Takuro Ishii held a press conference at Mazda Stadium today to announce that this will be his final year.

"I called everyone together because I wanted to let everyone know that I, Takuro Ishii, will be retiring at the end of the season.  During my twenty-four-year career, four were with the Carp and everyone here has been very supportive.  Thank you very much. ... I do have all sorts of memories, but I decided to take a load off," said Ishii during his press conference.

Source: Daily Sports 8/27/2012

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UPDATE @ 11:07pm - Sanspo posted portions of the press conference:

What are your current feelings?

I have a lot of memories, but it feels like I dropped everything that was on my shoulders, or at least something close to that.

Your reasons for the decision.

I did not want to get in the way of the younger players that are doing well.  There were some things that made me want to keep playing, but I felt doing it for the records was not good for the team.

Your best memory?

I have too many.  I can not pick just one.  But I only have memories of frustration.

What happened when you told your family?

It was difficult because my oldest kid said he wanted me to play with the Carp a little longer.

What will you do after you retire?

I have not made any specific decision yet.  I need to think things through from the start and figure out what it is I want to do.