Kosuke Fukudome – The Next Big Japanese Import?
Posted by: Richie Rich in Japan, Kosuke Fukudome
Some Famous Japanese Imports to American Culture: Honda, Sushi, Ichiro, Toyota, Dice-K, Bukkake, Godzilla, Fukudome.
Wait – who was that last one?
The reigning MVP of Japan’s Central League could be coming to a Major League Baseball team near you in 2008. Kosuke Fukudome turned 30 this year and his contract with the Chunichi Dragons expires in 2007.
Which means there won’t be a Daisuke Matsuzaka-esque bidding war before an MLB team can even talk contract numbers with him.
Fukudome is a natural hitter and is an excellent outfielder (RF). He’s got a rocket arm and blazing speed. He has led the Central League in Fielding Percentage the past two seasons. He led the 2006 Central League in batting (.351) while slugging .653 with 47 Doubles, 31 HR, and 104 RBI. That’s how you get yourself named MVP.
He is a two-time Olympic Baseball Medalist (1996 – Silver, 2004 – Bronze) and was a member of the Japanese National Team which won the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006.
Let’s compare Fukudome’s Japanese career stats to some other heralded Japanese outfielders who have left Japan for the Major Leagues. Not too Shabby - especially considering that his first few years have been nowhere near as good as his recent performances.
| Player | Yrs | G | AB | Avg | Slg | OBP | OPS | RBI | HR | AB/HR | Field % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kosuke Fukudome | 8 | 993 | 3583 | .306 | .545 | .393 | .938 | 599 | 179 | 20.02 | .991 |
| Ichiro Suzuki | 9 | 951 | 3619 | .353 | .522 | .421 | .943 | 529 | 118 | 30.67 | .992 |
| Hideki Matsui | 10 | 1268 | 4572 | .304 | .582 | .413 | .995 | 889 | 332 | 13.77 | .986 |
But the reason I hope he leaves Nippon Baseball for the Majors is to hear people mispronounce his name. It’s gonna be vulgar, especially over at the Booyah Network when analysts like Dusty Baker and Joe Morgan have to speak it. Let’s have a quick pronunciation lesson so you don’t get your mouth washed out with some Mr. Sparkle …
It’s Koe-Sue-Kay Foo-Koo-Doh-May.
Not Koe-Sucky F*ck-You-Do-Me.
Good God I wish Harry Caray was still alive to mispronounce that.
You can watch Fukudome throw a spaz after getting called out on strikes right here.
There. My one year of Japanese in college paid off. See, Dad – I told you it wasn’t a waste of money.
Entries (RSS)
May 16th, 2007 at 8:16 am
Jersey Sales for this guy in the states will be through the roof.
May 16th, 2007 at 8:37 am
Two things…….
1. How can you forget to mention the immortal “Fat Toad”, Hideki Irabu?
2. I demand MLB drug test Justin Morneau.
May 16th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Wait, so your reason for learing Japanese wasn’t hentai?
May 16th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Are you sure that is his name and not just a corporate sponsorship on his jersey? I understand his given name was George Smith, but Fuko paid him big bucks to make it look like he played in the Fuko Dome.
May 16th, 2007 at 10:01 pm
Hey Steve…did you know that Fukudome spelled backwards is Emodukuf….Holy Cow!!! I don’t think I can say that again, Bud Me Steve!
February 25th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Did someone say bukkake and hentai? lol..I have got to get one of his jerseys!
Does anyone know where to get Japanese team jerseys? (besides Japan?)..
February 25th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I found the Fukodome Cubs Road Jersey but would like to get my hands on one of the Chunichi Dragons Jerseys..any ideas?
April 5th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
You forgot two other great contributions; nagadashi, and satadashi!
April 17th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
If youre looking to import a car from Japan I recently used Algys Autos Ltd. I did a lot of research first and looked around. These guys have garages in jApan and the UK, I read their testimonials and even contacted a few past customers. All was good. I took the ‘leap of faith and went for it.They will source any model of a Japanese or European car you wish from any age and specification via their Japan garages. Prices are keen and quality is excellent. All models seem to be in their reach. The import process concudes when the car is registered and ready for collection from the Bristol garage. They have full dealer facilities and can also arrange for full UK registration. Visit the site where there are loads of photos and vehicle specifications etc. My mate did one from them a while ago I’ve learnt since…and he had his delievered by them to his home. Gotta be good!