Kinugasa played 130 games a season, fewer than the majors' normal 162-game schedule. That would have required him to work more years and go through more grueling Japanese training seasons. Playing 160 or more games in a row is a lot harder than playing 130. Try it some time. Despite his obvious reverence for the Yankees great, Kinugasa believes it is right for Ripken to break the record.
Different ages have different heroes.
Ripken should do what is right, and set a good example for younger players.