In a dramatic turn of events, Ippei Mizuhara, who was the voice and cultural link for Shohei Ohtani for years, voluntarily surrendered Monday at a federal prison in Pennsylvania to begin serving a nearly five-year sentence. The news coincided with Ohtani’s return to action as a pitcher for the Dodgers in the 2025 season, contrasting the ballplayer’s professional advancement with the judicial downfall of his former collaborator.
Mizuhara was transferred to a low-security institution in Allenwood, where he will face the sentence imposed by a federal court after being found responsible for the fraudulent handling of millions of dollars belonging to Ohtani. This judicial process originated in March 2024, when a series of financial irregularities were uncovered that compromised the image and confidence within the player’s inner circle.
Million-dollar fraud and uncontrolled gambling
Investigations revealed that Mizuhara, in addition to stealing approximately $17 million, used that money to fuel a severe sports gambling addiction. Nearly 19,000 illegal bets were documented over a two-year period, leading the former interpreter to rack up more than $40 million in debt.
His guilt was formalized after he admitted to manipulating accounts and submitting false tax information. As part of the sentence, Mizuhara must pay restitution of more than $18 million, most of which will be returned to Ohtani, while a portion will go to the U.S. Treasury.
Repercussions on and off the diamond
The scandal caused the Dodgers to immediately separate Mizuhara from their team, while the Japanese baseball player publicly expressed his shock and disappointment at the betrayal of what was once a close ally. The broken trust marked a turning point in both of their careers.
In parallel, authorities are continuing legal proceedings against others involved, such as Mathew Bowyer, who is accused of operating the illegal gambling ring that facilitated Mizuhara’s behavior. The former interpreter could also face deportation once his sentence is completed, closing a controversial chapter in MLB.
With Mizuhara’s imprisonment, a dark chapter in Ohtani’s career comes to a close, as he now looks to focus on his sporting performance. It is expected that, once the sentence has been served, the former interpreter may face deportation proceedings to Japan, the country from which he originates.
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