Former Chunichi Manager Kazuyoshi Tatsunami Retracts His Statement and Returns as a Commentator

“No, You’re Still Going to Do It!!!” – Former Chunichi Dragons Manager Kazuyoshi Tatsunami “Retracts His Statement” and Returns as a Commentator! Insiders Share the Amusing Reason Behind It

On April 17, laughter echoed from behind the bench at Tokyo Dome. The source of the laughter? Former Chunichi Dragons manager Kazuyoshi Tatsunami. On this day, Tatsunami appeared at Tokyo Dome in a suit to  provide commentary for the Giants vs. DeNA game, and immediately began conducting interviews on the field.

“He was handling commentary for BS NTV and CS NTV’s broadcasts. During his time as manager, he famously criticized players like DeNA’s Yohta Kyoda (30) for ‘not having the face of a fighter’ and later traded him away. He was also seen chatting with familiar faces, such as Kyoda and Giants pitcher Ryoji Martinez (28), who had made a huge transfer to the team”(Giants Insider).

Seeing Tatsunami reconnecting with his former players was a heartwarming sight, but the laughter wasn’t just a casual reaction.

“The reason for the big laughter lies in Tatsunami’s past statements. In January this year, he appeared as a guest on ‘Matsuken Marche,’ a YouTube show hosted by actor Ken Matsudaira (71), and expressed his intent to avoid taking up any commentary offers, saying he preferred to ‘watch from a distance.’ Yet, just a few months later, on April 12, he ‘returned’ to the sports news show ‘Sporuto!’ (Fuji TV), commenting on his disciple, Yuki Okabayashi (23)’s batting. Then, only four days later, he appeared again for TV commentary, this time on a game that didn’t involve Chunichi. He slipped right back into his ‘usual routine,’ and that’s why people are laughing and saying, ‘No, you’re still going to do it!’ (laughs)” (Same Insider).

A former Chunichi OB expressed concern about Tatsunami’s change of heart.

“Tatsunami had previously stated, ‘A manager of a bottom-tier team has no credibility as a commentator,’ but quickly went back on his word. It makes you wonder what changed his mind… Still, Tatsunami has a good reputation as a commentator. He understands the mindset of hitters and has a wealth of knowledge on pitching strategies. If he had decided to continue, he would have been in high demand. If he’s going to do it, I’d love for him to comment on Chunichi games too.”

A local TV station official in Nagoya said, “If Tatsunami insists on appearing, we wouldn’t be opposed, but… given his influence, if he wants to do it, we might offer him a chance.” However, there’s also talk that Tatsunami is hesitant to comment on Chunichi games out of consideration for his former protege, manager Inoue.

Will the day come when “Mr. Dragons” returns to commentate at Vantelin Dome?