According to Sports Hochi, Toshihisa Nishi's name is being mentioned as a possible candidate to join the Samurai Japan coaching staff.

After retiring in 2010, Nishi spent some time working as a part-time coach with an independent league team in the US.  He is currently working as a baseball commentator.  He also started the Nishi Baseball Academy and will begin a two-year program in Comprehensive Human Sciences, Health and Sports Sciences at Tsukuba University's Graduate School.

Source: Sports Hochi 10/10/2013

Sponichi adds that Nishi is being considered as an INF/base-running coach.  Other names, like Akihiro Yano as battery coach and Kazuyoshi Tatsunami as batting coach are also mentioned.

Source: Sponichi 10/10/2013

Nikkan Sports notes that Yoshitaka Katori is the top candidate for the pitching coach job.

Source: Nikkan Sports 10/10/2013

Sports Hochi is reporting that Hiromitsu Ochiai (59) and Kazuyoshi Tatsunami (44) may no longer be considered candidates to replace Morimichi Takagi as the next manager of the team and that the organization is scrambling to narrow down a third name.

According to the report, the team decided to move away from Ochiai because reaction from the parent company and various local organizations was not very positive once the news about him being a strong candidate went public.  With regards to Tatsunami, those close to the situation told reporters the organization might be saving him for the future -- Chunichi might be concerned about forcing him into the tough situation of rebuilding the team.

Source: Sports Hochi 10/6/2013

According to Sponichi, Kazuyoshi Tatsunami could be a top candidate to replace Morimichi Takagi as the next manager for the Chunichi Dragons.

Tatsunami is considered a favorite because he was a Chunichi lifer that is still very popular with fans.  He was also named batting coach for Samurai Japan during the World Baseball Classic earlier this year and has spent time with some of the younger players during pre-game workouts when working the commentary booth for home games.

The Dragons have a number of candidates on their list of possible choices.  Team officials will narrow things down and team owner Bungo Shirai will most likely make the final call.  Chunichi could decide on a new manager for the 2014 season this month.

Source: Sponichi 9/17/2013

UPDATE 9/18 @ 7:39pm -

"There are no progress. The team is working hard right now.  The best would be to wait until the pennant race is over," team owner Bungo Shirai said to reporters at Nagoya Dome today.

Source: Sponichi 9/18/2013

UPDATE 9/19 @ 12:49am -

A slightly better version of the quote above: "There has been no progress.  It is still mid-September and the team is working hard.  The best would be to wait until after the pennant race.  Personnel changes are not something that should be discussed freely, especially by someone in a position of responsibility."

Source: Nikkan Sports 9/18/2013

Your reasons for retirement?

I've been a regular for quite some time now, and my ideal condition includes being able to run, hit, and take the field.  My fielding and running skills have dropped off a bit and I thought it was about time to call it quits.  I couldn't put up solid numbers last season and I was feeling mentally drained so I thought it was time.

On doing well this season...

I don't really think I'm hitting all that well.  In any case, I decided that I would play my hardest the whole season and regardless of the results, good or bad, my decision won't change.

On looking back over a 22-year career...

If there's one thing I can say, I've never once lost the desire to win.  I'm surprised I've been able to play this long with this body.

Your most treasured memory?

I got hurt during my second year and then hit a home run in the first game of the year in my third season.  I didn't realize just how great Ichi-gun was until that moment.  I worked hard to rehab my injury and then came back with a home run...  I almost teared up while I was rounding the bases.

Your plans for after retirement?

I haven't made any decisions yet.  I want to look around and get better idea of what my options are.  I'm really grateful to the fans for their support over my 22-year career that I want to work on figuring out a way to give back to them.

Sanspo 9/30/2009

Chiba Lotte Marines

...The Marines announced earlier today that Ni-gun players Taiki Nakago and Tetsuya Yamamoto were diagnosed with the influenza strain A virus.

Chunichi Dragons

...Kazuyoshi Tatsunami held a press conference today to officially announce his retirement at the end of the season.

My ideal condition would allow me to hit, run, and play defense.  My fielding and running skills have lately taken a hit and so I think it's about time I called it quits...

I told myself that I would focus on working hard this season.  Regardless of the outcome, good or bad, my decision will not change.

Hanshin Tigers

...Norihiro Akahoshi began his rehab program on Tuessday at the hospital he was staying at.  He likely won't be able to make a return to the field this season.

Rakuten Eagles

...As reported earlier, Ni-gun player Taishi Nakagawa was diagnosed with the swine flu.  Not reported at the time, however, was that Masahiro Tanaka, Kohei Hasebe, Kensuke Uchimura, and Ryo Hijirisawa were all staying in the same dorm as Nakagawa.  All four of these Ichi-gun players have since been moved to a hotel and were given the day off on Tuesday as a precaution.

Yakult Swallows

...Yuhei Takai will make a switch from being a pitcher to becoming a position player.  Takai will make the switch during the upcoming Phoenix League and has already taken batting and fielding practice in preparation for the change.

Yomiuri Giants

...Tetsuya Utsumi held a 60-pitch bullpen session earlier today at the new Giants training facility in Kawasaki.  He's currently on track to make a start against the Yokohama Bay Stars on 10/2.