Capcom Cup Champion Kakeru Is Back, Just Not in the Way We Hoped

Kakeru announced his retirement last year after a long hiatus caused by a health scare, but the hopes of the former Capcom Cup winner making a comeback have been firmly put to rest by the player himself.

Kakeru was one of the most exciting players of his generation, a Street Fighter talent whose aggressive, high-risk style made him must-watch viewing at every tournament he entered. His health scare robbed the scene of one of its most compelling competitors at what should have been the peak of his powers.

Following his retirement, Kakeru completely disappeared from the scene. Over the last few weeks, however, he has been more active on social media and has even returned to playing, reaching the top 40 in Legend rank and becoming the highest-ranked JP player in the world currently. Naturally, rumours began to swirl that a competitive return might be on the cards.

He has since poured cold water on that notion with a statement that leaves no room for misinterpretation.

"Since it's been quite a while since my last tournament, I've entered WW, so let me talk a bit about the future," he wrote.

"Even now, there are people who still wish for me to return to being a pro, so let me state it clearly once again: I have no intention of returning to pro play.

"That won't change even if my physical condition improves.

"Last year, right after I announced my hiatus, I was recuperating with the assumption of returning to pro.

"However, during that recuperation period, after reflecting on the events that happened and my experiences during pro activities, and seriously thinking about my future life, I ultimately decided to retire.

"Going back to the beginning here, as one fighting game enthusiast, I plan to keep participating in interesting tournaments going forward!

"Even now, unchanged, my goal is to get stronger at fighting games."

The statement is clear and considered, and it deserves to be taken at face value. Kakeru is not closing a door he left open by accident. This was a decision reached after genuine reflection, and the community owes it to him to respect that.

While it is a disappointment that Kakeru will not be returning to the highest level, it is heartening to see that he is healthy enough to play and compete in tournaments. For a player whose career was cut short by something entirely beyond his control, that is no small thing.