Ichirou, Nakamura, and Mao-chan

Whether they love sports or hate them, it seems every Japanese person can name at least a dozen athletes and their claims to fame.

Ichiro Suzuki's recent in-the-park home run and All Star game MVP honors have continued his legacy as Japan's favorite athlete, greatest source of pride, and perhaps everyone's favorite person. In second place for baseball Matsuzaka and Matsui are in tough competition with Okajima fighting for his place too.

Outside of baseball there are many athletes that bring all Japanese pride. Among these are Miki Ando and Mao Asada (known affectionately as Mao-chan). These graceful ladies attract millions of Japanese fans to their televisions during competitions. Ando's quadruple jump at the 2002 Junior Grand Prix Final and continuous success at world events has made her a permanent star, along with the young Mao-chan who is currently ranked as the best skater in the world.

This evening another star the famous Shunsuke Nakamura is the star in the Japan-Australia game. Everyone is expecting good things from the Celtic player. And whether people follow sports or not they will know well if he does something amazing.