 'frugality.' Comments included, "(Famous people) usually watch games from skyboxes or special rooms, so I was surprised they didn't," "Ohtani's family all seem modest," and "Really admirable."

Ohtani's frugal behavior is well known in Japan. In May 2018, the Japanese magazine Weekly FLASH revealed Ohtani's private life, reporting, "His commuting car is a Korean-made sedan costing only 2 million yen (about 17.84 million KRW)." The vehicle was chosen by Ohtani himself and provided by the team. The team suggested, "Wouldn't a bigger and sturdier car be better?" but Ohtani declined.

The media explained, "The car is decided according to the player's request, and Ohtani said that a 2 million yen sedan is also a good car," adding, "He does not have a driver's license, so he rides in the passenger seat while a Japanese interpreter drives."

In December last year, Ohtani transferred to the LA Dodgers with the largest contract in sports history, worth 700 million dollars (about 937.6 billion KRW) over 10 years. Including prize money and advertising revenue, his total value is estimated to exceed at least 1 trillion KRW.

Meanwhile, the LA Dodgers won the game against the Korean national baseball team 5-2 that day. However, Ohtani recorded no hits in three at-bats. In the previous day's game against the Kiwoom Heroes, he also recorded no hits in two at-bats with two strikeouts.