Crazy Raccoon Launches SF6 Academy, Signs Ayasaka and Kushina

Following the recent launch of the REJECT Fighting Game Youth Division, Crazy Raccoon has announced the formation of its own Street Fighter Academy, signaling a growing focus among top Japanese esports organizations on nurturing the next generation of fighting game talent.

The new initiative begins with the signing of two promising players, Ayasaka and Kushina. Ayasaka, an A.K.I. specialist, made headlines after defeating EndingWalker during the Capcom Pro Tour Chengdu event, showcasing her potential against international competition. Kushina, on the other hand, is currently one of the top-ranked Sagat players in Street Fighter 6 and also boasts a competitive background in VALORANT, highlighting her versatility across esports titles.

This move mirrors REJECT’s own efforts to build a structured development system within the Street Fighter scene. REJECT recently signed Eguto, Hinao, Yujiro, and Tako to its youth roster, with Hinao, a 14-year-old Luke and Ryu main, already claiming victory at the most recent Capcom Pro Tour event, a clear indication of how effective such youth programs can be.

The growing trend of establishing youth divisions may mark the start of a new era for Japanese fighting games, offering a defined pathway from grassroots play to professional leagues like Street Fighter League: Japan. With both REJECT and Crazy Raccoon now investing heavily in young prospects, the country could soon see a surge of fresh talent ready to compete on the global stage.