Mid-Decade Milestones in U.S.–Japan Baseball Relations (1875–2025)
A 150-Year Journey Through the Game That Bridges Nations Ichiro Suzuki’s induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2025 is a milestone worth celebrating—and an opportunity to reflect on the progress of U.S.–Japan baseball relations. From Ichiro’s enshrinement to the sandlot games played by Japanese school children during the 1870s, the history of baseball between the U.S. and Japan is a rich narrative of cultural exchange, perseverance, diplomacy, and innovation. With that in mind, I thought it would be fun to use Ichiro’s 2025 achievement as a springboard to explore key mid-decade milestones (years ending in five) in the U.S.–Japan baseball journey. Let's look at how the sport evolved from a foreign curiosity into a shared national passion—and ultimately, a bridge between two nations. Let’s begin in the present and work our way backward. 2025 Ichiro Suzuki was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025, receiving 393 out of 394 votes (99.75%) in...
