Takahiro Arai Vows to “Unleash Everything” as Hiroshima Carp Prepare for a Fresh Start

Hiroshima Carp manager Takahiro Arai met with club owner Hajime Matsuda at the team's offices on October 9 to report on the 2026 season. After finishing fourth with a record 17 games below .500, Hiroshima has now missed the Central League's top three for three consecutive seasons.

Despite another disappointing campaign and a year marked by turmoil off the field, Arai made his intentions for next season clear.

“I want the fans to have plenty of reasons to smile next season, and I want to smile, too.”

Arai appeared relaxed and smiled frequently while speaking to reporters after his meeting with Matsuda. He emphasized that preparations for 2027 were already underway and explained that he wanted to return to his usual personality.

“A lot happened this year, and there were times when I wanted to smile but couldn't. Next season, I want to get back to being myself.”

A season in which Arai held back his emotions

The controversy began in January, when former Carp player Ryutaro Hatsuki was arrested on suspicion of violating pharmaceutical law in connection with the use of etomidate, a designated drug commonly referred to as “zombie tobacco.”

The situation continued to affect the organization, with other players subjected to home searches and two reportedly referred to prosecutors. In October, the club announced that it would not renew the contracts of Kaito Kozono, Masaya Yano, Shunsuke Tamura and Seita Maekawa.

Throughout the season, Arai was noticeably less expressive than usual.

Known for wearing his emotions on his sleeve, he has often rushed onto the field to celebrate walk-off victories alongside his players. This season, however, the off-field controversy appeared to leave him with fewer opportunities to show that familiar enthusiasm.

During the meeting, Matsuda reportedly offered him a personal reminder.

“You look good when you're smiling.”

Arai has been asked to continue as manager for a fifth season in 2027. He said he wanted to live up to the trust the organization had placed in him.

“They've entrusted me with this responsibility, and I want to meet their expectations.”

A new emphasis on physical development

Arai has already begun outlining the team's approach to the offseason, with physical development set to be a major priority for younger players.

“This year, we've put together training programs with the goal of improving the players physically.”

In previous years, Hiroshima had incorporated extensive game-like practice into its autumn training, including intrasquad games and live batting practice following the Phoenix League.

This time, the club plans to place greater emphasis on building the players' physical foundations.

“I feel that we need to build bigger engines.”

Arai said the program would focus on increasing physical strength and muscle mass. The goal is to give young players a stronger foundation from which to develop their baseball skills and compete at the first-team level.

“Next year, I want to unleash everything”

Arai's determination to change course was evident as he reflected on the emotional restraint he had maintained throughout the year.

“Since February 1, I've been holding back my emotions because of everything that happened. Next year, I want to unleash everything.”

After Hiroshima's final home game on October 3, Arai had already delivered a similar message to the fans, declaring that the Carp would be “reborn” next season and make a fresh start.

Now, with his fifth season as manager approaching, he is looking to restore the energetic, wholehearted style that has long characterized his leadership.

Hiroshima's 2027 campaign will require more than a change in atmosphere. After three consecutive seasons outside the top three, the team must also show tangible progress on the field.

Arai's message is that the Carp will enter the new season with renewed energy, a stronger physical foundation and a determination to give their supporters more reasons to smile.