Toshio Haru departs Orix Buffaloes as head coach

Toshio Haru, the head coach of the Orix Buffaloes, has departed the team following the expiration of his contract. Reflecting on his four-year tenure with the organization, which included roles as development chief coach and second-team manager, Haru expressed deep gratitude to the club.

Haru addressed the team's recent struggles, noting that a series of injuries to key players contributed to the team finishing in fourth place. He emphasized the need for the organization to investigate the causes of their decline and focus on improving physical conditioning and practice volume to ensure players can maintain consistent performance.

During his time as head coach, Haru served as a vital link between the players and manager Mamoru Kishida. Despite his reputation for a strict coaching style, he was noted for providing ‘affectionate strictness’ to help young players overcome technical and mental hurdles.