Hiroshima Toyo Carp scandal over “zombie‑tobacco” fuels fan anger and low attendance

Three Hiroshima Toyo Carp players – outfielder Yano Masaya, shortstop Koen Kaido and infielder Tamura Shunsuke – were photographed with Ryosuke Takiguchi, a dealer arrested for distributing the synthetic drug etomide, known in the media as “zombie tobacco”. The images, published by Smart FLASH on July 13, showed the players in close, informal settings with the suspect.

Team executive Kiyoshi Suzuki said the club would not comment on the report, stating “報道に関してコメントすることはない”. The scandal follows the earlier arrest of former player Hada Tsubasa, also charged with the same drug. Fans expressed disappointment and criticism of the players' conduct and the club’s silence. Attendance at the July 14 home game against the Yokohama DeNA BayStars fell to just over 10,000, a noticeable drop from typical crowds.

The incident has drawn media scrutiny to the Carp’s management, owned by former owner Matsuta, and raised questions about the team’s internal governance and player discipline.