Sports · Baseball · 6 hrs ago
Takeshi Yamazaki joins Chunichi as a coach after Kudo's push
Former Chunichi slugger Takeshi Yamazaki has joined the team as a coach after years working as a baseball commentator.
The appointment comes as new manager Kimiyasu Kudo shapes Chunichi's coaching staff for the coming season.
Yamazaki had played for Chunichi and other Japanese teams, and served as a temporary coach for Nippon-Ham earlier this year.
He had long been mentioned as a possible manager, but his outspoken criticism of Chunichi's front office had strained relations.
Yamazaki had thought his coaching chance was over after his son was arrested in June on suspicion of fraud, which led him to temporarily suspend his activities.
Kudo reportedly strongly pressed for Yamazaki's appointment, valuing his knowledge of the team and its people.
He now returns to Chunichi to help coach its players, with his experience as a home-run hitter expected to be part of his role.
Takeshi Yamazaki has joined Chunichi as a batting coach under new manager Kōsuke Kudō.
A report said Kudō strongly pushed for Yamazaki’s appointment, citing his knowledge of the team and its relationships.
Yamazaki had previously worked as a baseball commentator and served as a temporary coach for Nippon-Ham in February.
He had given up hope of becoming a coach after his son was arrested on suspicion of fraud in June, according to the report.
Chunichi is building a new coaching staff ahead of the coming season.
- Who
- Takeshi Yamazaki, appointed Chunichi batting coach, and new manager Kōsuke Kudō.
- What
- Yamazaki joined Chunichi’s coaching staff. A report said Kudō strongly advocated for his appointment.
- When
- The reports were published on October 21 and October 24, 2026. Kudō reportedly contacted Yamazaki about 10 days before October 21.
- Where
- Chunichi, based in Nagoya, Japan.
- Why
- Kudō reportedly valued Yamazaki’s knowledge of the team and its people.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Yamazaki coached young Nippon-Ham players on a temporary basis at the request of manager Tsuyoshi Shinjo.
Yamazaki’s son was arrested on suspicion of fraud, and Yamazaki temporarily suspended his activities, according to the report.
Chunichi announced Kudō’s appointment as manager and reached broad agreement with three former players on coaching roles.
Kudō contacted Yamazaki about joining Chunichi’s coaching staff, according to Sirabee.
Sirabee reported that Yamazaki had become Chunichi’s batting coach.
- Coach
- Takeshi Yamazaki, Chunichi batting coach
- Manager
- Kōsuke Kudō
- Appointment push
- Kudō reportedly strongly advocated for Yamazaki
- Previous coaching role
- Temporary coach for Nippon-Ham in February 2026
- Son’s arrest
- June 2026; suspicion of fraud
3 sources
What people are saying
I thought I was finished because of a family member’s scandal.
I’m truly grateful that I’ve had the chance to wear the uniform while I’m still healthy. I’ll make up my mind as a baseball person and do my best.