Coach Kuwata’s Departure Sparks Shock Amid Okoye and Yamase Moves

It’s a series of tests in patience

This offseason, the Giants have been more tumultuous than usual. On November 28, the team announced the sudden departure of outfielder Rui Okoye (28).

“The signs of his departure appeared early in the autumn camp. From the third day, Okoye stopped showing up and gradually faded out. He also skipped team events like ‘Fan Festa 2025’ and the farewell gathering for the late Shigeo Nagashima.

Even though both the media and fans noticed something was off, the team refused to disclose the details when asked about Okoye. They must have been in some serious conflict.” (Former team employee)

This season, Okoye appeared in 61 games, hitting .246 with zero home runs and five RBIs—a far cry from his true potential.

“Normally, he should have approached practice with a sense of urgency, but Okoye’s training was inconsistent, which often drew the ire of manager Shinnosuke Abe (46), known as the strict drill sergeant. These conflicts may have gradually diminished Okoye’s desire to contribute to the team,” the same source said.

However, someone did not give up on nurturing Okoye’s talent: former second-team manager Masumi Kuwata (57).

“Kuwata taught Okoye, whose weakness was a lack of focus and distractibility, saying in his unique style, ‘Being a regular is all about patience.’ At first, Okoye seemed reluctant to listen, but repeated dialogue with Kuwata gradually made him open up.

Even when Kuwata recommended Okoye for promotion to the first team, team circumstances sometimes prevented it. Still, Kuwata would tell him, ‘It’s patience.’ However, Kuwata, who was Okoye’s emotional anchor, left the team due to disagreements with the front office. With Abe’s managerial term still ongoing and his supporter gone, Okoye followed suit,” a team staff member explained.

Catcher Shinnosuke Yamase (24), who recently withheld contract renewal seeking more playing time, was also one of Kuwata’s protégés.

“Considering the urgent need to develop a next-generation catcher, Kuwata had a development plan for the Giants three to five years into the future. Yamase was a central figure in that plan. Kuwata frequently offered guidance on game-calling and recommended him for the first team.

Meanwhile, Abe, historically one of the strongest catchers, felt Yamase wasn’t ready for first-team action yet. Yamase was caught between Abe, who prioritized immediate victories, and Kuwata, who wanted to build a consistently winning Young Giants team. If Kuwata had stayed, perhaps their motivation could have been maintained,” the source added.

On December 13, it was announced that Kuwata would join Oisix, participating in the second-team official games in the role of “General Director,” also involved in team operations. Kuwata’s departure, sought after by many, seems to have left lingering effects.