On Monday, ESPN’s “30 for 30” X account released a trailer for an upcoming documentary series that includes an interview with Ippei Mizuhara, the former translator for Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani.
The trailer for the series, which is called “The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani” and will release its first two episodes on July 28, concluded with what sounded like a phone interview with Mizuhara, where he could be heard saying, “I’m Ippei Mizuhara, and you do have permission to record me.”
Shohei Ohtani waves to the camera with his former translator, Ippei Mizuhara, in the background. Getty Images
Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in prison and was ordered to pay $18 million in restitution in February of 2025 after he pleaded guilty to charges of bank fraud and filing a false tax return after he had stolen about $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts.
Mizuhara’s prison sentence began on March 24, which means he won’t be out of prison until December of 2029.
The Betrayal of Shohei Ohtani 👀The newest 30 for 30 podcast details the biggest scandal in modern baseball — When Shohei Ohtani’s interpreter stole millions from him. Listen to the first two episodes on July 28th 📲🍿 pic.twitter.com/wBTur8pjOJ— 30 for 30 (@30for30) July 20, 2026
Him being interviewed for this documentary series is fascinating, as he hasn’t spoken publicly since his sentencing. Therefore, whatever information he has could added context to the saga of his and Ohtani’s relationship.
Mizuhara had exploited his personal and professional relationship with Ohtani (whom he was also close friends with), stealing millions from the two-way player’s account for years and even impersonating Ohtani to bankers at times.
Mizuhara did so in order to fund a sports gambling addiction, which amounted to a net loss of nearly $41 million. Although, he made sure to never bet on baseball.
Ippei Mizuhara speaks to the media outside of a courthouse. AFP via Getty Images
Shohei Ohtani throws during a Los Angeles Dodgers practice. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There has always speculation on what true role Ohtani had in this story, and whether he was at all aware of what Mizuhara was doing with his money.
Perhaps the interviews Mizuhara does for this upcoming ESPN community will provide more finality in that regard.
