Japanese baseball star unveils new wife's identity

Japanese baseball superstar Shoehi Ohtani has unveiled the identity of his new wife after weeks of speculation.

The Los Angeles Dodgers star shared a photo with Mamiko Tanaka for the first time on his Instagram on Thursday.

The newlyweds are seen in front of an airplane as the team makes its way to South Korea as part of the Major League Baseball (MLB) World Tour.

The 29-year-old also gave no details about their wedding, only describing his new Japanese bride as someone "who is very special to me".

The announcement came as a shock to many and caused a stir on social media, leaving many of his fans guessing who she might be.

That mystery has now been solved.

Tanaka, 27, is also a sportsperson, having played for Women's Japanese Basketball League side Fujitsu Red Wave for four seasons before retiring last year, according to CBS News.

Also featuring in the picture of the pair on Ohtani's Instagram story is his fellow Japanese teammate Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

Ohtani and his LA Dodgers team take on the San Diego Padres in a two-game series there next week.

Writing in Korean on his Instagram stories, Ohtani said he "can't wait".

He made history in December when he signed a record-breaking 10-year, $700m (£552m) contract - making him one of the world's highest-earning athletes.

Unlike most players who specialise in batting or pitching, Ohtani is equally skilled at both disciplines, drawing comparisons with American baseball legend Babe Ruth.

He has been given the nickname "Shotime" and has been described as among the world's best players.

Baseball is hugely popular in Japan and Ohtani is part of a long line of Japanese players to see action in the American league.