the fact is that japanese players speak english to a certain extent, as do all players born in other countries. what the commentator is blissfully unaware of is the japanese cultural trait that makes most japanese players opt to use an interpreter in post-game interviews – embarrassment. japanese are taught english throughout their school years and 99.9% never speak it because they’re too shy to make mistakes in a foreign language. darvish and kawasaki are anomalies among japanese players and japanese people in general…
Kurtass Premium Member over 3 years ago
“I’m only a caveman, your language frightens and confuses me.” Or something like that, Phil Hartman.
e.groves over 3 years ago
Hot tamale.
zwilnik64 over 3 years ago
Beyond the cultural insensitivity, why in the world would Japanese players learning English expand baseball’s reach in the USA?
Richard S Russell Premium Member over 3 years ago
Whenever I see that guy, I change the channel.
Templo S.U.D. over 3 years ago
Now that I think about it, how good is th’English proficiency of the Seattle Mariners’ former teammate Ichirou Suzuki?
mistercatworks over 3 years ago
Why would someone being paid 6-figures to play in a foreign land care if the sport “grew” there?
gopher gofer over 3 years ago
the fact is that japanese players speak english to a certain extent, as do all players born in other countries. what the commentator is blissfully unaware of is the japanese cultural trait that makes most japanese players opt to use an interpreter in post-game interviews – embarrassment. japanese are taught english throughout their school years and 99.9% never speak it because they’re too shy to make mistakes in a foreign language. darvish and kawasaki are anomalies among japanese players and japanese people in general…
Jujeebean over 3 years ago
mmmmm….hot tacos…..