If you are looking for Shohei Ohtani's wife's pics, you might not see one.
Curiosity grew over the partner of the Los Angeles Dodgers a few days ago after the 2023 American League MVP announced that he got married to his partner.
Ohtani made the revelation through his Instagram account. He wrote:
"To all my friends and fans throughout, I have an announcement to make :
Not only have I began a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers but I also have began a new life with someone from my Native country of Japan who is very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married.
"I am excited for what is to come and thank you for your support."
The announcement shocked many as there was no clue about the player's romantic life. His social media accounts are mostly about his days as a baseball professional.
Dodgers beat writer Juan Toribio said Shohei Ohtani's wife is just a normal person.
As Toribio quoted, Ohtani said he made a wife reveal now to avoid any distractions once the new MLB season opens on March 28.
The Japanese culture's role in Ohtani's marriage announcement
It isn't easy being a public figure. Being a partner of one is hard, too.
Ohtani is likely trying to protect his wife from scrutiny and unwanted attention.
In the Japanese version of his post, he indicated that journalists should refrain from contacting his or his wife's families.
"If I didn't [and you found out], you'd make a fuss," he said when asked about his announcement during the Dodgers spring training.
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Ohtani must have read about the fates of other Japanese superstars regarding their romantic lives.
Japanese media are too curious to a fault when it comes to the personal lives of their celebrities.
The most recent victim is Olympic gold medalist figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu.
The 29-year-old married in August 2023 and separated from his partner by November, citing harassment from media members.
"Even in our living space, we are sometimes prowled by suspicious vehicles or persons, or suddenly accosted," he wrote.
"Together, we have worked to somehow protect each other from these situations, despite our concerns. However, due to my immatureness, it has been extremely difficult and unbearable to continue to protect my partner and myself in the current situation."
If there is one guy who's doing it right and probably serving as Ohtani's blueprint, it is former New York Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui.
To this day, the identity of Matsui's wife remains a mystery after they had a secret wedding in 2008.
The idol culture in Japan is fueling their economy. This culture covers not just the entertainment industry but also sports.
These idols/celebrities form para-social relationships with their fans. The term refers to a "one-sided relationship where one side extends emotional energy, interest, and time while the other party remains unaware of their existence."
The problem is that fans can get over-curious about their idols to the point that they stalk them at their homes.
Ohtani's way of doing it may be inconsiderate to fans, but he does it for his partner.
Best wishes!
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