How Japanese baseball star Shohei Ohtani achieved crossover appeal

The past few months have been a whirlwind for "Shotime" Shohei Ohtani.

In December, the Japanese baseball star became the highest-paid athlete in North America, with the then free agent penning a record US$700 million 10-year deal in December with the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

He is off the market again - this time in the dating market - after announcing his marriage to a mystery Japanese woman on Thursday (Feb 29).

"I wanted everyone to know I am now married," he said in an Instagram post that racked up almost 1.5 million likes in just one hour.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, the 29-year-old, who was one of his country's most eligible bachelors, revealed only that his wife is "a normal Japanese person".

"We first met around three to four years ago. We got engaged last year," he said, adding that she was "fun to be with".

Asked why he decided to make the announcement, Ohtani said with a laugh that it was because the media "all are very loud and nosy".

Here's what you need to know about one of the greatest sporting talents Japan has ever produced.

After crossing over to Major League Baseball (MLB) from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball league to join the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, Ohtani made his biggest career move in late 2023.

Following weeks of speculation, his free agency ended with a blockbuster deal with the Dodgers in December.

Ohtani cited his desire to win as the biggest factor in his decision to leave the underperforming Angels, who are enduring the worst active streaks in MLB with eight consecutive losing seasons and nine straight non-playoff seasons. 

His 10-year deal, said to cost US$700 million, is the richest contract in the history of North American sports, surpassing National Basketball Association stars like