Suzuki reached the milestone when he lined a single up the middle on the first pitch he saw in the fifth inning of a 1-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays.
"My team mates all celebrated for me so I realized it would be okay to be happy about the record," said the 36-year-old, who tipped his cap to the crowd as he received a standing ovation.
"It hasn't been easy to achieve but it kind of feels a bit strange because I didn't set the record as a target this season."
The Japanese player's hit also tied Pete Rose's big-league record for the overall number of 200-hit seasons in his 10th year in MLB. Rose had held the record since Sept. 25, 1979. His ten 200-hit seasons were not consecutive.
"I have several options when I face pitches despite being in an era when pitchers are supposed to have the advantage," Suzuki told reporters. "Those options add depth to my batting.
"I want to pass (Rose's) record. It's been a tough road to get to this point so it's a relief. I know more than anyone how hard it's been."
Los Angeles Angels slugger Hideki Matsui led the plaudits for his countryman Suzuki.
"The record speaks for itself," said Matsui. "But the most amazing thing is that he hasn't had a serious injury for the last 10 years.
"That's the result of meticulous preparation and looking after your body."
Former Seattle team mate Kenji Johjima pointed to Suzuki's dedication to improving his technique year after year.
"His success comes from all the hard work on his technique and his ability to avoid injury," said Johjima. "He rarely gets hurt — the way he prepares is incredible.
"I hope he goes on breaking records next season. It's a terrific record."
"He is a source of pride and courage for the Japanese people," said Japanese home run king Sadaharu Oh, who coached Suzuki at the 2006 World Baseball Classic. "I'm sure he was under a lot of pressure but he never showed it." The mass circulation Asahi Shimbun newspaper printed a four-page special edition that was handed out at train stations and intersections in downtown Tokyo on Friday.
Suzuki surpassed Willie Keeler with his ninth consecutive 200-hit season last year. Keeler's streak ran from 1894 to 1901.
Suzuki's father Nobuyuki said his son's achievements are the result of a lot of hard work.
"When he was in grade school he went to the batting center everyday," the elder Suzuki said. "Some people say he's a genius but he's just a guy who works hard everyday to get the results he wants." Hanshin Tigers catcher Kenji Johjima, who was a teammate of Suzuki's with the Mariners, echoed the sentiments.
"He plays the whole year without getting injured," Johjima said. "The way he prepares himself is incredible.
The 200 hits are the result of all the work and technique over the years."
