Takahiro Arai Speaks Out After Carp Release Four Players: “I Hope People Will Continue to Watch Over Them”

Hiroshima Carp manager Takahiro Arai has spoken about the club's decision to inform four players that they will not be offered contracts for the 2027 season.

The four players—Kaito Kozono, Masaya Yano, Shunsuke Tamura and Seita Maekawa—had all been the subject of suspicions surrounding the controversy over so-called “zombie tobacco,” which involves the designated drug etomidate.

The Carp have stated that they have not confirmed that any of the four players actually used the substance, but the organization ultimately decided not to offer them contracts for next season.

Arai was asked about the decision and expressed his disappointment over how the situation had unfolded.

“I don't know exactly what the facts are, but it's unfortunate that things have ended up this way. I also feel sorry about the situation.”

Arai also emphasized that the four players are still young and asked fans not to forget about them despite their departure from the organization.

“They're still young, so I hope the people who have supported them will continue to watch over them warmly from here on.”

The decision is particularly significant because all four players are still at relatively early stages of their professional careers.

Kozono and Yano had established themselves as first-team infielders, while Tamura and Maekawa were younger players still working to develop their careers.

Arai's comments did not address the specific allegations or determine what had actually happened. Instead, he focused on the players' future and asked supporters to continue watching their careers with understanding.

For the four players, the next chapter of their professional careers will now begin outside the Hiroshima Carp organization.