Nippon-Ham announced on the 20th that pitcher Koji Fukutani (35) will be leaving the team.

Regarding his future, Fukutani himself mentioned on the membership-based media platform 'note' that he was notified in August that he was not in the plans for next season. He expressed his desire to continue his playing career, stating, 'The will within me to throw, to experiment, and to grow remains as strong as ever. As long as there is a possibility, I want to seek an environment where I can channel these surging emotions.'

Fukutani, who joined from Chunichi as a free agent in the 2024 off-season, appeared in 14 games during his first year after the transfer. He recorded his first win after the transfer in a game against the Seibu Lions on March 29, finishing with a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and 3 hold points. This season, although he appeared in 12 games, he remained at 0 wins, 1 loss, and 1 hold.

Fukutani commented through the team, reflecting, "During the two years since transferring to The Fighters, I have little sense of having been able to contribute to the team's strength, and it is very frustrating. I was tormented by feelings of guilt many times due to my own lack of ability." He continued, "There were both good times and hard times, but not once in these two years have I regretted it or thought 'I shouldn't have come to The Fighters.' I can say with pride that 'choosing The Fighters was the right decision.'"