Ponderings from Morizo: "Ichiro-san" (Revised Title)

In the world of sports and automotive industries, two unlikely figures have found a shared connection – Ichiro Suzuki and Akio Toyoda.

Ichiro, the legendary baseball player who achieved a record-breaking 3,000 hits in Major League Baseball, and Akio, the President of Toyota Motor Corporation, have more in common than one might initially think.

It all began in 2014 when Ichiro and Akio first met. Since then, Ichiro has been a staunch supporter of Toyota, much like his dedication to polishing his baseball bats and gloves before every game.

Ichiro was initially under the impression that he was fighting alone to protect Toyota. However, he was pleasantly surprised to find that he was not alone in his efforts. He was supported and protected by others, a revelation that brought a sense of relief and camaraderie.

This shared experience of emotional significance and team support led Ichiro to make a comparison between himself and Toyota at the Tokyo Motor Show. His comparison was not just about their respective achievements, but also about the importance of taking responsibility for failures and learning from them.

This message was symbolically conveyed when Ichiro gifted Akio a practice bat he used in his training. The bat, marked with practice balls and non-slip resin, was labelled "for practice," instead of "for a match." A subtle reminder for Akio to take responsibility for his own failures, rather than blaming others.

Akio, too, has shown a similar spirit. Before a congressional hearing, he made a promise to himself that he would protect Toyota, take responsibility for the past, present, and future, and not blame others.

The impact of Ichiro's achievements was not lost on his teammates and fans. Many were overjoyed when he reached the milestone of 3,000 hits. Ichiro, however, felt that it was more important that others were happy for his achievement, rather than just the number itself.

In a poignant moment, Ichiro's emotional response when achieving his 3,000 hits reminded Akio of his own emotional experience at the congressional hearing. It served as a reminder of the power of resilience, teamwork, and the importance of personal growth.

Ichiro's unique bond with Akio continues to inspire both the sports and automotive worlds, reminding us all that with the right mindset, we can overcome any challenge and find support in the most unexpected places.