The mobile phone carried by Mamiko Tanaka, 29, wife of Shohei Ohtani, 30, a star player for the LA Dodgers, has sparked online discussions. Known as the “man worth 1 trillion won,” Ohtani recently joined his wife in celebrating the LA Dodgers’ back-to-back championship victory during a parade in Los Angeles, California.
In photos released publicly, the couple was seen waving to fans from the top deck of a double-decker bus. Mamiko was captured taking pictures of her husband enjoying the celebration on her mobile phone, which drew attention. The device in question was an ‘iPhone 13 mini,’ a model that was discontinued in September 2023. This particular phone, launched in 2021, is considered outdated compared to the latest models available today.
This moment quickly went viral on social media, prompting netizens to share their thoughts. Some commented, “Real wealth doesn’t flaunt status through possessions,” while others noted, “The fans’ phones taking pictures of Mamiko are more advanced models.” One user even expressed, “I feel ashamed for upgrading to the latest model.”
Mamiko has repeatedly drawn attention for her frugal lifestyle. In March of last year, she attended a Dodgers team dinner in Seoul carrying a shoulder bag from ZARA, a Spanish brand. The bag, priced at 5,000 yen (approximately 47,000 Korean won), caused a sell-out after news of it spread. In December of the same year, she was also spotted wearing a ZARA sweater valued at around 70,000 won while watching an NBA game with her husband.
As Mamiko’s modest choices gained public attention, the simple lifestyle of Ohtani’s family also came into focus. A Japanese weekly magazine, ‘Women Seven,’ highlighted that Ohtani’s strong character stems from his mother, Kiyoko, and the values instilled by his family. It was reported that the Ohtani family continues to live their daily lives as they did before their son’s success, with Kiyoko still working part-time.
Meanwhile, Ohtani is currently one of the most expensive players in the world. In December of last year, he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract (approximately 1.123 trillion won) with the Dodgers, setting a new record for the highest single contract in global sports. According to U.S. sports business media outlet ‘Sportico,’ Ohtani earned $70 million (approximately 101.2 billion won) last year solely from advertisements and sponsorships.
- The contrast between Ohtani’s immense wealth and his wife’s modest lifestyle has sparked conversations about how wealth is perceived and managed.
- Mamiko’s choice to use an older phone model highlights a personal preference for simplicity over technological advancement.
- Her fashion choices, often from budget-friendly brands, have led to increased interest in these brands, sometimes resulting in product shortages.
- The Ohtani family’s continued commitment to a grounded lifestyle reflects the influence of their upbringing and values.
- Ohtani’s financial success, both through his contract and endorsements, underscores his status as one of the most valuable athletes in the world.