DetonatioN Inc. CEO Nobuyuki Umezaki Passes Away at Age 44

On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Nobuyuki Umezaki, Representative Director and President of DetonatioN Inc.—known for operating the professional esports team, DetonatioN FocusMe—passed away.
He was 44 years old.

DetonatioN Inc. CEO Nobuyuki Umezaki Passes Away

On Monday, August 3, 2026, DetonatioN Inc. announced that Representative Director and President Nobuyuki Umezaki had passed away.
He was 44 years old.

Comment From DetonatioN Inc.

Our Representative Director and President, Nobuyuki Umezaki, passed away on July 29, 2026, at the age of 44 (43 years old).
We express our deepest gratitude for the kindness and friendship extended to him during his lifetime, and respectfully make this announcement.
As of the same date, he stepped down from his position as Representative Director.
Accordingly, we would also like to announce that Takuya Imaizumi, Representative Director and President of GameWith, Inc., has been appointed to concurrently serve as our new Representative Director and President as his successor.
The wake was held on August 1, 2026, and the funeral service on August 2, with numerous attendees in attendance, both conducted smoothly.
On behalf of the deceased, we express our profound gratitude for the warm affection extended during his life.
We respectfully decline condolence money, flowers, floral tributes, or condolence visits hereafter, in accordance with the wishes of the deceased and the bereaved family.
Regarding the holding of a memorial service or farewell gathering, including whether one will be held, no decision has been made at this time.
Should one be scheduled, details will be announced once finalized.

(Translated from Japanese)Official DetonatioN Inc. Website

He founded the esports team, DetonatioN, in 2012 and worked energetically in the scene.
He contributed significantly to the growth of the esports industry, including establishing DetonatioN FocusMe, Japan's first salaried professional gaming team.

Tributes and condolences poured in across social media from Japan Esports Union (JeSU), as well as esports teams in Japan and internationally, reflecting a wave of grief across the entire industry.