Ippei Mizuhara, the former translator for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, is featured in a new ESPN “30 for 30” documentary series, offering his perspective on the scandal that led to his imprisonment. The trailer for the series, titled “The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani,” includes an interview with Mizuhara, who broke his public silence since his sentencing.
Mizuhara was sentenced in February 2025 to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay $18 million in restitution. He had pleaded guilty to charges of bank fraud and filing a false tax return, admitting to stealing approximately $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts. His prison sentence began on March 24, 2025, with an expected release in December 2029.
The documentary is scheduled to release its first two episodes on July 28. Mizuhara's participation is notable, as he has not spoken publicly since his sentencing. His interviews could provide further context to the events that transpired between him and Ohtani.
Mizuhara exploited his close personal and professional relationship with Ohtani, impersonating the baseball player to bankers at times to facilitate the theft of millions of dollars over several years. These funds were used to support a sports gambling addiction, resulting in a net loss of nearly $41 million, though he reportedly did not bet on baseball games.
The role Ohtani may have played in the situation and his awareness of Mizuhara's actions have been subjects of speculation. The upcoming ESPN series may offer more definitive information regarding Ohtani's involvement and knowledge of the financial activities.