Ichiro Suzuki, 45, knows his playing career could end at any moment, but he doesn't have a plan for retirement.

He'll certainly play for the Seattle Mariners when they face the Oakland Athletics in two games to begin the season at the Tokyo Dome.

"This is a great gift for me," he said. "I will treasure every moment here on the field. One week after this event, I will be reflecting back on these days, so I will make sure I remember every moment here in Japan."

At least one reporter asked him the question directly. "How will you know when it's time to stop playing? How will you know when it's time to step aside?"

"I have no idea when I will know that," he said. "I'm not used to questions like that."