Ichiro Donates 100 Million (Yen) to Japan

Here in the United States, we pretty much know Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki for two things…being one of the best multi-tooled ballplayers out there and delivering profanity-laced speeches prior to All-Star games.

But, as it turns out, dude is quite the humanitarian as well.

According to the website NIKKEI.com…the Toyoyama native just donated a nice chunk of change to help out with the relief efforts in Japan.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki has donated 100 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society for earthquake relief efforts in the country, his management company BowPlanning told Kyodo News on Friday.  While Suzuki declined to comment on his act, BowPlanning President Yoshiki Okada explained the major leaguer made the decision after gathering information on the situation in Japan and careful consideration.

And this isn’t the first time, the big leaguer has opened up his pocketbook to help out his homeland.  Check this out.

Last month, Suzuki contributed 10 million yen for Miyazaki Prefecture, which was struck by repeated eruptions of volcano Shinmoe Peak.  He donated 10 million yen to Kobe, the home of his former Japanese club the Orix BlueWave for disaster relief following the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake.  In 2000, he sent 1,500 clothes items worth about 13 million yen to Aichi Prefecture, which was hit by disruptive downpours.

Oh, and in case you’re wondering just how much 100 million yen is…it comes to close to $1.23 million here in the States.

Perhaps inspired by the generosity of their star…the Mariners announced Friday morning that they’ll match all of the team’s front office employees and fan donations to the Red Cross. They’ve also stated that they’ll make a guaranteed donation of $100,000 to meet the match requirements.

Nintendo of America Inc., the majority owner of the M’s, is also making a contribution, as is their parent company Nintendo Co, Ltd. of Kyoto, Japan.  So far, they’ve shelled out the equivalent of roughly $3.7 million.

Well played, Ichiro.  Well.  Played.