Scandal Rocks Hiroshima Carp: Star Players Photographed with Arrested Drug Trafficker

A major scandal has sent shockwaves through the Japanese baseball community. Private photographs showing three key players from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp—infielder Kaito Kozono (26), infielder Masaya Yano (27), and outfielder Shunsuke Tamura (22)—socializing intimately with a criminal suspect have been leaked by a weekly magazine.

The suspect, Ryosuke Takiguchi, was recently arrested and indicted on charges of distributing "zombie tobacco" (etomidate), an illegal drug. The photos, reportedly taken in May 2025, depict a friendly gathering. Alongside the three current players and Takiguchi, the photo also features former Carp player Ryutaro Hanetsuki and prominent businessman Yuji Mizoguchi. The revelation of close private ties between these star athletes and an alleged drug trafficker has sparked intense public scrutiny.

Following the report, disappointed fans flocked to social media, voicing their dismay. "This is devastating," wrote one fan, while another commented, "If this is true, severe punishment is unavoidable." Kozono, in particular, was a rising star and the future face of the franchise, having competed for the batting title last season and being selected for the national team, Samurai Japan. The psychological blow to the fan base is immense.

Furthermore, criticism is mounting against the Hiroshima Carp organization. Fans and commentators have expressed distrust over the club's handling of the situation. The team has reportedly avoided giving clear answers to the press, and the players in question have continued to appear in games. Many are accusing the organization of a lack of compliance and a failure of self-regulation.

While there is currently no evidence that the players themselves used illegal drugs, any association with individuals involved in organized crime or drug trafficking strongly violates Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) regulations and team compliance policies. Detailed investigations by both the league and the club, along with a transparent explanation from the players, are being demanded.

The Context

The Hiroshima Toyo Carp, based in Hiroshima, is one of Japan's most beloved professional baseball teams, famous for its passionate and loyal fan base. Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) maintains an extremely strict stance against "black relations"—any association between players and antisocial forces, illegal gambling rings, or drug traffickers. In Japan, even the perception of proximity to criminal elements can end an athlete's career, as the league prioritizes its public image and integrity above all else.

"Zombie tobacco" refers to e-cigarette liquids laced with etomidate, a short-acting intravenous anesthetic agent. Its abuse has recently surged among young people in Japan, leading to rapid crackdowns by law enforcement and regulatory bodies. The involvement of high-profile athletes with a suspect linked to such a dangerous substance is viewed with utmost seriousness by the Japanese public.

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