The Shocking Arrest of Hiroshima Toyo Carp's Ryutaro Hatsuki

In a development that has sent ripples through Japan's professional baseball community, Hiroshima Toyo Carp infielder Ryutaro Hatsuki, aged 25, was arrested on January 27, 2026, by Hiroshima Prefectural Police. The charge stems from the alleged use of etomidate, a designated prohibited substance under Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (PMD Act). This incident unfolded just hours ago, catching fans and team officials off guard during the off-season.

The arrest follows a tip-off from an acquaintance who contacted emergency services (110) on the same day. Police accompanied Hatsuki voluntarily to the station for questioning, where a urine test revealed a positive reaction. Subsequent lab analysis confirmed the presence of etomidate, a drug gaining notoriety as 'zombie tobacco' among young people. The suspected usage dates back to around December 16, 2025, highlighting how such cases can remain undetected for over a month.

This event marks a rare criminal drug allegation against an active Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) player, distinct from performance-enhancing drug (PED) violations handled internally by the league. As news broke, social media buzzed with disbelief from Carp supporters, who view Hatsuki as a promising utility talent.

Profile of Ryutaro Hatsuki: From High School Prospect to NPB Utility Star

Ryutaro Hatsuki, born April 19, 2000, in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, embodies the archetype of a scrappy, speed-oriented player in Japanese baseball. Standing at 168 cm and weighing 73 kg, the right-throwing, left-batting infielder/outfielder was selected by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp in the seventh round of the 2018 NPB Draft out of Kamimura Gakuen High School.

Hatsuki quickly earned a reputation for his elite baserunning, clocking 50-meter sprints in 5.7 seconds and boasting a cannon arm capable of 115-meter throws. Debuting in 2019, he has primarily served as a pinch runner and defensive substitute. Career highlights include a team-leading 14 stolen bases in 2023 (11 as a runner), and 12 in 2024 across 53 games, ranking third on the squad. In 2025, he appeared in 74 games with a solid .295 batting average, contributing to the Carp's lineup depth despite their fifth-place finish (59 wins, 79 losses, 5 ties).

His estimated salary stands at 31 million yen, reflecting steady progression. Fans appreciated his hustle, but this arrest threatens to derail a career on the cusp of regular status.

Unpacking 'Zombie Tobacco': The Dangers of Etomidate in Japan

Etomidate, the substance at the center of Hatsuki's arrest, is an intravenous anesthetic used medically abroad for rapid sedation during procedures. In Japan, however, it remains unapproved for any medical use and was designated a 'specified drug' on May 26, 2025, due to surging recreational abuse.

Dubbed 'zombie tobacco' (ゾンビたばこ), it is vaped via e-cigarette liquids imported illegally, often from Thailand or online. Users inhale vaporized etomidate, triggering intense effects: initial euphoria followed by muscle paralysis, hallucinations, amnesia, and a dissociative 'zombie' state where individuals appear unresponsive yet conscious. Overdose risks include respiratory failure, seizures, and long-term addiction, with reports of users collapsing in public.

• Short-term effects: Euphoria, paralysis of limbs, distorted perception.
• Long-term risks: Dependency, organ damage, psychosis.
• Prevalence: Rising among teens and young adults via social media challenges.

Authorities warn of its high addictiveness and undetectable nature in standard tests, explaining the delay in Hatsuki's case. Recent busts in Osaka and Okinawa underscore a national youth crisis.

Timeline: From Suspected Use to Arrest

The sequence of events paints a picture of swift police action post-tip:

1. December 16, 2025: Alleged usage of etomidate in Japan (exact location undisclosed).
2. January 27, 2026 (morning): Acquaintance reports concerns via 110 call to Hiroshima police.
3. Same day (afternoon): Hatsuki voluntarily accompanies officers to Hiroshima Central Station for questioning.
4. Immediate urine test: Positive for prohibited substances.
5. Lab confirmation: Etomidate identified.
6. Evening arrest: Formal charges under PMD Act; Hatsuki denies involvement.

Police from the Organized Crime Measures Section No. 3 led the probe, emphasizing the drug's links to organized distribution networks. Prosecutors are expected to review the case soon, potentially leading to indictment.

Hatsuki Denies Allegations: 'No Memory of Using It'

Upon arrest, Hatsuki firmly denied the charges, stating, 'I have no recollection of using etomidate.' This denial suggests possible contamination, mistaken identity, or unwitting ingestion—common defenses in drug cases. Police note he cooperated fully initially, but the forensic evidence from urine analysis remains compelling.

Under Japan's PMD Act, mere possession or use of designated drugs carries penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment or fines. Unlike narcotics laws, it targets unregulated pharmaceuticals. Hatsuki's legal team may challenge the chain of custody or test accuracy, but conviction could end his career.

For context, etomidate metabolizes quickly, making detection windows narrow—likely why the tip was crucial.

Photo by Terence Starkey on Unsplash

Hiroshima Carp's Response: Silence Amid Off-Season Training

As of late January 27, the Carp organization has issued no official comment, a standard protocol for breaking criminal matters. Notably, Hatsuki was participating in team-organized voluntary training in Ono, Hiroshima, on the arrest day itself—highlighting the suddenness.

The 2025 season ended disappointingly in fifth place, prompting roster tweaks. Hatsuki's speed was a bright spot; his absence could strain bench depth. NPB rules mandate reporting such incidents, and the league may impose additional sanctions if criminality is proven, separate from anti-doping protocols focused on PEDs.

Club GM Atsunori Inaba or manager Yoshiaki Kanemoto may address media soon, balancing support for the player with zero-tolerance messaging.

Fan Backlash and Social Media Storm

Carp Nation reacted with dismay on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Trending phrases included #マツダスタジアム (Mazda Stadium) alongside arrest news. Sample sentiments:

• 'What the hell, Hatsuki? So much potential wasted.'
• 'Shocked... hope it's a mistake.'
• 'Team needs to investigate internally.'

Hiroshima's passionate fanbase, known for red-clad sellouts at Mazda Stadium, fears reputational damage ahead of 2026 ticket sales.

Broader discourse links to youth drug trends, urging sports icons as role models.

Legal Framework: PMD Act vs. Doping Regulations

Japan's PMD Act regulates unapproved drugs like etomidate to curb 'dangerous drugs.' Penalties: 7 years max for use/possession. Distinct from Narcotics Control Law (stricter for heroin etc.). NPB's anti-doping code targets PEDs via WADA standards, with suspensions (e.g., 20 days for trace positives).

This criminal case bypasses NPB initially, but conviction triggers contract review. Precedents show indefinite leaves or terminations.

Impact on Carp's 2026 Prospects

Finishing 2025 at 59-79-5, the Carp eye playoffs. Hatsuki's 12 steals filled a speed void. Replacements like young prospects must step up, but distraction looms. Off-season FA moves (e.g., pitchers) now overshadowed.

Financially minor (31M yen), but morale hit significant in team-oriented culture.

Historical Drug Scandals in NPB

• 2007: Rick Gathornson (SoftBank) – finasteride in hair product, 20-day ban.
• 2008: Luis Gonzalez – amphetamines, lifetime ban.
• 2013: Hirokazu Ibata – trace clenbuterol, reprimand.
• 2019: Batista (Hiroshima) – doping suspension.

Illegal street drugs rarer, making Hatsuki's case outlier.

Photo by shinano rui on Unsplash

Japan's Battle Against Emerging Drugs Like Zombie Tobacco

Youth vaping spiked post-COVID; etomidate exploded via TikTok/Line. 2025 designations followed overdoses. Okinawa/Osaka raids signal crackdown. Sports leagues enhance education.

Outlook: Career in Jeopardy, Lessons for Sports

If cleared, Hatsuki rebounds; conviction ends NPB tenure. Carp fans await clarity, urging prevention. Highlights need for athlete wellness programs. For career navigation post-scandal, resources like professional recovery strategies apply broadly.

Stay tuned as investigation unfolds. Explore opportunities in sports-related fields.