Rakuten announced next season’s coaching staff. Otsuka Akira (大塚 明) has been newly appointed head coach, Ogasawara Michihiro (小笠原 道大) hitting coach, and Karashima Wataru (辛島 航), who retired this season, pitching coach. The seven-person staff, including the new appointees, was announced.
Ahead of Manager Yoshii Masato’s (吉井 理人) second year in the role, Rakuten announced its coaching staff for next season. During this season, the manager changed from Miki Hajime (三木 肇) to Yoshii Masato (吉井 理人) partway through the season, and the team finished sixth in the league, but it has stated that it aims to finish in the A class next season.
Under the new lineup, Otsuka Akira (大塚 明) has been appointed head coach and Ogasawara Michihiro (小笠原 道大) hitting coach. Otsuka Akira (大塚 明) played exclusively for Lotte during his playing career and has experience supporting Manager Yoshii Masato (吉井 理人) as a coach. Ogasawara Michihiro (小笠原 道大) has served as a coach with Chunichi, Nippon-Ham, the Giants and other teams.
Karashima Wataru (辛島 航) announced his retirement at the end of this season but has been newly appointed pitching coach. The coaching staff for next season was announced, including 7 newly appointed coaches.
The coaching staff list for the 2027 season includes Manager Yoshii Masato (吉井 理人), along with the farm team manager, hitting, pitching, infield and outfield coaches, development coaches and others. Last updated on 29 October 2026 at 16:23.