A remarkable cultural collaboration is set to launch in Tokyo as KOMIYAMA TOKYO G presents the Daido Moriyama Photography Exhibition “Katsuyori Shibata” beginning March 22, 2025.
This unique exhibition brings together one of Japan’s most celebrated photographers with an internationally acclaimed professional wrestler, creating a powerful intersection of visual art and sports entertainment.
The exhibition will feature photographic works by master photographer Daido Moriyama capturing professional wrestler Katsuyori Shibata in various settings.
Visitors can expect to see a diverse collection ranging from Moriyama’s signature street photography style to more intimate portraits taken in the wrestling dojo and ring, offering a multifaceted view of the charismatic athlete.
Special Opening Day Appearance
In a rare opportunity for fans, Katsuyori Shibata will make a special appearance at the exhibition’s opening day on March 22. Currently based in the United States where he performs with All Elite Wrestling (AEW), Shibata is returning to Japan specifically for this event.
During his appearance, he will participate in an autograph session for exhibition works and books, providing attendees with a unique chance to interact with the wrestling star.
“This collaboration represents a fascinating dialogue between two Japanese cultural icons,” noted an art critic familiar with Moriyama’s work.
“Moriyama’s raw, gritty photographic style perfectly complements Shibata’s intense persona in the wrestling world.”
Limited Edition Commemorative Items
To mark this special exhibition, KOMIYAMA TOKYO G has produced several exclusive items that will be available for purchase. These include a limited edition book titled “Shibata Katsuyori Moriyama,” featuring silk-screened pages throughout.
Additionally, commemorative merchandise such as T-shirts and posters will be on display and available for sale.
The gallery will also exhibit and sell vintage photo books, prints, silk-screen canvas works, and vintage posters from Daido Moriyama’s archives, providing collectors and enthusiasts with access to rare items from the photographer’s extensive career.
About the Artists
Katsuyori Shibata has built a reputation as one of professional wrestling’s most respected competitors. Born on November 17, 1979, he followed in the footsteps of his father, professional wrestler Katsuhisa Shibata.
His career began when he joined New Japan Pro Wrestling in 1998, making his debut the following year. After a period competing in mixed martial arts, he returned to professional wrestling, becoming known for his rugged, hard-hitting style.
Shibata’s career faced a devastating challenge in 2017 when, following an intense match against Kazuchika Okada, he was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency brain surgery.
With a survival rate estimated at just 18%, his recovery and eventual return to wrestling has been described as nothing short of miraculous.
Today, he performs primarily in the United States with AEW, widely considered the world’s second-largest professional wrestling organization after WWE.
Daido Moriyama, born October 10, 1938, stands as one of Japan’s most influential photographers. After beginning his career as a graphic designer, he became involved in the production of Eikoh Hosoe’s photo book “Barakei” (Killed by Roses) in 1963.
His participation in the photography magazine “Provoke” helped establish his distinctive style, characterized by grainy, high-contrast black and white images that capture the raw energy of urban life.
Throughout his career, Moriyama has published numerous landmark photo books, including “Nippon Gekijo Shashincho” (Japan Theater Photo Album) and “Shashin yo Sayonara” (Farewell Photography). His self-published series “Kiroku” (Record) continues as an ongoing lifework project.
Having exhibited his photographs worldwide since the 1970s, Moriyama’s international reputation was further cemented in 2024 when he created the album cover art for Ye (Kanye West)’s “BULLY.”
Exhibition Details
The exhibition will run from March 22 to April 13, 2025, at KOMIYAMA TOKYO G in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. Regular hours will be 12:00 to 18:30, with extended hours until 20:00 on the opening day only.
On Sundays and holidays, the gallery will be open from 12:00 to 17:30. The gallery will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The venue is located at 3-20-4 Kanda Ogawamachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, in the Ryumeikan Building 2, 1F D.
For those interested in learning more about this unique cultural event, KOMIYAMA TOKYO G can be contacted at 03-6811-7355 or by email at [email protected].
As Japan continues to showcase its rich cultural landscape through such innovative collaborations, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to experience the convergence of two distinct artistic worlds through the lens of one of photography’s most distinctive voices.
Sources: Komiyayama Shoten Co., Ltd.