One year after interpreter's scandal, Shohei Ohtani enters the Tokyo Series with newfound maturity

TOKYO — The Tokyo Series and its celebration of Shohei Ohtani begins this week in a festive atmosphere. The Japanese two-way star is among the most beloved athletes in the world and coming off one of the best seasons in the history of Major League Baseball while earning his third MVP award for the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. It's easy to forget that almost exactly one year ago, his career was briefly on the rocks when a gambling scandal engulfed his interpreter and close friend Ippei Mizuhara. Ohtani was never implicated, but it was the first whiff of controversial news for a player with a squeaky-clean reputation. Now in his 30s, Ohtani enters the 2025 season with newfound maturity.

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