Concerns Over Kyuji Fujikawa’s Hanshin Tigers Appointment and Rejected Coaching Candidates

In Kochi, there is a “Fujikawa Fever” sweeping through the area.

The new manager of the Hanshin Tigers, Kyuji Fujikawa (44), has been gaining popularity right after his appointment.

“From the moment his appointment was announced, his actions have shown his seriousness—closing his SNS accounts and YouTube channel, declaring his intention to avoid overworking relievers, placing a power hitter in the second spot of the lineup, and stating that he would use both veterans and younger players without discrimination… There’s a feeling that he could create a new direction for Hanshin, and expectations are high. Also, his handling of Ooyama’s FA declaration, where he respected the player’s rights and managed to successfully keep him, has greatly boosted fan approval,” said a reporter covering the Tigers for a local media outlet.

The first Hanshin fall training camp since his appointment was held on November 17 in Aki City, Kochi Prefecture.

“Since the camp was held in Fujikawa’s hometown of Kochi, TV stations covered it live every day, reporting on the excitement. Since the spring camp withdrawal, Kochi had been quiet, but this time, the Tigers fever returned, and local media were actively covering the event,” the source continued.

Expectations from both fans and the media are rising. However, when listening to voices from within the team, something seems off. A Hanshin-related person speaks quietly.

Coaches who are not the best

“Certainly, he is innovative and well-liked. However, there are still doubts about whether he can manage the coaching staff effectively. When Manager Fujikawa took office, he appointed Atsushi Fujimoto (47), who had served as the first-team infield defense and base running coach this season, as the general coach, effectively making him the head coach.

A head coach is a position that sometimes requires them to sternly reprimand players on behalf of the manager, but Fujimoto is more of a coach who is close to the players. This season, there were even instances where he was reprimanded by former Manager Okada in the bench. The general opinion around him is, ‘Fujimoto is not the head coach’.

Additionally, the two coaches who joined from Orix, Eishin Soyogi (44) and Eiichi Kotani (44), who are from the same ‘Matsuzaka generation’ as Manager Fujikawa, are unproven in terms of their coaching abilities. Orix officials have said, ‘He is good at reading the front office, but not very good at coaching.’ The ‘Fujikawa Empire’ is not as stable as the public might think.”

Veteran players are the ones who have heard these circumstances, while younger players seem to be happy about being approached by their admired ‘Kyuji Manager.’

“From the beginning, Manager Fujikawa appeared to say, ‘Leave the personnel decisions to me,’ but when it came to forming his staff, many of his planned coaching candidates turned him down. Ideally, he wanted to appoint Shinya Miyamoto (54) as the head coach. Some veteran players are concerned, ‘Can we really win with this lineup?’” (Same source)

Manager Fujikawa has overwhelming support from fans. Can he dispel the concerns around him with results and improve his evaluation from professionals?”