Shunsuke Tamura Reflects on Carp Departure: “I’m Full of Gratitude for the Five Years They Gave Me”

Hiroshima Carp outfielder Shunsuke Tamura, 23, spoke to reporters after being informed that the club would not offer him a contract for the 2027 season.

According to Tamura, the club explained that, given everything that had happened, there was concern that even a relatively minor incident in the future could cause the organization to view him with suspicion.

“They told me that, because of everything that has happened, there could be situations in the future where even something relatively minor might cause the club to look at me with suspicion, so they decided to end my contract this year.”

Tamura said that a large amount of information about him had circulated on social media and in media reports, including things he said were untrue.

“There were a lot of articles about me on social media, and many things that weren't true. I feel truly sorry that I caused so much concern and trouble for so many people.”

He said he was able to accept the club's decision because he also recognized his own mistakes.

“There were things I did wrong, so I accepted it.”

Tamura spent much of the 2026 season with the farm team. Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding him, he said he tried to focus entirely on baseball.

“I felt that all I could do was devote myself completely to baseball. Even though I was with the farm team, I was able to get some results, so that was something positive for me.”

As for what comes next, Tamura said he has not yet made a final decision.

“Nothing is decided yet. I want to think carefully about everything from here and choose a future that I can be satisfied with.”

One of the strongest themes in Tamura's comments was his gratitude toward the Carp fans.

Despite the controversy surrounding him, fans continued to travel to Yū to watch him play and offered words of encouragement throughout the season.

“Even though something like this happened this year, people still came all the way to Yū to watch me. They told me things like, ‘We're still supporting you,’ and ‘Keep working hard.’ Those words gave me a lot of strength and allowed me to devote myself to baseball throughout the year.”

Among the messages he received, one phrase stood out in particular.

“A lot of people told me, ‘I believe in you,’ and ‘You can still do it.’ Hearing that from so many people gave me tremendous strength.”

For Tamura, the relationship with Hiroshima fans was something he will carry with him regardless of where his career goes next.

“They are some of the most passionate fans in all of baseball. I was fortunate enough to play in the first team, and wherever we went, I could always feel that incredible support. I'm truly grateful.”

Tamura said he still wants to play baseball, although he is taking time to consider his options.

“I do want to continue playing baseball, but there are a lot of things I need to think about for myself. I can't say anything definite yet. I want to think it through carefully and move forward in a way that I can be satisfied with.”

Asked about the various reports and social media posts that appeared during the season, Tamura took responsibility for his own part in the situation.

“I believe it's my fault. I'm sorry.”

He said that rebuilding trust would require him to look forward rather than remain stuck in the past.

“Personally, I think all I can do is move forward. I want to keep moving ahead through my own efforts.”

Tamura also expressed deep gratitude toward the Carp organization, which had developed him since he entered professional baseball.

“I'm just incredibly grateful to the Carp for spending five years developing someone as foolish and clumsy as me.”

Tamura was also asked about the fact that he had not been arrested or referred to prosecutors, while still being viewed with suspicion during the season.

He acknowledged that he had been photographed with people connected to the controversy and admitted that his own lack of caution had contributed to the situation.

“There is a photograph of me, so it is a fact that I was there with them. My own lack of caution allowed the situation to grow into something much bigger, and I truly regret that.”

At the same time, Tamura acknowledged that he had feelings that the outcome was not what he had wanted. However, he said he intended to accept the club's decision and continue looking forward.

“I do have those feelings, but I have to sincerely accept what I've been told. I believe all I can do is move forward. My baseball career isn't necessarily over, and if I have the opportunity to play somewhere else, I would like to continue playing.”

When asked whether he had fully accepted the decision, Tamura gave a measured answer.

“I haven't completely come to terms with it, but I have to accept it and move forward. That's right.”

Tamura admitted that he had partly prepared himself for this outcome.

“There was a part of me that was prepared for it.”

But throughout the season, he said he tried to put those thoughts aside and concentrate on his job as a baseball player.

“During the season, I wanted to focus on being a baseball player and work toward the numbers I had set for myself. I was able to finish the season with numbers that were fairly close to the goals I had set, and I'm glad about that in my own way.”

Now, with his five-year career in Hiroshima coming to an end, Tamura faces an uncertain future. But he says he intends to keep looking forward, with the possibility of continuing his baseball career still open.