'Pregnant again after just 1 year and 2 months?' Japan erupts in criticism of Ohtani's second child: "Doesn't he care about the mother's health?"

*This content was translated by AI.

As MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani (32) of the Los Angeles Dodgers recently announced the birth of his second child, a heated debate over "back-to-back births" has erupted across Japan, sparking intense online discussion.

On the 20th (Korean time), Ohtani officially announced via his social media that his second child was safely born to his wife, former basketball player Mamiko Tanaka. This joyous occasion comes just 1 year and 2 months after welcoming their first son in April 2025. While congratulations poured in from baseball fans worldwide, sharp criticism disguised as concern soon emerged on Japanese online communities and social media platforms (formerly Twitter).

According to Japanese news site Sumas Flash, the core of the criticism centers on health risks associated with back-to-back births. Some Japanese netizens condemned the move, stating, "Repeating pregnancy and childbirth so soon after the first child places immense strain on the mother's physical and mental well-being," and "Doesn't Ohtani care about his wife's health at all?" Thus, unfounded speculation under the guise of "maternal health concerns" exploded during what should have been a nationally celebrated occasion.

As online and offline spaces buzzed with criticism toward the Ohtani couple, other Japanese netizens countered by citing the case of Yuto Nagatomo (40, FC Tokyo), a former professional footballer, and his wife Airi Tai (42), who perfectly exemplified the challenges of "back-to-back parenting."

After marrying in 2017, the Tai-Nagatomo couple gave birth to their first son in Italy in February 2018, second son in Turkey in August 2019, third son in France in April 2021, and fourth son in Japan in April 2023, achieving the remarkable record of "four sons born nearly back-to-back." In response, supporters argued, "Are those criticizing the Ohtanis blind to the resilience of the Nagatomo family?" and "Given Mamiko's background as a former professional basketball player and Ohtani's thorough support, outside interference is baseless." Public opinion remains sharply divided.

Meanwhile, amidst the speculative debates over back-to-back births in Japan, Ohtani has become a father of two and is now fully equipped with the "formula buff" to lead the Dodgers toward a championship this season. Notably, he hit a home run in his first game back after parental leave, continuing his pursuit of a third consecutive World Series title.

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*This content was translated by AI.