"Think About Your Wife's Health"... Unexpected Criticism Pours on Ohtani After Second Child

Debate Erupts in Japan over Mamiko's Back-to-Back Childbirths
"Don't Speak for Others Without Knowing Their Circumstances," Critics Counter

Shohei Ohtani (32), a member of the LA Dodgers in Major League Baseball (MLB) and widely regarded as a source of pride for Japanese baseball, has become embroiled in controversy over accusations of "overworking his wife." Recently, Ohtani and his wife announced the birth of their second child. Since the children are only about a year apart, some critics have argued that this shows a disregard for his wife's well-being.

On June 20 (local time), Ohtani posted a joint statement with his wife Mamiko on Instagram, writing, "I am truly happy to be able to celebrate this wonderful day together again in our lives. Thank you for being born healthy." Ohtani had announced his marriage to Mamiko in February 2024 and welcomed their first daughter in April of last year. With the birth of their second child, the couple now has children born in consecutive years.

Baseball player Shohei Ohtani and his wife Mamiko. Photo by UPI Yonhap News

However, some online users criticized the consecutive-year births, claiming that "having children so close together puts a strain on a woman's body." Ohtani's post received a flood of comments such as, "I didn't expect this from him—it's too much," "Having children in consecutive years is hard on a woman's body," and "The husband will need to be very involved in parenting just to get through this."

The controversy intensified as others pushed back against the criticism. Mayumi Kurata, a well-known manga artist, commented on her X (formerly Twitter) account, "Are people really getting criticized for having children in consecutive years? If you're so concerned about the medical risks, then you can make your own choices that way," she pointed out.

She went on to say, "It's uncomfortable to see people who are not directly involved acting as if they feel sorry for Mamiko or saying things like, 'I would never want that.' Regardless of the family's financial circumstances, criticizing them solely for having children in consecutive years is wrong."

It is widely known that giving birth to children in consecutive years can place a significant physical burden on women. In addition to increased economic demands required for parenting, there is also the psychological stress of raising two young children at the same time.

Some argue that closely spaced pregnancies can also negatively affect the mother's body. Since essential nutrients such as calcium and iron are depleted in large quantities during pregnancy, it is often recommended to wait 12 to 24 months after giving birth before conceiving again.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.