The Hiroshima Carp announced the release of four players—infielder Kaito Kozono, infielder Masaya Yano, outfielder Shunsuke Tamura, and infielder Seita Maekawa—following a series of legal and disciplinary controversies involving controlled substances and prohibited activities.
Contract Terminations Announced by Hiroshima Front Office
On Oct. 1, 2026, Hiroshima Carp general manager Kiyoaki Suzuki informed the four players that the organization would not renew their contracts for the upcoming season. The sweeping roster cuts arrive in the wake of an internal investigation launched after the arrest of former player Ryutaro Hayate. While the club’s internal inquiries did not confirm the actual consumption of the restricted drug known as “zombie tobacco” by the active roster members, the franchise cited an irreparable breakdown in trust under manager Takahiro Arai.
Police Investigations and Tabloid Reports Trigger Roster Decisions
The disciplinary actions stem from two separate legal and media incidents that unfolded over recent months. In September, Yano and Maekawa were sent to prosecutors under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act regarding “etomidate,” a designated substance frequently referred to locally as zombie tobacco. Meanwhile, weekly magazine reports placed Kozono and Tamura inside a restaurant alongside a drug dealer who had been arrested and indicted under the same pharmaceutical laws.
Athletic Impact and Career Context of the Departed Players
In 2025, the 26-year-old infielder captured his first batting title with a .309 average and earned a spot on the Samurai Japan roster for the World Baseball Classic ahead of the 2026 season. Yano, 27, established himself as an elite glove man in the infield, logging 137 appearances during the 2024 campaign, while 23-year-old prospects Tamura and Maekawa represented key pieces of the club’s developmental pipeline.
Reactions From the Front Office and Players
Addressing the media following the announcement, Suzuki explained that moving forward under Arai required absolute organizational alignment. “We have continued our internal investigation since the arrest of former player Hayate, but so far no fact of using etomidate, the so-called zombie tobacco, has been confirmed,” Suzuki stated. “Based on that, the reason for this form today is our judgment that it would be difficult to build a relationship of trust with the club to move forward together as one under manager Arai next season. Everyone is a talented player, so in short, if there is such a chance, we sent them off with the sentiment that we want them to do their best.”
Kozono addressed his dismissal directly, acknowledging the organization’s stance. “The club told me something like they couldn’t trust me, so I think it cannot be helped,” Kozono said. “I feel sorry for the fans.”
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