How come on all of the Ichiro Suzuki baseball cards, it never says his last name?

Question

I just think it's weird that it doesn't say his last name.

Answer 1

i like baseball ichiro is kool hi brian! i need points

Answer 2

Good question. Don't listen to people who say "Ichiro" is his surname, it's not, his family name is "Suzuki" and his given name is "Ichiro"

In Japan he would be "Suzuki Ichiro", and by western custom he would be "Ichiro Suzuki".

I think it's kind of lame that they don't put his family name on the cards. He's not a god, at least outside of Japan he isn't.

Another odd thing is that his Jersey says "Ichiro" instead of "Suzuki". Other Japanese players don't do this in Japan or here, just him. I've heard that it's because "Suzuki" is such a common last name in Japan. It seems vain to me. There have been many players with "Smith" or "Jones" who didn't resort to using there first names...

Answer 3

In his native tongue his name would be, formally, Suzuki Ichiro -- family name first, given name second. In the US, for familiarity, it is anglicized to Ichiro Suzuki.

Ichiro has gone by his first name, professionally, for a long time, well before he signed with Seattle. As he was the first non-pitcher Japanese import, and already a high-profile ballplayer, MLB was quite willing to bend over backwards and allow him the unusual waiver of having his given name on his jersey (Vida Blue had similar in a few seasons; I cannot think of anyone else). Card companies have followed suit, gone with his preferred mono-name for the most part. AFAIK this is not a requirement of the various licensing agreements, it's just being accommodating to his preference. A bit silly or odd, but -- it's baseball. Silly and odd are common.

Answer 4

They don't need to put his last name, it's not like there's another Ichiro in the league. Besides, doesn't it say Ichiro on his uniform too?

Answer 5

He's one of those people that you can identify on a single-name basis. People like Tiger, Yao, Kobe, LeBron, etc. that have become an international entity and are instantly recognized by their first names.

Answer 6

ichiro is his last name. most asian cultures have their last names come before their first names. kinda like yao ming, hideki matsui, hideo nomo, etc...

Answer 7

It is a Japanese custom for players to be identified by their first names. He continues that custom here in MLB.

Answer 8

"Ichiro" is his family's surname.

Answer 9

This is exactly why women,and i really really hope your a women,shouldnt be allowed to talk sports.Ever!If your name is Mary Retard what is your last name?Retard!Eureka.Theres your answer.