‘Zombie cigarette’ entanglement allegations led to the national team veteran Gojono Kaito being notified of his release from the Hiroshima Toyo Carp of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), but he denied any illegal activity, saying “there was no illegal activity of any kind.”
Hiroshima announced that on the 1st it had notified infielder Gojono Kaito and Yano Masaya and Maekawa Seita, and outfielder Tamura Shunsuke of their release. All are young position players in their 20s, and the ‘zombie cigarette’ allegations that have continued since last year were the catalyst.
In December last year, Hatsuki Ryutaro of Hiroshima was arrested and prosecuted on charges of using the substance known as ‘etomidate,’ called a zombie cigarette, and was sentenced to one year in prison with a three-year suspended sentence. Afterward, a media outlet published a photo showing the person known as the seller together with active players, which intensified the controversy.
In particular, among them Gojono was a key player who entered as the No. 1 pick in the 2018 draft, won the batting title in 2025 and was also selected for Japan’s team for the World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March, establishing himself as a top-level hitter in Japanese professional baseball.
After Hiroshima’s release announcement, Gojono posted on his Instagram, “I sincerely and deeply apologize to the club officials, the manager and coaches, my teammates, and above all the fans who have given me passionate support, for the careless behavior in my private life this season and the series of reports that have caused great trouble and concern.”
He said, “As a professional baseball player and as a member of society, I should have set an example on and off the field, but my complacent attitude led to a situation that undermined the team’s morale and discipline, and I deeply reflect on that. I also accept the club’s decision seriously and gravely.”
He then drew a clear line regarding allegations of illegal acts surrounding him. Gojono said, “I have never in the past nor now been involved in acts that violate laws, such as the use or possession of illegal drugs being alleged by some, or connections with antisocial forces, and I have not committed any illegal acts.”
Gojono soon added, “However, the fact that I had friendships and acted rashly enough to arouse suspicion itself shows a significant lack of awareness as a professional athlete, and I feel deep remorse for that responsibility. I am only grateful to have been selected as the No. 1 high school draft pick and raised until today, allowing me to have various experiences. It is regrettable and remorseful to leave the team in this way.”
He said, “Nothing has been decided about my future activities yet. But I have nothing but baseball,” adding, “I think regaining lost trust will be a very difficult road. But as a person and as a baseball player, I will once again start from the beginning, reflect on myself, and face baseball seriously.”
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