Report: Ichiro considering return to Japan

Another aspect is that a lot of the top NPB expats are pretty invested in living out their lives in the states. Ichiro still owns a home in Seattle, which seems to suggest that he hoped to go back for at least one more season. Plus he could well have properties around the country. Don't think any of his homes are going to pop up on AirBnB, but to just have them sit empty for several years while he slogs it out in Japan would seem pointless and a risk for robbery/ devaluation/ etc. Regardless, it would be awesome for Orix if he rejoined them, but I recall Ichiro is a little prickly towards J sports media so any team is going to worry about his impact on PR.

For a better scenario, look at Hideki Matsui who quickly got hired with the Yankees organization as an international scout. He seems to be busy enough in NYC that he couldn't come back to Japan for his induction into the NPB hall of fame.

This is the PERFECT example of what everyone says... when you washout of the Majors, you're still welcome back in Japan. Ichiro has been exceptional, but he is past his prime and it is understandable no one in the MLB wants to take him on under a new contract. So, naturally, where can he still go? ... If the man still wants to do what he loves, fantastic! Very admirable. But you can't say it's really a choice between the two if no one in the former (MLB), where he wants to stay, will accept him.

I had money on him going back to Seattle and finishing his career there. I bet the fans there would have loved it.

If he comes back to Japan, I could see him on the Buffaloes. He trains with them in the off-season and it would be huge for Orix's marketing as they always have low attendance. Watch him join there then become the skipper after he retires or player/coach.