Underground Fight

When I was living in Thailand, I first began photographing the world of underground fighting.

After returning to Japan, I spent time with fighters from an underground team in Tokyo and documented their lives. Later, I moved to New York and continued the project.

Many of the fighter who step into the ring are former prisoners—people who once made mistakes but never gave up on their dream of becoming professional fighters. They risk everything once again in illegal rings, fighting to reclaim their existence and pride.

I once dreamed of becoming a fighter myself. Perhaps that’s why I often see reflections of my own past and unfulfilled dreams in them. Through my camera, I try to honor their way of life and the fierce spirit that drives them to keep fighting.