by Chiba Kooji, Niihama Chronicle 

(January 31, 2019, Niihama City) —  Hours after thousands of angry Ghosts fans took to the streets in protest of the abrupt firing of GM Mike Dunn, the team’s owner succumbed to the pressure and announced the re-hiring of the popular gaijin.

“I acted in haste” said owner Akane Kenkyusham Jr. in a statement released by the team.  “I regret that I allowed my anger to get the best of me.  It is clear that the fans have spoken, and I have convinced Mr. Dunn to return to the fold.”

Dunn, as is his tendency, could not be reached for comment.  Sources close to the GM, however, said at first he refused the owner’s offer, but relented after making Kenkyusham get down on his knees and beg.  “He was aware of the protests and knew he had the upper hand,” said the source.

The protest began one day after Dunn’s surprise firing was announced, and was apparently planned by fans connecting through social media.  The demonstration lasted five hours, closing streets in downtown Niihama City and making the morning rush hour a nightmare.  Chants of, “We Want the Gaijin” and “Fire the Owner” rang out assalarymen, peering out their office windows, cheered in support.

One group burned a mockup of Kenkyusham in effigy.  A police spokesman said there were only five arrests, mainly for drunkenness, and the crowds dispersed by lunchtime.

Kenkyusham and Dunn are expected to appear together at the team’s annual “State of the Ghosts” news conference prior to the start of spring training.  It will be interesting to see how the two interact in the wake of this bizarre incident.