Ichiro Suzuki, simply known as Ichiro, the current MLB Seattle Mariners players has become one of the world’s best known baseball players. At the age of seven, Ichiro joined his first baseball team and asked his father to teach him to be a better player. The two began a daily routine of pitching, throwing, fielding, and batting. He later attended the prestigious baseball program at Nagoya's Aikodai Meiden High School before turning pro at the age of 18.

Since joining the Major Leagues in 2001, Ichiro has had 9 consecutive 200-hit seasons; only one other player in the history of Major League baseball has had more. He also holds the single season record for hits in both the Major Leagues and Japanese baseball.

Like millions of other budding Japanese players, Ichiro started playing baseball for his elementary school team. Ichiro, is a native of Toyoyama-cho 豊山町, a small 14,000 strong community just to the north of Nagoya - home of the old Nagoya Airport.

In front of the airport’s main entrance is the batting center at which Ichiro practiced daily as a boy. The number 8 lane boasts a plaque commemorating its past patronage by the player.
Just a stone throw away from Nagoya Airport is the Ichiro Exhibition room. This 3-floored museum is maintained by Ichiro’s father, exhibits Ichiro’s professional career and contains memorabilia form Ichiro’s childhood; including bats, gloves, uniforms, photographs, and more.

Admission: 900 Yen for adults, 300 Yen for children, and there are discounts for groups and advanced bookings.
Open: 10:30 - 16:30; closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Dec 25 - Jan 7. For more information and group bookings call 0568-39-2061.
Web Site: www.btr.co.jp  

Access: The Ichiro Exhibition Room is situated next to the old Nagoya Airport and Airport Walk (www.airportwalk.com) - a large shopping mall and multi-screen theatre that inhabits the airport’s old international terminal.

The coach departs from in front of Nagoya Station’s Midland Square (stop #1); it says “Airport Walk” on the side. There are several buses each hour; costs 700 Yen. Get off at Airport Walk Kita エアポートウォーク北. - Further information & bus schedule

 
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