The Japanese esports community has suffered a profound loss. Nobuyuki Umezaki, President and CEO of DetonatioN FocusMe, has passed away at the age of 44. The organization officially announced his death, stating that Umezaki passed away on July 29, 2026.
In 2012, Nobuyuki Umezaki founded DetonatioN, which later evolved into DetonatioN FocusMe — one of the most renowned esports organizations in Japan. Under his leadership, the team became the first in the country to introduce salaries for professional players, making a vital contribution to the development of Japanese esports. DFM has also repeatedly represented Japan at international League of Legends tournaments.
Following Umezaki's passing, Takuya Imaizumi, President of GameWith, will temporarily assume the duties of CEO. The family of the deceased has requested that people refrain from sending flowers and donations, and a decision regarding a memorial ceremony will be announced at a later date.
We express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire DetonatioN FocusMe team. May he rest in peace.