Kaito Kozono Speaks After Carp Release: “I Have Nothing but Gratitude”

Hiroshima Carp infielder Kaito Kozono, 26, spoke to reporters at Mazda Stadium on October 1 after being informed that the club would not offer him a contract for the 2027 season.

Kozono said the message from the organization was straightforward.

“I was told that they couldn't trust me. That's all.”

Asked how he felt about the decision, Kozono said he had accepted that there was little he could do about it.

“I suppose it can't be helped.”

When asked whether he had personally accepted the club's decision, he answered simply:

“Yes, completely.”

Kozono had been one of the Carp's most important young players in recent seasons, and expectations for him had been particularly high after he won the Central League batting title last season.

Asked about the fans who had continued to support him, Kozono expressed regret.

“I feel really sorry.”

Kozono was also asked about recent reports in weekly magazines. He initially said he had no particular comment.

When asked whether there was anything he wanted to deny, however, he made clear that he disputed aspects of what had been reported.

“None of that is true.”

He was later asked specifically about photographs published in the media and whether there was anything he wanted to explain or deny.

Kozono acknowledged that there were things he could say, but chose not to go into detail.

“There are things I could say, but I was told that there was no trust, so as far as the club is concerned, I suppose I have to accept it. I have nothing but gratitude toward the club. That's how I feel.”

Kozono said he had previously denied the allegations during discussions with the organization.

“Yes, I did.”

Asked whether he felt frustrated that his claims had not been accepted by the club, he admitted that he did.

“I do, but there's nothing I can do about it.”

Kozono had spent time with the farm team since mid-August. Looking back, he said he had already anticipated that this kind of outcome was possible.

“I thought this might happen.”

He therefore said he was not particularly surprised when the club informed him of its decision.

When asked about reports concerning his association with an alleged dealer, Kozono declined to provide a detailed explanation.

“It's in the photograph, so there's nothing I can say from my own mouth.”

Despite the difficult circumstances, Kozono repeatedly expressed gratitude for his time in Hiroshima and for the support he received from Carp fans.

“I have nothing but gratitude for being able to play in such a great place.”

He also recalled what it was like to stand in the first-team dugout at Mazda Stadium.

“I received tremendous support. Even when I was sitting in the first-team dugout, I could really feel it. I remember thinking, ‘So this is what professional baseball is like.’ I'm grateful that I was able to experience that.”

Asked what words from fans had encouraged him the most, Kozono said:

“People told me, ‘Keep going,’ and that meant a lot to me.”

As for his future, Kozono said he had not yet made any decisions.

“I haven't thought about anything yet.”

Asked whether he intended to continue playing baseball, he remained uncertain.

“I'm not sure.”

He said he would think about his options from here.

“I'll think about it.”

Kozono's final messages to the organization and the fans were both expressions of gratitude.

“I'm grateful that I was able to play in such a great place. Thank you.”

And to the fans:

“Thank you for supporting me.”

Asked once more about his future and whether he wanted to continue playing, Kozono gave an open-ended answer.

“I don't know. If I can play, I'd like to. If I have the opportunity, I'll do it.”

For now, Kozono has not decided what comes next. After years with the Hiroshima Carp and a season in which he had been one of the team's most prominent young players, his professional future remains uncertain.