Hideo Suzuki, who led Kurashiki Ablaze to the historic 2023 PVL Invitational title, was arrested in Japan on allegations of indecent assault.
Hideo Suzuki, who steered Japanese club Kurashiki Ablaze to the 2023 PVL Invitational crown, was arrested in Mizushima, Japan, on September 10.
The 48-year-old tactician was arrested on allegations of “indecent assault without consent” against a woman in her 20s, according to a translated news report in Japan.
Police said the alleged act took place last May in Okayama Prefecture. Suzuki reportedly denied the accusations, telling authorities he had “no recollection” of the incident.
He resigned from his post on September 9, just a day before his arrest.
Hideo Suzuki coaches the Kurashiki Ablaze during the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Kurashiki had already withdrawn from this year’s Invitational weeks before the tournament began, with management citing a “serious compliance violation” tied to Suzuki.
“We regret to inform you that we received a notice from the Japan Volleyball League indicating that our head coach, Hideo Suzuki, may have committed a serious compliance violation,” said Daisuke Watanabe, Representative Director of Ablaze Co. Ltd., in a statement to the PVL.
“It is with great regret that we must inform you of our decision to withdraw from participating in the PVL Invitational. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this sudden decision, made so close to the start of the tournament, may cause to all parties involved.”
The move stunned PVL fans expecting the return of the league’s first-ever foreign champions, who saw Kobe Shinwa University carry the Japanese flag.
ZUS Coffee was brought in as the last-minute replacement for Kurashiki.
[ALSO READ: Here’s why ZUS Coffee will replace Kurashiki in 2025 PVL Invitational]
Suzuki had been with Ablaze since its founding in 2019 and etched history in the Philippines when Kurashiki stunned Creamline in the 2023 Invitational Finals.
The club followed it up with a bronze-medal finish in 2024 before abruptly pulling out of the 2025 tilt.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.