Where is Ippei Mizuhara Now? Shohei Ohtani's Ex-Interpreter Pleads Guilty

Where is Ippei Mizuhara Now?

Ippei Mizuhara is currently facing serious legal issues and is scheduled to be sentenced on October 25, 2024, to up to 33 years in prison. He pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion after being accused of stealing money from Shohei Ohtani, the MLB player he used to interpret for.

Mizuhara admitted to transferring over $17 million from Ohtani's bank account to pay debts owed to a bookmaker. His gambling addiction led to these problems, which ultimately resulted in his dismissal from the Los Angeles Dodgers in March 2024.

Mizuhara’s case has attracted attention in the media, especially due to his close association with Ohtani. As he awaits sentencing, this situation has significantly changed his career and personal life, as he was once a respected interpreter in the baseball community.

Source: ESPN

Who is Ippei Mizuhara?

Ippei Mizuhara is a Japanese interpreter known for working with Major League Baseball player Shohei Ohtani. He was born on December 31, 1984, in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan, and moved to Los Angeles when he was a child. Mizuhara started his career in baseball as an interpreter for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2013, where he met Ohtani. When Ohtani joined the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, Mizuhara became his personal interpreter and gained popularity among baseball fans. He even caught for Ohtani during the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby.

Ippei Mizuhara Age

Ippei Mizuhara is 39 years old. He was born on December 31, 1984, in Tomakomai, Hokkaido, Japan. Mizuhara moved to Los Angeles with his family when he was a child. Growing up, he attended Diamond Bar High School in California. He later became known for his work as an interpreter in the world of baseball, particularly for Major League Baseball (MLB) player Shohei Ohtani.

Ippei Mizuhara Career

Ippei Mizuhara had a career as a baseball interpreter, best known for his work with Major League Baseball player Shohei Ohtani. He started his career in 2013 with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, where he helped translate for English-speaking players.

Mizuhara met Ohtani during this time, and when Ohtani moved to the MLB in 2017, Mizuhara became his personal interpreter for the Los Angeles Angels. He gained popularity for his close relationship with Ohtani, even serving as his catcher during the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby. Mizuhara's role involved helping Ohtani communicate with teammates and the media.

However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2024 when he was accused of bank fraud and tax evasion, resulting in his dismissal from the Dodgers and a guilty plea. His career, once promising, is now overshadowed by serious legal troubles, which have significantly impacted his life and reputation.

Ippei Mizuhara Wife

Ippei Mizuhara is married, but his wife’s name is not publicly known or revealed. They got married in 2018, but Mizuhara has shared little about her in the media. In 2021, he mentioned that he spent more time with Shohei Ohtani, the baseball player he interpreted for than with his own family.

Ippei Mizuhara Interpreter

Mizuhara's job was not just to translate during games but also to assist Ohtani year-round, making it a demanding position. He was with Ohtani every day, including the off-season, which is uncommon for interpreters in the sports industry.

His role was considered a "dream job" because of the high pay and the exciting nature of working with a superstar athlete. However, Mizuhara was fired in March 2024 after being accused of stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani's bank account, which overshadowed his professional accomplishments.