(Provisional Translation)

Congratulatory Message by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on the Achievements of Japanese Baseball Players in the Major League

October 25, 2001

Mr. Ichiro Suzuki has set many records this year in the Major League, including the dazzling double crown of achievements of being both the batting champion and the stolen base king.

His achievements have inspired Japanese baseball fans and many children to dream and hope for the future. I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations.

My congratulation also goes out to Mr. Hideo Nomo on his success as the strikeout king.

This season many Japanese baseball players performed excellently in the Major League, including Mr. Tsuyoshi Shinjo and Mr. Kazuhiro Sasaki.

I look forward to even greater results in the coming season next year.