Masaya Yano Gives an “Ambiguous Answer” in the Carp’s “Zombie Cigarettes” Investigation… Finally, Owner Matsuda, the “Emperor of the Carp,” Is Furious!

What Is the Reason Kozono Was Given a “Clean Slate”?

Former Hiroshima player Ryutaro Hazuki (26), who was charged with using the controlled substance etomidate and received a suspended sentence,Hiroshima infielder Masaya Yano (27)—who was photographed in a magazine appearing to be on friendly terms with Ryosuke Takiguchi (38), a defendant arrested on suspicion of supplying the drug, among others—was ordered by the team on July 17 to be demoted to the third team indefinitely.

Since Mr. Hazuki’s arrest in January of this year, rumors have circulated within baseball circles regarding the involvement of several active players.

“The team reportedly conducted internal urine tests and cooperated with the investigation, partly based on information provided by the Hiroshima Prefectural Police. However, it has not yet disclosed the detailed results of the investigation.Both Manager Takahiro Arai (49) and General Manager Kiyoshi Suzuki (72) have consistently denied any knowledge of Hazuki’s statements.

Even within the organization, exasperated voices were heard saying, ‘They really should just deal with this properly already,’ but at the Carp, the wishes of owner Gen Matsuda (75)—who is even referred to as the ‘Emperor’—are absolute. No matter how much they might want to speak out, as long as Mr. Matsuda doesn’t give the nod, the two of them cannot say a word…” (Team official)

Amid this situation, the team’s decision to demote Yano to the third team was a harsh measure that marked a sharp departure from their previous handling of the matter. What was behind this decision?

“Three photos were published in a photo magazine. Two of them showed Yano spending time with the arrested drug dealer in a bed and a private room. The team immediately summoned Yano for questioning.A team executive pressed him, saying, ‘Did you do it? Or didn’t you? If you didn’t, say so clearly.’ However, Yano kept giving vague responses like, ‘Um…’ and eventually fell silent.

Faced with such an evasive response at this critical juncture, Owner Matsuda—who had been monitoring the situation until then—flew into a rage. The demotion to the third team was not an order from General Manager Suzuki, but rather a decision made in accordance with Owner Matsuda’s wishes. Within the Carp organization, Owner Matsuda holds absolute power. Having angered him, there is no turning back.“His teammates are worried, saying, ‘Yano might get fired this offseason…’” (ibid.)

On the other hand, it’s concerning that Kaito Kozono (26) and Shunsuke Tamura (22)—who were also reported in the same photo magazine to have been at a drinking party with defendant Takiguchi—have not been disciplined.

“From the team’s perspective, this is a gray area that’s almost certainly in the black. However, if we were to interrogate them relentlessly or demand urine tests, the Players’ Association would likely push back through their lawyers, arguing, ‘You’re not a law enforcement agency—this is a human rights violation.’ That’s why we can’t conduct a thorough investigation.

Furthermore, Kozono is a key player on the team who was even selected for Samurai Japan. It’s likely Owner Matsuda’s intention is to prevent the team—which has sunk to Class B this season—from having its strength further diminished. As for Tamura, he’s been let off the hook for a baffling reason: ‘Since there are no photos of him with a drug dealer, the matter is being overlooked for now.’

Since drug cases generally require arrest in the act, they likely won’t be pursued by the police immediately, but the two are living in constant fear that new “evidence of suspicion” might surface from an unexpected source. “They’re in no state of mind to play baseball,” said a former team member.

It would be a tremendous shame if Yano—who won the Golden Glove Award in 2024 and enjoyed the manager’s unwavering trust—were to throw away his professional baseball career due to this scandal.