The Ichiro effect: What will star's departure mean for Japan baseball?

Much has been made over the past few months of former Orix BlueWave superstar Ichiro Suzuki leaving Japan and going to play for the Seattle Mariners. However, one aspect of Ichiro's big move has drawn little attention -- how will it affect Japanese baseball?

The Japan Times turned to an expert for his opinion, consulting new Boston Red Sox international scout Tadahiro Ushigome, who became Japan's top importer of foreign players during his 36 years working for the Yokohama BayStars, on the subject.

"Ichiro going to the majors will be a positive for Japanese baseball," says Ushigome. "I hope he is successful over there. If he is, Japanese players will see how good they can become. He will be an inspiration to them."