More Than a Home Run: Every Parent Deserves a Standing Ovation

A New Chapter for Shohei Ohtani

On April 19, 2025, the world of baseball celebrated as Japanese star Shohei Ohtani announced the arrival of his first child—a beautiful daughter—on Instagram. Fans and the sporting community alike rejoiced at the news. As a fellow Japanese, I felt immense happiness for him and his family. At the same time, it led me to reflect on my own experience with parenthood, which was quite different from the joyous moment Ohtani shared.

From Ambition to Parenthood

When I first became a parent, my reality was far from the happiness many people expect. I had not envisioned having a child, and the significant sacrifices that came with that decision weighed heavily on me. Since I wasn’t interested in the usual baby preparations, I only bought a few essentials, skipping over the adorable clothes and fancy little items that usually excite expectant parents.

As I held my newborn in the hospital, I was filled not only with love but also with uncertainty and sadness over the career I had put aside. Facing parenthood largely alone, without the support of nearby family, added to my anxiety.

A Total Shift in Values

Many new parents may resonate with my early struggles. The social belief that “a baby’s birth is pure happiness” doesn’t always capture the full reality. Parenthood is not simply a happy event—it is a profound life transformation. Yet, as the weeks turned into months and months into years, a quiet miracle unfolded. As I cared for my daughter, we gradually built a bond of deep trust and love. Despite my initial fears, I found fulfillment beyond anything I could have imagined. Watching her grow turned my earlier doubts into some of my most precious memories.

Whether your child’s birth is celebrated around the world, like Ohtani’s, or witnessed quietly within your own circle, one truth remains: you are blessed. Every parent’s journey is unique, yet equally honorable. Just as the world admires Shohei Ohtani for his incredible achievements, every parent deserves to be recognized as a blessed and honorable existence. Raising a child, with all its challenges and sacrifices, is no less a noble and extraordinary path.

To all the parents out there who might be grappling with mixed emotions: take heart. The journey may not always be easy, but the rewards of parenthood unfold with time, like a beautifully crafted story. One day, you may look back and realize that every struggle you endured strengthened the incredible bond you share with your child—and the joy you feel will far outweigh the sacrifices you made.