ZETA DIVISION made an announcement regarding the future activities of Kakeru, who belongs to their STREET FIGHTER division, on its official website.
Kakeru is reportedly withdrawing from the roster for the "Street Fighter League: Pro-JP 2025" (hereafter, SFL) and is arranging his retirement from player activities and his departure from ZETA DIVISION.
Kakeru Withdraws From SFL Roster; Yamaguchi Is the Substitute
STREET FIGHTER部門 翔の今後の活動に関するご報告と「ストリートファイターリーグ：Pro-JP 2025」ロスター変更のお知らせhttps://t.co/upXutst2qV pic.twitter.com/vRKN7jQuj1
— ZETA DIVISION (@zetadivision) October 23, 2025
ZETA DIVISION announced a partial change to the roster for the SFL, in which they are participating as ZETA DIVISION Geekly.
Kakeru (@Kakeru_FGC) will be removed from the SFL roster starting from the 6th section, and Yamaguchi (@yamae1128) will be newly registered.
「ZETA DIVISION Geekly」翔選手とヤマグチ選手のチーム登録選手入れ替えについて
いつも「ストリートファイターリーグ: Pro-JP 2025」を応援頂き、誠にありがとうございます。
このたび「ZETA DIVISION…
— CAPCOM eSports (@CAPCOM_eSports) October 23, 2025
CAPCOM, which operates the SFL, explained this matter on its official X (@CAPCOM_eSports).
After prior explanation and consent were obtained from the 11 teams excluding ZETA DIVISION Geekly, they announced that they will implement the following measures:
- Loss of Kakeru's eligibility to compete in all SF League 2025 season matches
- Kakeru's matches in the 4th and 5th Episodes are forfeits
- Yamaguchi can compete starting from the 6th section (however, only in tiebreaker matches; no restrictions for the playoffs or Grand Final)
They stated that if a similar situation occurs with another team, they will discuss it equally under the same conditions.
Kakeru to Retire From Player Activities
ご報告
いつも温かいご声援、本当にありがとうございます。
この度、ZETA DIVISIONから発表がありました通り、私はeスポーツ選手としての活動を引退することを決断いたしました。
突然の活動休止から約2カ月が経過してしまいました。…
— ZETA Kakeru(翔) (@Kakeru_FGC) October 23, 2025
Kakeru acquired his JeSU Pro License in 2021.
He achieved brilliant results in "Street Fighter 6," including winning Gamers8 2023, coming in second at EVO Japan 2024, winning Capcom Cup 11, and coming in second at EVO 2025, but had to withdraw mid-tournament due to poor health during the Esports World Cup 2025 held in August 2025.
He returned to the SFL in September 2025 after some recovery, but his absence continued afterward, leading up to the present.
Amidst concerns from around the world, Kakeru explained the reason for his hiatus on his X (@Kakeru_FGC) on Thursday, October 23, 2025, stating that a 'neural function disorder' continued, making it difficult to continue competing as a player.
He revealed that he is adjusting to focus on recovering his health and will leave ZETA DIVISION sometime this year.
This post generated a huge response with over 10,000 reposts in about an hour, and messages of concern and encouragement were sent from prominent players around the world.
ZETA DIVISION's Announcement (Partial)
Regarding Kakeru, we continued discussions with him about the possibility of continuing his player activities, but we received his request to retire from player activities, including CAPCOM CUP 12 and online tournaments. Respecting his health and intentions, we, as a team, have accepted this. Kakeru is adjusting with the relevant parties to leave ZETA DIVISION by the end of the year. All of us on the team sincerely pray for Kakeru's speedy recovery. We sincerely apologize to our fans for the concern we have caused up until now, and we humbly ask for your understanding regarding the above decision.
(Translated from Japanese)
ZETA DIVISION Official Website
