Shohei Ohtani is basically a mythical creature at this point. He hits 500-foot home runs, throws 100 mph fastballs, and recently signed a contract worth $700 million. Naturally, when someone becomes that central to American culture, the questions start flying about where he actually "belongs" legally.
You've probably wondered it yourself while watching him dodge Gatorade showers in a Dodgers jersey: Is Shohei Ohtani a US citizen?
The short answer is a flat no.
Honestly, it’s not even close. Ohtani is a Japanese citizen through and through. He was born in Mizusawa, Oshu, Japan, and he has never gone through the process of naturalization to become an American. Despite living in the States since 2018, he remains a foreign national working on a visa.
The Reality of Ohtani's Legal Status
If you saw the viral photos of Ohtani at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo in early 2024, you might have been confused. He was standing there with U.S. Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, holding a giant, oversized visa.
That wasn't a citizenship certificate. It was a visa renewal.
Specifically, Ohtani likely operates on an O-1 visa (for individuals with extraordinary ability) or a P-1A visa (for internationally recognized athletes). Given that he’s arguably the greatest talent the sport has ever seen, he’s the literal poster child for "extraordinary ability."
There was even a funny moment where the embassy issued a "visa" for his dog, Decoy. It was a PR stunt, sure, but it highlighted a key fact: Ohtani is a guest in the U.S., albeit a very wealthy and welcome one.
Why he isn't "Dual"
People often ask why he doesn't just get dual citizenship. It sounds easy, right?
Japan is incredibly strict about this. Unlike some countries that let you collect passports like Pokémon cards, Japan basically forces you to choose. Under the Japanese Nationality Law, if a Japanese citizen voluntarily acquires a foreign nationality, they automatically lose their Japanese citizenship.
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For a guy who is a national hero in Japan—the face of their World Baseball Classic team and a symbol of national pride—giving up his Japanese passport would be a massive deal. It's just not something he's going to do for the sake of a shorter line at customs.
The "Anchor Baby" Rumors and Marriage
In early 2024, Ohtani shocked the world by announcing he had married Mamiko Tanaka, a former professional basketball player from Japan. Then, in 2025, reports surfaced that the couple welcomed a baby girl in Virginia.
This sparked a whole new wave of Google searches.
Since the baby was born on U.S. soil, she is a U.S. citizen by birthright (jus soli). However, that doesn't change Ohtani’s status. Having an American child doesn't magically turn the father into a citizen. It gives him a potential path to permanent residency (a Green Card) down the road, but for now, he’s still a Japanese citizen playing on a work visa.
Does he have a Green Card?
It’s highly probable that Ohtani has, or is in the process of getting, an EB-1A Green Card.
This is the "Einstein Visa." It’s for people at the very top of their field. Most MLB stars from overseas eventually transition to permanent residency because it makes taxes and travel way easier.
But a Green Card is not citizenship.
A Green Card holder (Permanent Resident) can live and work in the U.S. indefinitely but cannot vote in federal elections and does not carry a U.S. passport.
The Financial Angle: $700 Million and Taxes
You’d think someone paying as much in taxes as Ohtani would get a passport just for the trouble. His $700 million contract with the Dodgers is famously deferred, meaning he’s taking only $2 million a year right now to help the team's payroll.
Even as a non-citizen, he’s taxed heavily on his U.S. income.
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Whether he’s a citizen or a "resident alien" for tax purposes, the IRS gets its cut. There is a common misconception that being a non-citizen allows for tax loopholes, but at Ohtani’s level of income, the paperwork is a nightmare regardless of his passport color.
What This Means for His Future
Ohtani is 31 now. His contract with the Dodgers runs through 2033. By the time it ends, he will have spent 15 years in the United States.
At that point, could he apply for citizenship?
- He would have to have been a Green Card holder for at least 5 years.
- He would have to pass a civics test.
- Most importantly, he would have to renounce his Japanese citizenship.
That last part is the dealbreaker.
Everything we know about Shohei suggests he is deeply tied to his roots. He spends his offseasons (mostly) in Japan. He represents Japan in international play. He is a cultural ambassador.
So, don't expect to see him carrying a blue U.S. passport anytime soon. He is a global icon who happens to work in Los Angeles, but his heart—and his legal identity—remains firmly in Japan.
Actionable Takeaway for Fans
If you're following Ohtani's journey, keep an eye on his international play. His status as a Japanese citizen is what allows him to lead Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. If he ever did become a U.S. citizen, it would spark a massive international sports crisis regarding which country he could represent. For now, enjoy the greatness of a Japanese legend making history on American soil.
Keep a lookout for updates on his permanent residency status, as a move to a Green Card is usually the final "administrative" step for stars of his caliber who plan on staying in the U.S. long-term.