More Than 140 Guests Gather for an Emotional Opening Reception Filled with Friendship and Celebration
Former mixed martial artist and artist Shungo Oyama held his first solo exhibition in New York City over three days, beginning October 19, 2026. The opening reception drew more than 140 guests, including many who traveled from Japan as well as attendees from New York and the surrounding areas. The venue was filled with excitement, warmth, and an overwhelming sense of celebration throughout the evening.
Smiles filled the gallery! More than 140 guests gathered for the opening reception of Shungo Oyama’s first New York solo exhibition, “THE ENERGY OF LIFE.”
Friends and Supporters Cross the Ocean to Celebrate
Oyama has built a large and close-knit community of supporters known as “Oyama-kai,” or the “Oyama Group.” Drawn together by their admiration for him and the strong bonds they share, many members traveled all the way from Japan to New York to celebrate this special occasion.
The reception featured performances by five groups of artists, including singing, traditional Japanese taiko drumming, and dance. Their performances added to the festive atmosphere, making the evening a vibrant celebration of art, friendship, and human connection.
Reflecting on the event the following day, Oyama was still visibly overwhelmed with emotion.
“It was probably the most moving experience of my entire life,” he said.
“So many things happened that I can only describe as being orchestrated by God.”
The excitement was so intense that he could barely sleep that night, comparing the feeling to the exhilaration he experienced after winning a fight during his professional career.
“It wasn’t something I could have accomplished on my own. It was all thanks to everyone who came together to make it happen. I have nothing but gratitude.”
The overwhelming turnout and extraordinary energy of the evening exceeded even his own expectations.
With the support of Dassai USA, a traditional Japanese kagami-biraki sake barrel-opening ceremony was held amid enthusiastic shouts of “Yoisho!” Guests enjoyed Dassai Blue sake and its distinctive flavor. Participating in the ceremony were, from left: Shigesai Sasaki, a former speechwriter for major corporations; Yoshiaki Takahashi, President of NY Biz, Shungo Oyama; internationally acclaimed sculptor Masaaki Noguchi; and Junko Ouka, Oyama’s wife and a dedicated supporter of all his endeavors.
A Reunion 25 Years in the Making Becomes His “Greatest Work of Art”
Beyond showcasing his paintings, Oyama had another deeply personal wish for this exhibition.
He hoped to reunite with Renzo Gracie, the legendary martial artist he had once faced in the ring.
Twenty-five years earlier, the two fighters battled for the full 25 minutes under PRIDE rules. Yet they left the ring without the opportunity to acknowledge each other’s efforts or express their mutual respect. That unfinished moment had remained in Oyama’s heart ever since.
Before the exhibition, Oyama shared his hope:
“To embrace Renzo with a smile 25 years later — to me, that would be the greatest work of art of this entire exhibition.”
On the evening of the opening reception, that wish finally came true.
Gracie arrived at the gallery, and the two former opponents were reunited. Oyama presented him with one of his own artworks, turning a long-awaited personal moment into something deeply meaningful.
“Life itself is art. No matter how dark a painting may be, you can always transform it into something beautiful in the end.”
For Oyama, who had expressed this philosophy before the exhibition, the reunion became the ultimate artwork he had hoped to complete in New York.
“After 25 years, that fight has finally come to an end,” he said following the reception.
A quarter of a century after their encounter in the ring, the reunion marked a new chapter in the relationship between the two former opponents.
Shungo Oyama and Renzo Gracie, who fought an intense battle in the PRIDE ring 25 years ago, reunited in New York. Oyama presented Gracie with one of his artworks and reflected, “After 25 years, that fight has finally come to an end.”
Inspired by New York: A City Overflowing with the Energy of Life
Through his first solo exhibition in New York, Oyama found inspiration not only in the people he met but also in the city itself.
“This city is overflowing with the energy of life, and there’s something so bright about it. I felt this upbeat, positive energy, as if everyone was saying, ‘Let’s all live life to the fullest!'”
Asked how the experience might influence his future artistic creations, Oyama smiled.
“There’s no way it won’t influence my work. The impact has been that powerful. I’m really excited to see how I evolve as an artist from here.”
Over three remarkable days in New York, Oyama brought people together through his art and found a meaningful resolution to a story that had remained unfinished for 25 years.
More than simply an exhibition, “THE ENERGY OF LIFE” became a turning point in his personal and artistic journey — a celebration of friendship, reconciliation, gratitude, and the limitless possibilities of life.
For Oyama, it was both the closing of an important chapter and the beginning of a new creative journey.
New Yorkers admire the colorful, dynamic artworks on display at “THE ENERGY OF LIFE.” Expressing the vitality of life and the joy of living, Shungo Oyama’s vibrant creations captivated visitors to the exhibition.
Scenes from the opening reception, filled with smiles and excitement. The evening was a lively and memorable celebration.
All photographs were taken on October 19, 2026, by Atsuko Shimizu, a photographer who accompanied Oyama from Japan.
