Daisuke Motoki, the former head coach of the Yomiuri Giants and current baseball commentator, recently found himself at the center of public scrutiny after updating his Instagram profile with new photos on March 8, 2025. Motoki, now 53, appeared noticeably thinner, prompting comments from fans who expressed both surprise and concern over his health.
Posting pictures from his appearance on the BS NTV program 'Now, Baseball That BS Conveys' as part of their 25th-anniversary special, Motoki wore a casual knit outfit and shared images from Tokyo Dome alongside images promoting snacks. His followers quickly noticed his altered appearance, leading to numerous comments questioning whether he had lost weight. One user commented, “Motoki-san, you’ve gotten thinner,” reflecting the sentiments of many others who remarked, “Quite a bit of weight loss, for a moment who is it?”
Motoki proactively addressed the concerns, replying to various comments with reassurances like, “I think I'm fine” and “Thank you, yeah I lost weight.” These acknowledgments, though reassuring, only intensified discussions around his health and well-being. Some comments even speculated whether the stress from previous controversies, particularly related to star pitcher Shohei Ohtani, could have contributed to his drastic weight change.
Indeed, the relationship between Motoki and Ohtani, which saw its share of turbulence, was highlighted by sports journalists. It was on October 31, 2024, during the MLB World Series, when Motoki, reporting for Fuji TV, attempted to interview Ohtani post-game after the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their championship. Ohtani famously glanced at the Fuji crew but refused to head over to speak, which led to widespread speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Commentators noted this incident became especially infamous when it was suggested Ohtani’s refusal to engage was tied to past grievances. Notably, Fuji TV had angered Ohtani earlier by conducting unauthorized aerial footage of his newly purchased home. Further tensions arose when Motoki shared images of Ohtani's luxury Porsche on his own Instagram without the player's consent.
After these events unfolded, Motoki's Instagram post showcasing Ohtani's Porsche led to considerable backlash online, compelling him to delete the post. Subsequently, on November 8, 2024, he offered public apologies, stating, “I did not want to disturb anyone during this time of celebration and I’m sorry for the discomfort this caused.” Despite his attempts to take responsibility, online opinion remained polarizing, with some commenters expressing their worries over what they perceived as Ohtani's apparent disapproval impacting Motoki and his health.
Responses on social media varied. While many fans supported Motoki, hoping his weight loss was not solely attributable to stress over Ohtani, they pointed out the complex dynamics evident between public figures. “I hope it's not because Motoki could be considered responsible for making Ohtani upset; I don't think he’s entirely to blame,” one supporter noted.
Following Motoki's latest Instagram updates, fans rallied around him, advocating for the notion he ought not to shoulder the burden alone when it came to public perception. Their messages highlighted the shared concern for the former athlete's well-being rather than merely harping on weight or appearance.
Finally, the larger discourse about mental health following public scrutiny encapsulates the pressures athletes and media personalities face, particularly when relationships with key figures—like Ohtani—turn contentious. Motoki reminds us through his experience of the public's role, not just as spectators, but as entities influencing the lived realities of athletes.
With every comment, whether concerned or supportive, it is evident the dialogue surrounding Motoki has transcended simple weight commentary. It prompts reflections on celebrity culture, public perception, and the emotional challenges conspiring behind the scenes of sports and entertainment.