Chunichi Manager Kazuki Inoue Expresses Desire to “Stay on Next Season” Despite Slump… Team Is Last in the Standings but Reaping the Benefits of “Rising Revenue”

Home Run Wing Is a Hit

The Chunichi Dragons had languished in the B Class for five consecutive seasons up until last season. Manager Kazuki Inoue (55), now in his second year at the helm, has yet to recover from the team’s five-game losing streak to start the season.

“After reporting his assessment of the first half of the season to team owner Uichiro Oshima (62), Manager Inoue apologized to the team’s front office and fans, saying, ‘I’m truly sorry that we were unable to deliver victories, especially in the first half of the season.’“Although pre-season predictions had critics forecasting an A-class finish, the team actually started the season with a sudden five-game losing streak right off the bat. This sparked a flood of criticism questioning Manager Inoue’s ability to lead the team,” said a former team player.

On the other hand, Manager Inoue—who faced rumors of being fired mid-season—is reportedly eager to “continue next season” even under this pressure.

“There are two reasons for this. First, it’s highly likely that Manager Inoue is under a three-year contract, and he’s assuming, ‘I still have time left on my contract, so the team probably won’t fire me.’

The other reason is that the team’s revenue has exceeded last year’s figures. In fact, despite the team’s poor performance, the Home Run Wing—a new addition to Vantelin Dome Nagoya—is a huge success.If the team’s performance is poor, the club can avoid raising players’ salaries. The increased revenue is more likely to stay in the club’s coffers, which is a plus from a business perspective. Of course, this revenue boost is due to the novelty of the Home Run Wing, and if the team remains weak, attendance will inevitably drop…

“Manager Inoue sees this financial success as a ‘tailwind’ for himself, and he’s been looking a bit more energetic lately. His confidence as a manager is starting to show in his demeanor. Even the players have noticed the change, saying, ‘Manager, you seem to be in a good mood lately,’” said a team official.

Perhaps sensing this trend, we’ve also received some “astonishing information” from a television station insider in the Nagoya area.

“A certain influential former player is going around saying, ‘Even if the team is weak, the front office is reluctant to replace the manager. However, it looks like there will be significant shake-ups in the coaching staff.’ Apparently, he’s been secretly reaching out to Manager Inoue and the front office to pitch himself for a coaching position next season.”

Fans are hoping the team will turn things around as soon as possible.