On August 20, 2025, a huge surprise was announced at “CR FES 2025” held at Tokyo Dome.
Ryosuke Yamada, member of the popular idol group Hey! Say! JUMP and also a well-known actor, officially joined the professional gaming team Crazy Raccoon (CR) under the gamer name “LEO.”
The announcement shocked over 50,000 fans at the venue and quickly went viral online. Comments such as “Yamada in CR!?” and “The fusion of idols and esports!” flooded social media. In this article, we will take a closer look at Yamada’s profile and explain what Crazy Raccoon is.
Profile of Ryosuke Yamada (LEO)
As an Idol and Actor
- Name: Ryosuke Yamada
- Date of Birth: May 9, 1993
- Group: Hey! Say! JUMP (debuted in 2007)
- Agency: STARTO ENTERTAINMENT
Yamada made his debut as a member of Hey! Say! JUMP after his time as a Johnny’s Jr. trainee. Beyond singing and dancing, he has starred in numerous TV dramas and films. Some of his notable works include Detective School Q, Assassination Classroom, and Fullmetal Alchemist. Today, he is regarded as one of Japan’s top actors.
As a Gamer and Streamer “LEO”
Privately, Yamada is a passionate gamer. In 2021, he launched his own YouTube channel, “LEO’s Playground,” to stream and upload game content.
- Subscribers: Surpassed 1 million in May 2025
- Style: Handles everything by himself, from recording to editing and streaming
- Game Genres: Focuses on FPS titles but also challenges RPGs and action games
He is known to sacrifice sleep to practice games, calling himself a true gamer. His passion and consistency made him a respected figure in the Japanese gaming community, paving the way for his collaboration with Crazy Raccoon.
What Is Crazy Raccoon?
Foundation and Philosophy
Crazy Raccoon is a Japanese professional esports team founded on April 6, 2018.
It is managed by Samurai Studio Inc., and its representative is Daichi Takano (also known as “CR Ojiji”).
The team’s philosophy is simple yet powerful:
“Make gamers look cool.”
Activities
- Competitive Play: Fields teams in popular titles such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and VALORANT
- Streamer Division: Hosts many popular streamers and influencers
- Tournament Hosting: Organizes the famous “Crazy Raccoon Cup (CR Cup)” with large prize pools
- Live Events: Attracted 18,500 attendees at Makuhari Messe (2023) and over 50,000 at Saitama Super Arena (2024)
- Facilities: Opened CR GAMING SPACE in Shibuya, featuring more than 60 gaming PCs for fans and visitors
Popularity and Influence
CR is one of the most influential gaming organizations in Japan, with over 12 million followers across social media and YouTube. Its combination of esports, streaming, and entertainment has made it a cultural phenomenon.
Why Did Ryosuke Yamada Join CR?
The Background
Yamada’s connection with CR dates back to his friendship with its owner “CR Ojiji.” About two years ago, they jokingly discussed how “it would be fun if Yamada joined CR.”
Meanwhile, Yamada had been running his YouTube channel completely alone. Feeling the limits of working solo, he looked for a stronger support system. After two years of preparation and discussions with his agency, the decision was finally made for him to join CR.
The STAR Division
Yamada joined CR as the first member of the newly launched “STAR Division.”
This move symbolizes a new chapter for both CR and Yamada, combining his star power as an idol/actor with his passion for gaming.
The Future of Yamada × CR
Ryosuke Yamada, also known as LEO, is a rare talent with three faces: idol, actor, and gamer. By joining CR, he is expected to bridge the gap between mainstream entertainment and esports.
His popularity can attract new audiences to gaming culture, while CR’s infrastructure can support his growth as a streamer and competitor. This synergy perfectly fits CR’s philosophy of making gamers cool.
Yamada himself said, “I’m excited to see what kind of activities await me. This is the most exciting moment for me right now.” His new journey with CR has only just begun.
Conclusion
- Ryosuke Yamada, aka LEO, joined Crazy Raccoon’s newly created STAR Division
- In addition to being a member of Hey! Say! JUMP and an established actor, he will now step into the esports world
- Crazy Raccoon is one of Japan’s top esports organizations, known for tournaments, streamers, and large-scale events
- The collaboration between idol culture and esports may reshape the future of Japanese entertainment
In 2025, a new chapter has opened in the history of esports. All eyes are now on LEO’s challenge and Crazy Raccoon’s evolution.
