The more that Japanese players go to the big leagues to play and succeed, the more that will serve to inspire young kids in Japan to want to become baseball players when they grow up.

I had a dream. And I made that dream come true.

When people get placed upon a pedestal - when they start chasing after that person on the pedestal - they become mannequin-like.

You should seek approval from yourself.

As professionals we have a responsibility of providing a good show for the fans. Getting hits and home runs is what they want to see.

When I look at the records and see where my place in the history of the game (in Japan with Orix) might be, I guess you could say it was a good decision to come here. It's not just me. Maybe I'll have an effect on others in the international part of the game.

I'm anxious to face them (major league pitchers) all, but in reality I'm looking forward most to (Boston's) Pedro Martinez. He was with the major league team that came to Japan in 1996, just before he became a superstar. I'm anxious to see how much he's improved. And I'm anxious to see how much I've improved against him.