Japanese police have arrested Shinji Abe, the head coach of the professional baseball team Yomiuri Giants, on charges of assault, Kyodo News reported on May 25, 2026.
The arrest comes amid heightened public scrutiny of scandals in Japanese professional sports. The Yomiuri Giants are one of the most storied teams in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB).
Details regarding the exact time, location of the incident, and the identity of the victim have not been disclosed. Police are continuing their investigation to clarify the circumstances.
The Yomiuri Giants have not yet issued an official statement on the matter. The arrest is expected to have a significant impact on the club during the ongoing season.
