Carp Owner Hajime Matsuda Apologizes After Police Search Homes of Yano and Maekawa

Hiroshima Toyo Carp owner Hajime Matsuda addressed the media on July 30 following the announcement that Hiroshima Prefectural Police had conducted searches of the residences and related locations of infielders Masaya Yano and Seita Maekawa.

Speaking at Mazda Stadium, Matsuda apologized to fans and expressed his shock over the situation.

“I am deeply sorry to our fans. I am very surprised because this involved players we did not expect,” Matsuda said while becoming emotional. He also expressed concern that other players who continue to work hard could unfairly face suspicion because of the incident.

The Hiroshima Toyo Carp announced that they would fully cooperate with the police investigation and that they take the matter seriously. Following the announcement, Seita Maekawa was removed from the active roster.

Masaya Yano had already been removed from the active roster on July 17 and had joined the team's third-team activities. Reports had previously linked him to an individual who was arrested in connection with a separate case involving an illegal substance, although the team stated that the use of any prohibited substance by Yano had not been confirmed.

The Carp organization previously dealt with another incident earlier in the year involving former player Ryutaro Hatsuki, whose contract was terminated after his arrest and indictment. The latest developments have created further concern among fans and the organization.