The internet has been set ablaze by the most anticipated “family blockbuster” of the year: the official naming of the daughter of Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani and his wife, former basketball pro Mamiko Tanaka.
While the couple is famous for fiercely guarding their privacy, the release of the baby’s name has sent fans into a global frenzy, not just for the emotional announcement, but for the distinctive and deeply meaningful choice made by Mamiko Tanaka: ‘Decoy.’
🐶 The Name That Shook the Internet: Decoy
In a move that surprised everyone, Mamiko Tanaka (the main character in this unique naming decision) chose to name their baby girl Decoy.
The name is a direct, lifelong tribute to the couple’s beloved family dog, the Kooikerhondje who has become a global sensation in his own right.
- The Meaning: Decoy has been an essential, intimate part of their private life, serving as the “decoy” that helped the intensely private couple hide their relationship and their impending marriage. He was, in effect, the silent, furry witness to the formation of their love story.
- The Tribute: By choosing the name, Mamiko has cemented the dog’s role as an integral, non-negotiable part of their family, signaling the unique and personal nature of their journey together. The decision is seen as reflective of their humble, non-traditional approach to celebrity.
- Social Media Frenzy: The name “Decoy” immediately began trending on social media platforms, with fans calling the choice “the most Ohtani thing ever” and “the most authentic celebrity baby name of the decade.”
📸 The Viral Family Blockbuster
The announcement itself was a classic Ohtani move: humble, personal, and focused on gratitude.
- The Release: The family video released by the Dodgers and Ohtani’s agency was a quick montage showing candid, loving moments of the family of three (and Decoy, the dog) behind the scenes, including Mamiko with the baby in the Dodgers clubhouse.
- The Previous Announcement: Shohei Ohtani first shared news of the baby girl’s arrival in April 2025, posting a warm message on Instagram alongside a photo of the newborn’s tiny feet cradled in two hands. At the time, he stated they wished to protect her privacy and did not reveal the name (Source 1.4, 3.2).
- The Timing: The decision to release the video and name now—just after the Dodgers secured back-to-back World Series titles—is seen as a perfect celebratory capstone to Ohtani’s historic $700 million contract year.
The emotional and unconventional name choice has guaranteed that the Ohtani family, while fiercely private, remains the most captivating story in sports.
