Takahiro Arai Vows the Carp Will Be “Reborn” Next Season After Turbulent Year

The Hiroshima Carp closed out their 2026 home schedule with a 6-4 victory over the Hanshin Tigers at Mazda Stadium on October 3.

After the game, manager Takahiro Arai addressed the fans during the season’s final home ceremony, apologizing for the difficult year and promising a fresh start in 2027.

“Thank you to all the fans who came to the stadium and supported us throughout the season.”

Arai then directly addressed the turmoil that had surrounded the organization throughout the year.

“I would also like to apologize for causing everyone so much concern and trouble, both on and off the field, throughout this year. I am truly sorry.”

The 2026 season began with the arrest of former Carp player Ryutaro Hatsuki in January in connection with the use of so-called “zombie tobacco,” a product containing the designated drug etomidate.

The controversy continued throughout the season and eventually led to the Carp announcing on October 1 that they would not offer 2027 contracts to four players: Kaito Kozono, Masaya Yano, Shunsuke Tamura and Seita Maekawa.

The club said it had not confirmed that any of the four players had actually used etomidate, but determined that it would be difficult to maintain a relationship of trust with them going forward.

The turmoil also affected Arai personally. During the season, he reportedly expressed his intention to resign on three separate occasions, but club owner representative Kazui Matsuda and other executives persuaded him to remain.

Arai will now enter his fifth season as Hiroshima manager in 2027.

A losing record at Mazda Stadium

Although the Carp finished their home schedule with a win, their overall home record was 34-36-1.

It marked the first losing home record of Arai’s managerial tenure and Hiroshima’s first losing record at Mazda Stadium in five years.

The Carp still have three road games remaining, but the 2026 season has already become the third consecutive year in which Hiroshima will finish outside the Central League’s top three.

The club is now preparing for a significant reset heading into Arai’s fifth season.

“The Carp will be reborn”

In his closing remarks, Arai made his strongest statement of the evening.

“We, the Carp, will be reborn next season. We will make a new start.”

He acknowledged that the team had failed to provide the results and joy that supporters had hoped for this year, and promised to work to make up for it.

“I will give everything I have, with a spirit of total dedication, so that we can bring you the kind of joy that we were unable to give you this season.”

Arai then ended his speech with another message of gratitude.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support throughout the entire season.”

For Hiroshima, the final home game was therefore more than the conclusion of another difficult season.

It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Arai and the Carp, with a major roster reset already underway and the organization preparing for its fifth season under the current manager.