Japanese commentator and gamer Nanai has sadly passed away, and the fighting game community pays tribute to their friend and countryman

Japan’s Good 8 Squad recently released a statement that commentator and player Ryoma “Nanai” Ono has sadly and suddenly passed away.

He was only 32 years old.

The official statement says that Nanai died suddenly on August 9, 2023 due to heart failure.

Nanai had attended Evo 2023 this past weekend where he placed 7th in Idol Showdown and 193rd in Street Fighter 6 and appeared in high spirits.

One of Japan’s most famous fighting game commentators, Nanai, has died of heart failure. He just went to EVO, placed 7th on Idol Showdown and looked totally fine 2 days ago 😔

May he rest in peace https://t.co/OP0W9H22d8

– HiFight (ハイファイト) (HiFightTH) August 10, 2023

Although he started getting involved in fighting games in Street Fighter 4, it would be the era of Street Fighter 5 where Nanai would really make a name for himself as a great commentator and Grandmaster level player as well as a Granblue Fantasy Versus as well.

FGM members around the world share their grief and condolences on Nanai’s passing.

Nanai was a great man, loved by all – a rarity in FGM. It’s an oddball scene, and I just hope it’s not too hard for him. I hope he had a good time. Always working hard, his whole life was ahead of him. what a shame.

When you are reborn, let’s play again.

– Daigo Umehara (@daigothebeast) August 10, 2023

PST Books | Daigo Umehara in his English-language public statement: “Nanai was a great man, beloved by all—a rarity in FGM.” “It’s an oddball scene, and I just hope it wasn’t too hard for him. I hope he had a good time. Always working hard, he had his whole life ahead of him. It’s a pity.”

In lieu of some celebratory post-Ivo post, famed artist Click Burgundy also paid tribute to Nanai with a photo of someone special who helped build bridges across the FGC and beyond, while they are currently battling Covid-19 themselves.

pic.twitter.com/HyQzbmnnOs

– はんくり / hungry_clicker (click_burgundy) August 12, 2023

Capcom canceled filming of the Street Fighter League race in Japan this week due to Nanai’s death, and other event organizers across Japan have also canceled tournaments this week in his honor.

A planned SFL broadcast on the 11th will be canceled due to news of Nanai’s untimely death, with the next broadcast on the 15th.

Nanai has been a regular on broadcasts. https://t.co/093IJfrovY

– FuguTabetai (@DocFugu) August 10, 2023

Everyone at EventHubs extends our hearts and condolences to Nanai’s friends and family. His spirit and positivity will live on through the thousands of lives he touched around the world.

We are all shocked at the news of the loss of Nanai, a beloved commentator, player and true pillar of the community who will be greatly missed. Thank you for all that you have done for us and the community. Our thoughts and deepest condolences to the Nanai family.

maybe…

– Capcom Fighters (Capcom Fighters) August 11, 2023

Nanai came to me personally after the conclusion of the Idol Showdown at EVO to thank me in English. I was looking forward to seeing him again at future events hosting the game. I didn’t expect this to be the last conversation I had with him. I hope he rests well. https://t.co/CTHwXMAE31 pic.twitter.com/jmzjYYnKIb

– Cheschan (DjandoM) August 10, 2023

I still can’t believe this is real. My deepest condolences to his friends, fans and family.

Rest in peace, Nanai. https://t.co/lkTrUDdKUS

– Jeremy Lopez (@ViciousFGC) August 11, 2023