iXA Confirm Their SFL Japan Squad With Akira as a Permanent Signing

Japanese esports team Hiroshima Team iXA have announced their squad for the upcoming Street Fighter League Japan season, and with it, confirmed a new permanent addition to the roster.

In a video release, the team revealed their four representatives one by one: ACQUA, Hibiki, Akira, and Takepi.

The team largely remains the same from last season, with one notable change. Adelie, who had previously represented iXA on loan, will no longer be available as his mother team, RIDDLE Order, has joined SFL Japan and will be fielding him in their own debut season. Akira, who joined iXA on loan from REJECT last season, has now made the move permanent following his release by REJECT and will represent the team in both Capcom Pro Tour events and SFL going forward.

Hibiki returns for his third season with Team iXA on loan from his parent team, SBI Esports, continuing a long and productive collaboration. The final slot belongs to Takepi, signed in 2025 and one of the most highly regarded JP players in the country.

Akira's Heartfelt Post on His New Team

Of all the announcements, none carries more personal weight than Akira's confirmation as a permanent member of the team. His journey to this point has been anything but straightforward.

Akira left his regular job to pursue a career as a pro gamer, a considerable personal risk due to the volatility of the pro gaming scene. He spent time with REJECT and was part of their SFL setup, but last season found himself without a place on the team as REJECT opted for a roster of Tokido, Daigo, Fuudo, and LeShar. He remained sponsored by the organisation but was unable to compete in SFL, a deeply frustrating position for a player of his calibre. His response was to join Team iXA on loan, perform well, and it seems his performance has earned the permanent contract that has now been confirmed.

A week before the official announcement, Akira had posted on social media that he had found a new team but was not yet at liberty to reveal which one. In that same post, he spoke openly about how anxious the period of uncertainty had been, and how concerned his support network had become on his behalf.

His statement reads in full:

"Thank you once again for helping to spread the word about this matter. My team has been successfully decided.

"Discussions are also progressing with the company that will be personally sponsoring me.

"This is all thanks to everyone's cooperation and support. Thank you so much.

"I'm sorry we couldn't make the announcement today, but I wanted to share this update right away, so I posted this.

"I would be grateful if we could make announcements step by step going forward.

"Over this past month, I've been running around, had the opportunity to talk with various people, and it became a period where I felt I grew more than ever, especially in realizing how much I need to grow.

"At the same time, it was the most anxious period, but finally, I can breathe a sigh of relief.

"I'm happy that I can give good news to my parents who I've worried, my wife, and everyone who has been cheering me on.

"I'll say it over and over, but everyone, thank you so, so much.

"I can continue my activities as a pro gamer a little longer.

"I'll keep working hard so that I can continue to have your support going forward.

"We're still recruiting for personal sponsorships and work opportunities, so if you're interested, I'd appreciate hearing from you.

"I kindly ask for your continued understanding and support."

Akira is a strong Cammy player known for his infectious smile and an aggressive playstyle that sees him constantly rush down his opponent. With a permanent home at Team iXA, the expectation is that he will now be able to channel that energy into the kind of consistent results his talent deserves.