Question from a reader:
Do you think Shohei Ohtani will surpass Daichi Suzuki if he returns to Japan in a few years?
Reflecting on Shohei Ohtani and Daichi Suzuki
Recently, I was discussing Shohei Ohtani with friends, and the topic came up about whether he would surpass Daichi Suzuki if he returned to Japan in a few years. In reality, Suzuki
is a gold medalist and has also made a name for himself as a university professor and politician, so it’s certainly a challenging path to follow. As long as Ohtani continues his career as a player, his playing style and achievements are indeed special in the world of Japanese baseball.
Ohtani’s Passion for Baseball
I truly believe that Ohtani is someone who puts baseball first. Even if he were to return to Japan, I don’t think he would seek the kind of fame that comes with being a university professor or politician. Given his accomplishments and glory in America, it seems unlikely that he would pursue success in other fields. In fact, watching his playing style clearly shows just how passionate he is about baseball. I recently went to a baseball game with friends, and I still remember the excitement I felt when I saw Ohtani play. When he hit a home run, everyone around me stood up and cheered loudly, celebrating as if it were a personal victory. Sharing such moments is truly one of the highlights of baseball.
The Possibility of Returning to Japan
Moreover, even if Ohtani were to suffer an injury that cut short his playing career, I think he would likely continue living in America. Japanese society can be quite small and often overly involved in others’ lives, so it might be difficult for someone of his stature to return to that environment. Having grown up in Japan, I understand well the challenges of navigating those unique social dynamics.
We Want to Hear Your Thoughts!
That said, discussing topics like this is really enjoyable. What do you all think? If Shohei Ohtani returns to Japan, will he surpass Daichi Suzuki? Or do you have a different perspective? Please share your thoughts in the comments! I’m looking forward to hearing everyone’s opinions.
