Just like Japanese ballplayers, Takashi Matsuba dreams of competing at the highest level, taking his game to the United States and the major leagues.
Although Matsuba's game is manufacturing memorabilia, souvenirs and other such goods for fans of Japanese sports teams, he says there is a strong parallel with his countrymen wanting to play in Major League Baseball.
"Japanese players want to go play in the MLB because it's the biggest stage. For me, it's the biggest market," Matsuba, 47, said in a recent phone interview.