Update:

Well, he's been consistent for three of the minimum 5 years he needed when I wrote the comment below, and he's clearly improved his chances, but there's still a long way for him to go.  I think his chances right now are 50-50.  Pure singles hitters tend to be forgotten quickly after they retire, and unless he gets very close to 3000 hits his election is by no means assured.

Original comment, 2005

He's 32 and has played only five years in the show, half way towards eligibility. Does anyone think he can keep producing at this level for five more years? Because, quite frankly, that's what it will take to get him in, and then only as a marginal pick. Singles hitters and table setters have a tough row to hoe to get to Cooperstown. 

Since the minimum requirement for the Hall of Fame is 10 years,  and he seems to be still going strong,  once he hits 300 and gets 200 hits again in 2009 and 10,  hes a LOCK!  He has outstanding numbers,  incredibally HIGH popularity and hes a  great team player!  He will no doubt be the first Japanese player ever enducted.

The best hitter of all time. Sure he played pro ball in Japan, but his first time seeing MLB pitching and he has eight straight years of 200+ hits. I mena come on.

Stunning numbers at the plate (minus the power stats), owns the single season hit record, fast as all hell, great glove and cannon for an arm...what's not to like? Oh, yeah. He's only been in the league for 7 years. Sorry, a great 7 years does not make HOF, it takes more like 20, and Ichiro can't play this way until he's 45. And, if the writers consider his stats from Japan when voting then there is a major problem.

Kind of difficult to tell right now, but I'd say yes. Won two different awards in his rookie year and holds single season hit record but needs to keep it up.

Will most likely not make it.

Ichiro definitely will have to play a lot more years to garner some more impressive career numbers, but his season stats are amazing. He is a great all around player, and does everything possible to make his team better. Despite playing for a huge chunk of his career in Japan, Ichiro looks to me like he definitely should belong with some of the All Time Greats.

Probably not. 1. His team sucks. 2. He won't have played in the States long enough by the time he's done. If he had come to the U.S. at 23 rather than 28, it might be a different story.