Former Chunichi Dragons Coach Ken Kadokura Reveals Truth Behind Disappearance
Exclusive direct interview! Divorced from his wife and out of touch with his family...... "I was driven inside myself.
Ken Kadokura, a former Chunichi Dragons coach, speaks with a determined look, saying, “I want to return to the baseball world someday. This happened, and people say it was for personal reasons, but it wasn’t just that. I would never throw away something I’ve dedicated decades to just for personal reasons.”
It’s been three years since the disappearance incident, and for the first time, Kadokura himself has revealed the truth behind his vanishing.
Before diving into Kadokura’s statements, let’s recap the incident. It happened on May 15, 2021. Kadokura, who was the pitching coach for Chunichi’s second team, skipped practice without notice and went missing. About ten days later, a handwritten resignation letter arrived at the team, and he disappeared from public view.
“Kadokura returned to his family in Kanagawa at first but went missing several more times afterward, eventually losing all contact with them. His wife and daughter must have suffered greatly. He was reportedly moving around Hokuriku and Kansai regions, relying on acquaintances. After returning from Kansai, he stayed at his family home in Saitama.” (sports newspaper reporter)
The exact reason for Kadokura’s disappearance remains unclear, and various speculations have circulated in the media.
“There were rumors that he had an affair with a woman, Ms. A, who was a Chunichi fan. It was said to be a mutual affair as both had partners. Kadokura’s family received photos and letters indicating their close relationship. Although Kadokura denied the relationship with Ms. A, he was reportedly mentally cornered by the constant arrival of these photos and subsequently went missing.” (acquaintance of Kadokura)
What is Kadokura doing now, and where is he? FRIDAY magazine obtained information that he is working at a transport company in the Kanto region. We interviewed Kadokura near his workplace.
––How long have you been with this company?
“About a year. I used to work for another transport company, but I was introduced to this one through a connection. They create an environment where it’s easy to work without bringing up my past.”
––You’ve been through a lot in the past.
“I know I’ve caused trouble for many people and I always feel the need to
apologize. I can’t just pretend it never happened.”
––Why did you suddenly quit coaching?
“I understand I need to explain it properly, but there are some things I just can’t talk about.”
––Did family issues play a role?
“Yes, that too. Well, there were things like that in baseball. As a coach, I had a responsibility to guide people’s lives, but I couldn’t communicate things properly. There was frustration in not being able to educate properly. I was too eager to have young players pitch in the top team (first team). Private matters were just a small part of it. It was other things that really pushed me into a corner.”
––Did other coaches feel the same way?
“Maybe I took it too seriously. Perhaps I should have simplified things more”
––Was it a decision after much deliberation?
“I don’t know what it was. Even now, I don’t really understand my feelings at that time… Honestly, that’s the truth.”
––Did you seek treatment?
“I was on medication for about a year and a half to stabilize my mental state, but I’m not taking anything now.”
––Were there delicate and unresolved aspects?
“When the incident occurred, quite different things were written about me. They said I had connections to the underworld or that I had huge debts.”
––What is the situation with your wife?
“We divorced. It’s been about a year. I haven’t been in touch with my children either. I feel like reaching out would make things awkward.”
—Any talk of returning to coaching?
“I received an offer from Korea. But I wanted to wait until I felt ready. I want to continue with baseball. I also run baseball classes, and I hope to give back to baseball someday.”
However, the road ahead for Kadokura, who once caused a disappearance uproar, is not straightforward. It seems it will take time for him to return to the professional baseball stage again.
From the July 5 and 12, 2024 issue of FRIDAY
PHOTO： Shu Nishihara (1st photo) Kyodo News (2nd photo)
