Japan Times Profiles Mariners' Ichiro, Kenji
It seems that in their native Japan, the enigmatic Ichiro remains enigmatic, but the quiet Kenji Johjima--frequent target of talent-less clown Jarrod Washburn--doesn't take any shit. Today's Japan Times has articles on both Mariners, prompted by their participation in the World Baseball Classic. 
In "Found in 'Area 51,' he goes by one name", Jun Hongo paints a familiar picture of Ichiro as a fastidious, ritual-dependent player. According to the article, "some have pointed out that he sticks to spending precisely 40 seconds between running in from the outfield and emerging from the Mariners dugout for his at-bats."
In the US, this meticulousness (combined with Ichiro's brief, cryptic interview answers) is frequently exoticized as some sort of zen wisdom, but it seems that the Japanese are similarly entranced--and willing to cash in:
Kodama, who has authored several business books based on Ichiro's work ethic, suggests the slugger's tenaciousness can apply to anyone looking to succeed in their career.
"Ichiro knows what his job is, and knows what is expected of him. He goes through an exhaustive routine to achieve that," he said. "It's a philosophy that anyone seeking to accomplish something should live by."
On the other hand, Johjima--who's been relatively quiet in Seattle, even when Jarrod Washburn attempted to blame the Japanese catcher for his own suckiness--is known for speaking out. From the lede to "Feisty Johjima shoots from the hip" by Kaz Nagatsuka:
We all know how outspoken Kenji Johjima can be. He never gives noncommittal, harmless words in front of the media. Instead, he replies with unexpected answers.
Apparently, a Japanese catching legend named Katsuya Nomura recently blamed Johjima for Japan's loss to South Korea in the WBC. Responds Kenji:
It is unclear whether Johjima read or heard about it. But anyway, Johjima began lambasting Nomura, saying "Nomura will still rip me," even with his defensive performance against Cuba.
The reason?
"Because we've given up about eight hits," Johjima said. "And he would always hit 1.000 at the plate, right?"
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