# Hiroshima Toyo Carp drug investigation and player releases

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/hiroshima-toyo-carp-drug-investigation-and-player-releases
> Updated: 2026-10-01T02:25:34.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Hiroshima Prefectural Police referred Hiroshima Toyo Carp players Masaya Yano and Seita Maekawa to the Hiroshima District Public Prosecutors Office on suspicion of violating the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act. Yano is suspected of receiving etomidate, a substance referred to as ‘zombie tobacco,’ while Maekawa is suspected of possession. Yano’s legal representative has denied any involvement in the receipt or use of illegal drugs.

Following these investigations, the Hiroshima Toyo Carp announced they will not renew the contracts of four players for the upcoming season: Kaito Kozono, Masaya Yano, Seita Maekawa, and Shunsuke Tamura. The decision regarding Kozono, a Central League batting title winner, follows reports linking him to allegations involving etomidate. Kozono issued a denial on Instagram, stating, ‘I have not been involved in the past or present, and there are no facts of any illegal activity.’

## Claims

- The Hiroshima Toyo Carp notified infielder Kaito Kozono, infielder Masaya Yano, infielder Seita Maekawa, and outfielder Shunsuke Tamura that they will not be offered contracts for the next season. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Kaito Kozono denied allegations regarding involvement with etomidate, stating on Instagram that he has had no involvement in any illegal activities. (single source)
- Kaito Kozono won the Central League batting title and highest on-base percentage last season. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-01: Hiroshima Toyo Carp release four players, including Kaito Kozono

The Hiroshima Toyo Carp will not renew contracts for Kaito Kozono, Masaya Yano, Seita Maekawa, and Shunsuke Tamura. Kozono, a former batting champion, denied recent allegations regarding illegal substances.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hiroshima-toyo-carp-release-four-players-including-kaito-kozono

### 2026-09-25: Hiroshima Toyo Carp players referred to prosecutors over drug suspicions

Hiroshima Toyo Carp players Masaya Yano and Seita Maekawa have been referred to prosecutors on suspicion of violating the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act involving etomidate.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hiroshima-toyo-carp-players-referred-to-prosecutors-over-drug-suspicions

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Cite as: Hiroshima Toyo Carp drug investigation and player releases. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/hiroshima-toyo-carp-drug-investigation-and-player-releases