Shohei Ohtani: Baseball superstar announces marriage to Japanese woman
One of Japan's most eligible bachelors, baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani, has announced that he is married, stirring a frenzy on social media.
The Los Angeles Dodgers star's announcement came as a shock as he has closely guarded his private life.
"I wanted everyone to know I am now married," the 29-year-old said Thursday in an Instagram post that got one million likes in less than an hour.
Ohtani described his Japanese bride as someone "who is very special to me".
"Two people (plus one dog), we'll grow together," he told his seven million Instagram followers, adding that he would hold a press conference on Friday.
Last year, Ohtani made history when he signed a 10-year, $700m (£552m) contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Unlike most players who specialise in batting or pitching, Ohtani is equally skilled at both disciplines, drawing comparisons with American baseball legend Babe Ruth.
He has been given the nickname "Shotime" and has been described as among the world's best players.
How $700m 'Shotime' became Japan's biggest baseball export
On social media, congratulatory messages poured in for Ohtani, although quite a few were heartbroken that the Japanese nation's sweetheart was no longer available.
"Shohei Ohtani is married. This is the worst day of my life," one post read.
"I am so happy for him and congrats to him and his wife. I love that he was able to announce it on his own and on his own terms," another post read.
Ohtani, who is in the US for training, also received well wishes from his team.
"When you have a baseball game and a wedding to get to on the same day. Congratulations to Shohei Ohtani on his new marriage," the LA Dodgers said in a post on X, that was accompanied by a video of him in action during a game.
Ohtani did not reveal the identity of his bride, leaving fans guessing who she could be.
"Isn't it amazing that this woman was able to get in his strict schedule and successfully got married?" one social media user wrote.
Baseball is hugely popular in Japan as it is in the US and Ohtani is part of a long line of Japanese players to see action in the American league.
Shortly after his announcement, Ohtani occupied the entire top five topics on X's Japan trending topics.
with reports from Shaimaa Khalil in Tokyo and Fan Wang in Singapore
-bbc
