2007-08-16 06:26:33 · 9 answers · asked by nitr0 2 in Sports ➔ Baseball
That's a Japanese custom. The Japanese use their surname first, followed by what Americans call their "first" name.
2007-08-16 06:30:47 · answer #1 · answered by just wants to know 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It was during the 1994 season that he began to use "Ichiro" instead of "Suzuki" on his uniform. Suzuki is the second most common surname in Japan, and his manager introduced the idea as a publicity stunt to help create a new image for what had been a relatively weak team, as well as a way to distinguish their rising star. Initially, Ichiro disliked the practice and was embarrassed by it, but "Ichiro" was a household name by the end of the season and he was flooded with endorsement offers.
2007-08-16 13:59:55 · answer #2 · answered by Bryan H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For the same reason, Yao Ming has "Yao" on the back of his jersey. This is a custom used in some parts of the Orient.
2007-08-16 13:45:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Asian cultures reverse given names and family names. Yao Ming does the same.
2007-08-16 13:34:13 · answer #4 · answered by hooper5446 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Suzuki is a VERY common name in Japan, like Jones in America. To stand out among the popular players with the same last name he began wearing his first name on the back of his jersey. When he crossed the Pacific he decided to keep his jersey the same.
2007-08-16 13:31:16 · answer #5 · answered by Chris 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Because he's Japanese and not American dumbass.
2007-08-16 15:06:46 · answer #6 · answered by Busan-man 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a japanese thing
2007-08-16 13:47:34 · answer #7 · answered by Simon K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
idk i think it has something to do with japan...but if the yanks had names on the back of their shirts would matsui use hideki??
2007-08-16 13:38:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
hes so good he can do wat every he wants and its in their culture i think b.c yao does it 2.
2007-08-16 13:33:26 · answer #9 · answered by david wright+jose reyes= WS 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋