Copyright Heavy.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto has become one of baseball’s biggest stars — and fans are now just as curious about his life off the field. In November 2024, dating rumors began swirling after Yamamoto was spotted shopping in Beverly Hills with Japanese model and actress Niki Niwa. The pair appeared together in a TikTok video posted by content creator Jack Banana, sparking instant buzz online. “Are you Yoshinobu?” Jack asked in the viral clip. When the 26-year-old pitcher confirmed, he turned to Niwa and asked for her name. “Niki,” she replied with a smile. Since then, fans have been wondering who the stylish woman by Yamamoto’s side is — and how their rumored romance began. Niki Niwa Dating Rumors With Yoshinobu Yamamoto Spark After Beverly Hills Outing Rumors of a possible relationship started when Yamamoto and Niwa were spotted at a Beverly Hills shopping mall in November 2024. The clip immediately gained traction with Dodgers fans and Japanese media outlets alike. The sighting came just months after Yamamoto helped lead the Dodgers through a dominant postseason run. The right-hander, who joined the team in 2024, made headlines for signing a 12-year, $325 million contract — the largest ever for an MLB pitcher. As one of Japan’s biggest exports to Major League Baseball, Yamamoto’s every move draws attention, especially when it involves another high-profile Japanese star like Niwa. Niki Niwa’s Rise to Fame in Japan: From ‘Terrace House’ to ‘Peanut Butter Sandwich’ Before she was linked to Yamamoto, Niwa was already a household name in Japan. The 28-year-old model and TV personality first gained fame as a cast member on the hit Netflix reality series “Terrace House: Aloha State.” She has also starred in the romantic drama “Peanut Butter Sandwich,” where she played Akane Matsuoka, a young executive navigating modern relationships. Niwa has also made TC Candler’s “100 Most Beautiful Faces” list multiple times and has built an Instagram following of more than 760,000. Her feed showcases her jet-setting lifestyle between Japan and the U.S., filled with fashion events, brand partnerships, and luxury travel. Her modeling career has included collaborations with Dior Beauty, Valentino Beauty, and Lancôme, as well as Japanese skincare label Takami. In 2023, she even fronted a campaign with Aston Martin, posing alongside the brand’s Vantage F1 Edition. Niwa’s Previous Relationship Rumors Before she was linked to Yamamoto, Niwa was reportedly dating Japanese singer and actor Tomohisa Yamashita, who’s best known for his roles in “Operation Love” and Apple TV+’s “Drops of God.” The two were said to have met during her “Terrace House” days, and fans claimed they were spotted vacationing together in Hawaii back in 2018. Neither Niwa nor Yamashita ever confirmed the relationship. Niwa’s public image has always balanced glamour with discretion — she shares glimpses of her life but rarely addresses her personal relationships directly. Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s Rumored Girlfriend Has a Busy Life Away From the Spotlight Even as dating speculation continues, Niwa seems focused on her career and travel. While Yamamoto prepared for a playoff run with the Dodgers, Niwa was sharing Instagram Stories from a girls’ trip in Hong Kong, including a visit to Disneyland. She’s also a published author, having released multiple photo books, including “Niki” in 2017 and “Slow Motion” in 2024.
