Does Shohei Ohtani speak English? The truth behind his language choice

After eight years in the Major Leagues, Shohei Ohtani has become the face of the league.  A star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the man who signed a $700 million contract has become synonymous with excellence.

You only have to look at his resume to understand that: AL Rookie of the Year in 2018, five All-Star appearances, three MVP titles, NLCS MVP in 2025,World Series Champion in 2024, along with many more accolades.

Yet one question continues to spark debate among fans and media alike: why does the most marketable player in baseball still rely on a translator instead of speaking English publicly?

The answer isn’t as simple as it looks. Ohtani, who moved from Japan’s Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) to MLB in 2018, has been steadily improving his English since arriving in the United States.

While he’s not fluent, those close to him confirm that he can hold conversations in English with teammates and coaches. Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty, who trained with Ohtani, once noted that the two often chatted in English, adding, “He speaks a pretty good amount of English. He just wants to make sure he says things right in public.”

Ohtani himself has shown flashes of confidence using English. During the Dodgers’ 2024 World Series celebration, the two-way phenom addressed the crowd directly, saying, “This is such a special moment for me. I’m so honored to be here and to be part of this team. Congratulations, Los Angeles. Thank you, fans!”

The short speech drew cheers, symbolizing both his progress and his humility.

Why Shohei Ohtani still uses a translator
Despite having some command of English, Ohtani chooses to communicate publicly in Japanese for very deliberate reasons. As one of Japan’s most beloved sports icons, every word he says is scrutinized not only by English-speaking fans but also by millions back home.

Using a translator allows him to express his thoughts precisely, without the risk of being misinterpreted or quoted out of context.

Teammates have mentioned that he understands most questions in English but prefers to reply in Japanese to maintain control over his message. It’s not a matter of skill, it’s a matter of respect for both languages and audiences.

By speaking Japanese, Ohtani ensures clarity and authenticity, while still bridging cultures through the help of his interpreter.

Currently, that interpreter is Will Ireton, a Hawaii-raised, Japan-born former baseball player who replaced longtime interpreter Ippei Mizuhara after his 2024 dismissal.

Ireton, affectionately called “Will the Thrill,” has been with the Dodgers organization since 2020, previously serving as Kenta Maeda’s interpreter and later in performance operations. His bilingual fluency and baseball background make him the perfect bridge between Ohtani and the media.

Ohtani’s language choice isn’t about what he can or can’t say, but more about precision and purpose. He speaks English when he wants to, but through Japanese, he ensures every word hits home.