Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani ties impressive Ichiro Suzuki record in MLB history

Ohtani reaches base in 40 straight games, matching Ichiro's second-longest streak by a Japanese player.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:52pm

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Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has tied the second-longest on-base streak by a Japanese-born player in MLB history, matching Ichiro Suzuki's 40-game run in 2004. Ohtani extended his streak with a home run against the Washington Nationals, putting him alongside Ichiro's impressive feats as one of the best Japanese players to ever play in the majors.

Why it matters

Ohtani and Ichiro are two of the most impactful Japanese players in MLB history, and their statistical accomplishments are often compared. This on-base streak record is another example of Ohtani following in Ichiro's footsteps and cementing his legacy as one of the game's all-time greats.

The details

Ohtani reached base for the 40th consecutive game on Sunday, tying Ichiro Suzuki's second-place mark set in 2004. Ichiro holds the record for a Japanese player with a 43-game on-base streak in 2009. Ohtani extended his streak with a home run against the Washington Nationals, further showcasing his elite two-way abilities as both a dominant pitcher and a prolific hitter.

  • Ichiro Suzuki set the record for a Japanese player with a 43-game on-base streak in 2009.
  • Ichiro Suzuki had a 40-game on-base streak in 2004, which ranks second all-time for Japanese players.
  • Shohei Ohtani reached base for the 40th consecutive game on April 5, 2026, tying Ichiro Suzuki's second-place mark.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A two-way star for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ohtani is one of the best players in Major League Baseball and is now tied for the second-longest on-base streak by a Japanese-born player.

Ichiro Suzuki

A legendary Japanese player who spent most of his MLB career with the Seattle Mariners, Ichiro holds the record for the longest on-base streak by a Japanese player at 43 games.

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What’s next

Ohtani will look to surpass Ichiro's 43-game on-base streak, which would give him the record for the longest such streak by a Japanese-born player in MLB history.

The takeaway

Ohtani's impressive on-base streak cements his status as one of the greatest Japanese players to ever play in the majors, joining the legendary Ichiro Suzuki atop the record books for this significant statistical accomplishment.