Ichiro's boyhood training 'bordered on child abuse'

[Taro Toporific]

The Meaning of Ichiro
Captain Japan / Wednesday, July 14, 2004 11:34pm
Years later the Captain finds himself throwing strikes against one of Japan's most respected foreign authors, Robert Whiting, and his new book The Meaning of Ichiro....
His father's upbringing of his son...Ichiro taking 250 swings at the Nagoya "Airport Batting Center" until 11 p.m. each night from the age of seven; there is the "life or death" drill in which Ichiro was required to hit balls to the right or left of his father as he delivered pitches from a mere six feet away; and there is the story of his father angrily firing baseballs at Ichiro as he sat on the diamond in protest.....When Whiting mentioned to Ichiro in Japanese (as his interviews were conducted) how his father in his autobiography described their training sessions as being simply father-son bonding, Whiting said that Ichiro responded in English: "He's a liar." Then he added in Japanese: "That bordered on child abuse."

[AssKissinger]

Well I'd say Ichiro turned out alright. He's lucky his dad had the good sense to exploit his talent.

Ichiro turned down 35 million dollars worth of endorsements in his first two years because he said they would either detract from his image or take away from his concentration on baseball

I think he may have a taken a few too many on the noggin', however.

[Big Booger]

Well he turned out rich, I don't know about alright.. Sounds like papa was living his dream through his kid. I think Tiger's dad did the same kind of crap...

Oh well, it's his story. I guess we all have our challenges, trials and tribulations. There are many kids out there with horrific tales that would put "poor" ichiro to shame..

[Captain Japan]

The book is worth reading. It's got a few problems as far as making a lot of sense as it moves from chapter to chapter. But there is some hilarious stuff in there. The bit about Kevin Mitchell's days with Fukuoka is priceless.

[Skankster]

-
-
Well I guess thats obvious in retrospect.

Japan doesnt grow star atheletes as a rule.
From what I have seen in the media Tiger was encouraged, not abused.
Maybe Venus and Serena were slightly abused... but at least all of them now have to drive to win.

It may also be abuse to raise kids that do not have any drive.
So effectually a little abuse is productive. Right?!

[Video-Link Japan]

The book is worth reading. It's got a few problems as far as making a lot of sense as it moves from chapter to chapter. But there is some hilarious stuff in there. The bit about Kevin Mitchell's days with Fukuoka is priceless.

Great article Capt. Jpn.

We did this video interview (20min. run-time) with Robert Whiting for GLOCOM back in January about the Meaning of Ichiro. For any FG's - or wannabe FG's - who have never read his classic "Tokyo Underworld" book.. you gotta be digging that for sure..!!!

[AssKissinger]

I really wanna read You Gotta Have Wa if anyone has a copy and wants to make a trade with the book club pres pm me.

[Skankster]

-
-
Its obvious that Ichiro is a product of some sort of extreme circumstances.

I mean as oak trees dont bear fruit all know Japan doesnt make many super atheletes.
I for one dont think that it has anything to do with natural/physical ability but rather culture.

Even Tiger and the William sisters are of the same nature - flukes.
In the same way as thier parents MADE THEM to be the world class players they are.

all in all the result is a good result.