‘Great Restoration at Hanshin Under Kyuji Fujikawa: Behind the Fan-less Family Feud

Once again, the Tigers have become embroiled in the infighting of their parent company, and Okada’s efforts to strengthen the team are halfway through. Fujikawa’s views on baseball as a commentator are highly regarded and he is popular, but there is still some concern about his lack of coaching experience.

There is also the possibility of another intervention.

Although Hanshin appointed former manager Tomoaki Kanemoto (56) despite his lack of coaching experience, the team suffered the bitter experience of falling to last place in his third year. The club decided to keep him on for the following year and began preparations for a new coaching staff, but Chairman Kado intervened and instructed the then club president to dismiss him. It is said that if Fujikawa does not produce results, he may also face intervention from higher-ups.

Regarding Okada’s resignation, Chairman Kado has stated through the media that he would return the initiative to Hanshin. However, few people within the Hanshin organization take this at face value.

“It is said that even now, when it comes to matters like the manager’s appointment or draft picks, they cannot proceed unless they get Kado’s approval. This will likely remain unchanged. If the results aren’t there, the rumor is that Kado will ‘take control again.’ To avoid that, the new Hanshin must strengthen the team and create a consistently winning organization.”

With various interests at play, how will the new Hanshin organization be reshaped?