In a heartwarming announcement that sent ripples through the baseball world and beyond, Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his wife, Mamiko Tanaka, welcomed their first child, a daughter, on April 19, 2025. The couple shared the joyous news via Instagram, delighting fans with a tender post featuring a photo of their newborn’s tiny feet alongside their beloved dog, Decoy. Ohtani’s caption was filled with gratitude and humor, as he wrote, “I am so grateful to my loving wife who gave birth to our healthy beautiful daughter. To my daughter, thank you for making us very nervous yet super anxious parents.” The announcement, however, left fans buzzing with curiosity as the couple initially withheld their daughter’s name, sparking widespread speculation. Now, in a surprising twist, Ohtani and Tanaka have revealed their daughter’s name: Hana Decoy Ohtani, a nod to both Japanese heritage and their cherished pet.

The choice of “Hana,” meaning “flower” in Japanese, reflects the couple’s connection to their cultural roots, evoking images of beauty and growth. The inclusion of “Decoy” as a middle name caught fans off guard, blending sentimentality with a playful tribute to the couple’s Kooikerhondje, who has become a fan favorite and even earned the title of the Dodgers’ “Most Valuable Pet.” Decoy, often featured in Ohtani’s social media posts, has captured hearts worldwide, and naming their daughter after him underscores the dog’s special place in their family. This unexpected name choice has sparked a mix of amusement and admiration across social media, with fans praising the couple’s creativity and warmth.

Ohtani, the 2024 National League MVP and a two-way phenom, has had a monumental year both on and off the field. After signing a historic 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers in December 2023, he made MLB history by becoming the first player to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in a single season. His contributions helped lead the Dodgers to their eighth World Series championship in October 2024. Off the field, Ohtani’s personal life has been equally eventful. He announced his marriage to Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player in Japan’s Women’s Basketball League, in February 2024, surprising fans who were unaware of their relationship. The couple’s announcement of expecting their “little rookie” in December 2024 further endeared them to fans, who eagerly awaited updates.

Mamiko Tanaka, who retired from basketball in 2023 to support Ohtani’s career, has been a steadfast presence by his side. Her grace and strength were highlighted by Ohtani’s father, Toru, in a September 2024 open letter published in Japan. He credited Mamiko with helping Ohtani navigate challenges, including the Ippei Mizuhara fraud scandal, which involved the theft of over $17 million from Ohtani. Toru noted that Mamiko’s support allowed Ohtani to “focus more in games” and “round out his sharp edges,” contributing to his stellar performance. Mamiko’s athletic background as a power forward/center for the Fujitsu Red Wave has also fueled speculation about the athletic potential of their daughter, Hana Decoy Ohtani.

The announcement of Hana’s birth came as Ohtani was placed on the Dodgers’ paternity list, missing a weekend series against the Texas Rangers. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed the decision, noting that Ohtani could return during the team’s subsequent road trip to Chicago. Despite his brief absence, Ohtani’s impact on the field remains undeniable, with a .288 batting average, six home runs, and five stolen bases in the 2025 season so far. Fans and teammates alike have rallied around the new father, celebrating his growing family and his continued excellence.

On May 11, 2025, Ohtani marked his first Mother’s Day as a father with a touching Instagram post, featuring a photo of his, Mamiko’s, and Hana’s hands together, captioned, “Happy Mother’s Day 🌹.” The post melted hearts and further cemented the couple’s reputation for sharing authentic, heartfelt moments. As the Ohtani family embarks on this new chapter, fans are thrilled to see the baseball icon embrace fatherhood with the same passion he brings to the game. With Hana Decoy Ohtani’s arrival, the couple has not only expanded their family but also deepened their connection with fans worldwide, who are eager to see what the future holds for this extraordinary family.