Akinori Iwamura updated his blog with a message about his release from the Rakuten Eagles:

I think many may already know, but my contract with the Rakuten Eagles is over after the year.

I feel very disappointed/frustrated at how things turned out.

I am full of regret for not being able to perform at the level I was hoping to during my two years in Sendai.  But it was a good experience because I was able to learn a lot over my two-year stay.

Even though I will be leaving Sendai with unfinished business, thank you for all your support.

I feel strongly that I can not let things end like this.  I do not know what will happen next year, but in order to make another strong impression on everyone again...

This will not be the end of me!

I will take that thought and push myself forward.