Who is Shohei Ohtani's translator? All you need to know about the most important interpreter in MLB right now

It goes without saying that Shohei Ohtani is not only one of the best players in the MLB but also one of the most popular. The Japanese superstar is the most followed MLB player on Instagram, with over 2.6 million followers on the social media platform.

"Shohei Ohtani is baseball's biggest star. He has more Instagram followers than any other MLB player (2.6 million), despite launching the account in 2020 and only posting 34 times. And he now makes $20M in endorsement income (3x Bryce Harper)." - Joe Pompliano

The two-way phenom has changed the game, not just playing baseball as a batter and a pitcher but excelling at both positions. While there have been players who have played both positions in the past, no one has performed at the level that Ohtani has throughout his MLB career.

However, as beloved as the Japanese star is among baseball fans around the globe, he still relies on his translator, Ippei Mizuhara, during press conferences and interviews. Although Shohei Ohtani continues to learn English, he is not fluent in his second language.

Having previously worked for the Boston Red Sox as an interpreter for Hideki Okajima, Mizuhara understands the rigors of the MLB season. The 38-year-old Japanese translator has been helping Ohtani answer questions from baseball media, as well as communicating with his Los Angeles Angels teammates.

"Ippei Sighting. Super Hero Ippei Mizuhara translates for Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic. #Angels #WorldBaseballClassic #WBC #KORvsJPN" - Anaheim Sports

Following Ohtani's signing with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017, the club hired Mizuhara to be his personal translator. The two have developed a powerful connection with one another, with Mizuaha resigning from his post during the lockout so he was able to remain in contact with Ohtani.

Although Ohtani continues to learn and improve at speaking English, Mizuhara remains an important partner for the former American League MVP while living in America.

A look back at Stephen A. Smith's closed-minded and controversial comments about Shohei Ohtani

While most media members understand the difficulties of learning a new language and adjusting to a new culture, Shohei Ohtani was criticized by the ever-arrogant Stephen A. Smith for not speaking English.

"Jeff Passan very politely made Stephen A Smith look like a fool this morning on First Take over his Shohei Ohtani take." - Sports ON Tap Brothers

Smith claimed that Shohei could never be the face of the MLB because he doesn't speak English. Since then, however, Ohtani has been named the MVP, has the most followers on Instagram among MLB players, and was the cover athlete for MLB The Show.