Who is SHAKA? A Former Pro Gamer Explains the Top FPS Streamer on Twitch in Japan [2026 Updated Edition]

Who is SHAKA? Japan’s top FPS streamer

There is a streamer who continues to reign supreme in the FPS category of Japan’s gaming streaming scene—so much so that people say, “When it comes to FPS games, it’s SHAKA.” His real name is Chikara Kawakami; he was born on December 27, 1991, in Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. With over 1.55 million Twitch followers (as of February 2026), he boasts an overwhelming track record as the second-most-followed streamer on Twitch in Japan, trailing only Junichi Kato. In December 2023, he even ranked first in the world for total viewing hours on Twitch, solidifying his status as a globally recognized streamer who represents Japan.

Profile: A boy who moved to Tokyo alone with 200,000 yen in part-time earnings and went on to conquer the world

SHAKA’s life is a true-to-life video game success story. He became obsessed with gaming after his father bought him a PC when he was in middle school, and around 2009, he discovered the FPS game *Alliance of Valiant Arms* (AVA). His talent blossomed immediately, and in 2010, armed with only 200,000 yen he had saved from part-time jobs and his PC, he moved to Tokyo on his own, relying on friends for support. The following year, in 2011, he joined the professional esports team “DeToNator” and launched his full-fledged career as a professional gamer.

SHAKA’s career as a professional player was nothing short of spectacular. He won a total of 18 official AVA tournaments and represented Japan at the World Championships for four consecutive years. His talent extended far beyond Japan’s borders, as he also achieved impressive results at international tournaments in Romania, Taiwan, and China. In 2018, he participated in the PUBG International Tournament held in Berlin, Germany, sharing the stage with world-renowned streamers such as Shroud and Dr DisRespect. After retiring from competitive play, he carved out a new career as a streamer. In July 2025, he joined the esports team “ZETA DIVISION” and continues to be actively involved with the team today.

3 Reasons Why SHAKA's Streams Are So Engaging: Why Even FPS Beginners Can Enjoy Them

① “Real FPS gameplay” from a former pro

SHAKA’s greatest appeal is, without a doubt, his overwhelming gaming skills—a testament to his background as a former pro gamer. His precise aim and calm decision-making in popular FPS titles like VALORANT and Apex Legends are so refined that beginners often find themselves wondering, “How can he move at that exact moment?” Simply watching his streams naturally helps viewers pick up the basics of FPS gameplay and strategic thinking, making him the perfect resource for beginners who want to start playing FPS games but don’t know where to begin.

② “Legendary Moments” Born from Long-Form Streams

SHAKA is known for his long-hour streams, during which numerous legendary moments have unfolded. Perhaps the most famous of these is the incident in June 2020, when he suddenly fainted while streaming a game on Twitch. The clip of that moment has been viewed over 1.8 million times and became a hot topic on social media around the world. Another legendary anecdote that’s often recounted is how he “retired from Othello after a 21-hour live stream, having failed to win a single game against the game’s beginner-level AI.” These unpredictable twists are the true thrill of SHAKA’s streams, and the longer you watch, the more you’ll find yourself becoming a devoted fan.

③ “Easy-to-understand commentary” as an FPS commentator

During his time as a professional gamer, SHAKA served as a commentator for the “PUBG Japan Series (PJS).” As a result, his explanations of the situation during streams and his analysis of enemy movements are extremely clear, making it easy even for FPS beginners to understand what’s happening. He excels at articulating the flow of a match, and many viewers have commented that they only truly understood the appeal of FPS games after watching his streams. An environment where you can learn by watching professional gameplay with commentary is also ideal for intermediate players looking to take their skills to the next level.

Game titles SHAKA mainly plays

The game genres SHAKA primarily covers in his streams are FPS and MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena). His main titles are VALORANT, Apex Legends, and League of Legends (LoL). VALORANT is a tactical shooter that emphasizes strategy and requires both teamwork and individual skill—a genre where SHAKA’s analytical skills and calm judgment truly shine. Apex Legends is a fast-paced battle royale game where SHAKA’s quick reflexes and gameplay tactics stand out. If you’re thinking about getting into FPS games, start by checking out these titles as played by SHAKA.

Current Activities as of 2026

As of 2026, SHAKA remains extremely active. In March, he hosted the gaming event “LEGENDUS DRAGON BALL GEKISHIN SQUADRA,” and continues to energetically promote large-scale projects that leverage his influence. While maintaining his daily streams on Twitch, he also contributes to the development of the esports industry as a member of ZETA DIVISION. As of March 2026, he remains in second place in the Japanese Twitch rankings, demonstrating that his popularity and influence show no signs of waning.

Summary: SHAKA is the “best gateway” to FPS games

SHAKA is a streamer who continues to captivate a wide audience—from FPS beginners to advanced players—with his gaming skills backed by genuine professional experience, lengthy streams that produce legendary moments, and an easy-to-understand commentary style. For gaming beginners who are just starting to wonder, “What is FPS all about?”, SHAKA’s streams are the perfect resource for naturally improving your skills while having fun. We encourage you to start by casually watching some of his highlights on Twitch or YouTube.