A stamp of approval from his country awaits Ichiro when he collects his 200th hit of the season. Several stamps, actually.

According to Kyodo News, the Japan Post Group will issue commemorative stamps featuring Ichiro when he records his Major League-record ninth consecutive 200-hit season,

To be issued by Japan Post Network Co., the postal service arm of the Japan Posts Group, the stamp set — a sheet containing 10 ¥80 stamps, nine postal cards and a stamp holder — will be priced at ¥3,980, including shipping fees — about $43.00 U.S.

Post offices throughout Japan will accept advance orders for the stamps, beginning on the day after Ichiro’s 200th hit through Oct. 30.

Going into tonight’s game against the Angels, Ichiro ihas 196 hits this season and is on the verge of reaching another milestone. He reached the 2,000-hit mark on Sunday against the Athletics in Oakland.

But 200 would be a “bigger” number because no one in MLB history have had nine consecutive 200-hit seasons and only one other player, all-time hits leader Pete Rose, had more — 10.

— Jim Street