Japanese esports organisation DetonatioN FocusMe (DFM) has announced the passing of its Representative Director, President, and CEO, Nobuyuki Umezaki.

In a statement released by the company, DFM expressed its deepest gratitude for the kindness and support shown to Umezaki throughout his life and shared news of his death along with details of the transition in leadership that followed.

Umezaki retired from his position as Representative Director on the day of his passing. In his place, Takuya Imaizumi, Representative Director and President of GameWith Co., Ltd., DFM’s parent company, has been appointed to concurrently serve as Representative Director and President of DFM, effective July 29, 2026.

A wake was held for Umezaki on August 1, 2026, followed by a funeral service on August 2, 2026. The company said both were attended by a large number of mourners and expressed its heartfelt thanks, on behalf of Umezaki, for the kindness shown to him during his lifetime.

In accordance with the wishes of Umezaki and his family, the company has requested that well-wishers refrain from sending further condolences, flowers, gifts, or visits of sympathy. Whether a memorial service will be held at a later date has not yet been decided. The company stated that an announcement will be made as soon as a decision is reached.

Born on July 1, 1983, Umezaki was widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the Japanese esports industry. He founded the esports team “DetonatioN” in December 2012 and, in January 2015 launched DetonatioN FocusMe, Japan’s first full-time professional gaming team.

That same year, in June 2015, he established Sun-Gence Co., Ltd., taking on the role of Representative Director and President. In October 2021, the company was renamed DetonatioN Co., Ltd. following its acquisition as a subsidiary of GameWith Co., Ltd.

Under Umezaki’s leadership, DetonatioN FocusMe grew into one of the most recognisable esports organisations in Japan, fielding teams across multiple titles and helping to professionalise competitive gaming in the country from its earliest days.

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