It seems Shohei Ohtani has certainly learned the English language. In December 2023, when the Dodgers welcomed the two-way maestro for a contract of $700 million, he was new to the LAD’s world. With a diverse culture and most people around speaking English, Ohtani initially faced issues in communicating. In most meetings, his interpreter, Ippei Mizhara, accompanied him in speaking with the fans and reporters, especially during post-match presentations. 

Also, there have been fans asking if Shohei speaks English from the time he joined the Dodgers. Although, occasionally, he was spotted talking in English, particularly when he got the MVP award in January 2024. Likewise, there have been a few more instances when he flexed his English speaking skills. Eventually, clearing the air around Ohtani on speaking English, his Dodgers teammate Tyler Glasnow shared some snippets of their conversation. 

Tyler Glasnow on Shohei Ohtani’s English-speaking skills

While Shohei Ohtani and Tyler Glasnow both were selected for the 2024 All-Star game, Glasnow recently appeared as a guest at the Foul Territory podcast in Arlington, Texas. When asked about Ohtani and how he actually speaks English without an interpreter, Glasnow said, “He doesn’t have an interpreter anymore. So, he rides in solo to the clubhouse. He speaks great English. He’s super easy to talk to.” In Japan, though Ohtani learned English, it was not as per the fluency standards. However, being with the Dodgers team and interacting with the players, Ohtani has developed a good knack for the English language. 

A recent prime example is the New Balance event, where he spoke English fluently. Showcasing the newly launched cleats, Ohtani said, ”Like, White and Dodger Blue. And my sole is so flat, you know. I like the sole flat, this is more comfortable.” the event was ahead of the Seol Series in March 2024 when the New Balance unveiled new cleats with Shotime’s logo. However, despite learning to speak fluent English, the two-way phenom has always preferred to speak his mother tongue during most public appearances.

Though he knows English, he finds it easier to speak his native language. During most of Ohtani’s interviews in the U.S. talking with the American crowd, his former interpreter, Ippei Mizhara, used to accompany him. However, despite being unable to speak English in his early days, Ohtani’s friendship with his fellow Dodgers teammates has been beyond the language barrier. 

Transcending language barriers, Ohtani’s bond with his teammates is ever-growing

While one good friend of Ohtani is Tyler Glasnow, his bond with Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez has been special. After a short play with the Seattle Mariners, Teoscar signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Within days after the talented outfielder came into the Dodgers, Ohtani instantly connected with him.

Despite Ohtani being a man of extreme self-respect and a quite-natured person, Hernandez managed to become friends with him. Talking about his bond with Ohtani and them speaking without any dialect, he said, “Sometimes I say something, and he doesn’t get it right away, so I have to explain it the way that I know, but I don’t know if he gets it. We learn together a language that is not his or mine.” Both of them met while playing the AL All-Star Game 2021. Also, when Hernandez joined the Dodgers in 2024, Shohei sent a personal Instagram message welcoming him to the franchise. 

Aside from Teoscar being a good friend of Ohtani, the Dodgers star also shares a great bond with Yoshinobu Yamamoto. In 2023, days after the two became teammates, both went out for dinner in December 2023. Altogether, being friends with teammates like Hernandez and eliminating the language barrier is commendable from Ohtani. Though he has learned English, he will achieve fluency with more time in MLB.

What do you think of Shohei Ohtani’s passion for learning, that too off the field? Let us know in the comments.