On Wednesday, July 29, 2026, Nobuyuki Umezaki, President and CEO of DetonatioN, Inc.—known for managing the professional esports team " DetonatioN FocusMe "—passed away.
He was 44 years old.
Nobuyuki Umezaki, President and CEO of DetonatioN Co., Ltd., Passes Away
【訃報】弊社代表取締役社長 梅崎伸幸 逝去のお知らせ
多くの皆様に支えられ、誰よりもDFMを愛し、
いつもチームとファンの皆様を第一に想い続けた社長でした。
生前のご厚誼に、チーム一同より深く感謝申し上げます。 pic.twitter.com/j8ALfsS4hP— DetonatioN FocusMe (@team_detonation) August 3, 2026
On Monday, August 3, 2026, it was announced that Nobuyuki Umezaki, President and CEO of DetonatioN Co., Ltd., had passed away.
He was 44 years old.
Statement from DetonatioN Co., Ltd.
Nobuyuki Umezaki, President and CEO of DetonatioN Co., Ltd., passed away on July 29, 2026. He was 44 years old (43 years of age).
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to him during his lifetime and hereby announce his passing with the utmost respect.
Furthermore, he stepped down from his position as Representative Director of our company effective the same day.
Accordingly, we would also like to announce that Takuya Imaizumi, President and CEO of GameWith, Inc., has been appointed to concurrently serve as our company’s President and CEO as his successor.
The wake was held on August 1, 2026, and the funeral service on August 2; both were conducted smoothly with the attendance of many mourners.
On behalf of the deceased, we would like to express our deepest gratitude for the kindness shown to him during his lifetime.
We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, but in accordance with the wishes of the deceased and his family, we respectfully decline any further condolence money, floral tributes, offerings, or visits at this time.
Plans for a “memorial gathering” or similar event—including whether it will be held at all—are currently undecided.
If such an event is held, we will make a separate announcement as soon as a decision is made.
He founded the esports team “DetonatioN” in 2012 and was actively involved in its operations.
He contributed to the development of the esports industry, including the launch of “DetonatioN FocusMe,” Japan’s first professional gaming team with a salaried system.
On social media, messages of condolence have been posted by the Japan e-Sports Union (JESU) and e-sports teams both in Japan and abroad, reflecting the grief felt throughout the entire industry.
DFM 梅崎伸幸様の訃報に接し、深い悲しみを禁じ得ません。
日本のeスポーツ発展のために尽力された生前のご功績に心からの敬意を表しますとともに、謹んでお悔やみ申し上げます。
故人のご功績を偲び、安らかなご冥福を心よりお祈り申し上げます。
— QTD_Kei Nishida (@nishik18) August 3, 2026
Sorry, this article is only available in Japanese and 繁體中文. at the moment.
