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The story
Hiroshima Toyo Carp infielder Kaito Kozono (26) announced on his Instagram on August 31 that he has divorced model Lisa Watanabe (24). Kozono said only, “I’ll refrain from discussing the details of the divorce,” without elaborating further. Watanabe also issued a statement saying, “The children will continue living with me.” Known as a close, loving couple, the news sparked shock in 5ch threads, where surprised reactions mixed with wildly differing speculation about what led to the split.
August 31, 2026, 17:59
Pro baseball’s Hiroshima Carp infielder Kaito Kozono (26) announced on the 31st via his own social media that he has divorced model and influencer Lisa Watanabe (24).
In an Instagram Stories post, he wrote: “I have an announcement to make. I have divorced Lisa Watanabe.” He added, “I’ll refrain from discussing the circumstances of the divorce. I appreciate your continued warm support going forward.”
Source: sponichi.co.jp / Original article here
What people said
Her eyes being that huge is honestly impressive, even accounting for all the editing
I just don't get the appeal of these purikura (Japanese photo-booth sticker pics)
Who even is this guy
What about Kaishu Sano's wife, or Janpoke Saito's? (referencing baseball star Kaishu Sano and comedian Saito of the trio Jungle Pocket)
Sano Kaishu wasn't even indicted, and he's raking it in playing in Europe — he's still a winner overall
Though he'll never be popular
Guess he's turning into a drifter now (a pun playing off Watanabe's surname and the old term for a wandering gambler)
People used to rank Kozono right up there with Genda as one of the most devoted couples in pro baseball
Someone must've called the "devoted couple police" on this (a joking dig at the "oshidori fūfu" cliché for an inseparable, loving pair)
Can't you tell just from how flashy this guy looks?
He's only a high school grad, so he ends up caught by someone like Matsuzaka's wife (a nod to pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka's ex-announcer wife)
"Going forward, I will also refrain from commenting on anything related to Mr. Kozono. The children will continue living with me. I hope you can understand, and that you'll continue to watch over us warmly."
Guess she had no eye for men after all
This take reeks of a single, childless guy
That's a pretty loaded line
She's making it crystal clear she wants nothing more to do with him lol
She could've just said "my husband didn't do anything wrong" if that were true
Background and Key Points of the Discussion
Kozono and Watanabe reportedly began dating in 2019 after connecting through Instagram DMs, and announced their marriage in November 2022. Watanabe, a Hiroshima native and known Carp fan, was often described alongside Kozono as one of pro baseball’s most devoted couples. In this announcement, neither party addressed the actual reason for the divorce — the only official explanation was a brief line about withholding the details. On the thread, users tried to read between the lines of the statements for clues, and opinions clashed over who might be at fault. It’s worth noting, however, that neither the team nor those involved have given any concrete explanation for the divorce, and much of the speculation flying around was unfounded.
*This article is excerpted and summarized from the 5ch (Geinou/Sports Express+) thread “[Baseball] Hiroshima Carp’s Kaito Kozono Announces Divorce from Model Lisa Watanabe… ★2 [Ailuropoda melanoleuca★].”
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