Japan spokesman gives Yankees star marriage tips

New York Yankees batter Hideki Matsui, of Japan, watches a two-run ground-rule double to left field off Boston Red Sox starter Bartolo Colon during the first inning of a spring training baseball game at Legends Field in Tampa, Florida, March 17, 2008.

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese baseball star Hideki Matsui got some advice on the secrets of a happy marriage from an unexpected source on Thursday -- the government's top spokesman.

Matsui, 33, a player for the New York Yankees and a hero for baseball fans at home, is to marry a 25-year-old former office worker, he told Japanese media in a letter.

"You often hear this in wedding speeches, but I would advise him to keep both eyes open before the marriage and afterwards keep one shut," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura.

"I think that's very good advice," he added. "I always keep one eye closed, although my wife may keep both of hers shut."

Machimura, 66, is married with two daughters.

Matsui is set to give a news conference about the wedding on Thursday in Florida, where he is training, media reports said.

(Reporting by Isabel Reynolds)