38 Motorcycle Racers in Japan Best of All Time

James Hillier

Motorcycle racing is a popular sport in Japan, filled with some of the most talented and skilled racers in the world.

From the intense Superbike racing of the All-Japan Road Race Championship to the thrilling MotoGP Championship, Japanese motorcycle racers have earned a reputation for their technical skill and impressive results.

With a wide range of riders competing across multiple racing categories, there is no shortage of impressive motorcycle racers in Japan. From veteran riders like Tohru Ukawa and Shinya Nakano to rookies like Takaaki Nakagami, here are some of the best motorcycle racers in Japan.

1. Tadayuki Okada

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Tadayuki Okada, also known as ‘Taddy’, is a former professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Japan. He had a successful career in the sport, highlighted by his runner-up finishes in the 1994 250cc and 1997 500cc World Championships.

His first runner-up finish was in the 1994 250cc World Championship, where he finished just behind the champion, Max Biaggi of Italy, after a hard-fought battle throughout the season.

In 1997, he again finished as the runner-up in the 500cc World Championship, this time behind Mick Doohan of Australia. Despite finishing the season as the runner-up, Okada had a number of impressive results throughout the season, including a number of podium finishes.

Overall, Okada’s career was marked by his strong performances in the two premier motorcycle racing categories, and he was a consistent presence at the front of the field.

2. Kazuto Sakata

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Kazuto Sakata is a Japanese former professional motorcycle racer who competed in Grand Prix motorcycle racing from 1991 to 1999. During this time, Sakata achieved significant success, becoming a two-time F.I.M. 125cc world champion.

This accomplishment is a major achievement, as it requires competing against the best riders in the world and winning multiple championships. Sakata’s career spanned eight seasons, during which he won a total of nine Grand Prix races and finished in the top three in the championship standings on five occasions.

He also finished in the top ten in the world championship standings in each of his last six seasons.

His most successful season was in 1998 when he won five Grand Prix races and finished second in the 125cc world standings. Sakata’s success in the sport was not limited to winning championships.

He also raced in endurance events, competing in the Suzuka 8-Hour race from 1992 to 1999. He also won the All-Japan Endurance Championship in 1995. Sakata’s accomplishments have earned him a place in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 2003.

He is also remembered as a great ambassador of the sport, having represented Japan in numerous international events. His legacy in the sport of motorcycle racing has been one of dedication, hard work, and success.

3. Kaito Toba

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Kaito Toba is an up and coming international motorcycle racer from Japan. He is currently competing in the 2023 Moto3 World Championship and is signed to the Sic58 Squadra Corse team.

Toba has been racing professionally since 2017 and has since become a fan favorite in the world of Moto3 racing. He is known for his quick reflexes and aggressive riding style, which have allowed him to rise quickly in the ranks of the sport.

In 2021, he finished 4th in the championship standings and is now looking to take it one step further in the 2023 season.

He is also a big advocate for rider safety and works closely with the International Motorcycling Federation (FIM) to ensure that safety protocols are followed at all times. Kaito Toba is a promising talent and a name to look out for in the coming years.

4. Daijiro Kato

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Daijiro Kato was a Japanese Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who was highly successful in his career. He achieved impressive milestones such as becoming the 2001 250cc world champion and winning the 2000 and 2002 Suzuka 8 Hours.

Unfortunately, his life was tragically cut short in 2003 after he was involved in a crash during the Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix at Suzuka Circuit, Japan. The crash resulted in Kato sustaining injuries that ultimately cost him his life.

Kato was a beloved figure in the motorcycle racing community and his death was a shock to many. He was a skilled and respected racer who pushed the boundaries of the sport, and his death was a great loss for the world of motorsports.

His legacy continues to live on in the hearts of his fans and those who remember his accomplishments. He will always be remembered as an extraordinary racing talent who left an indelible mark on the world of motorcycle racing.

5. Haruchika Aoki

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Haruchika Aoki is a renowned former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer. He is most famous for being a two-time F.I.M. 125cc world champion, a distinction that he achieved during his career.

Aoki is the youngest of three brothers who have all competed in Grand Prix motorcycle races. Aoki’s career in motorcycle Grand Prix racing began in 1993 when he signed with Honda. During his time with Honda, Aoki competed in numerous races and won two F.I.M.

125cc world championships, cementing his place in the annals of motorcycle racing history. After retiring in 1998, Aoki has remained involved in the sport, working as a coach and mentor to young riders.

He is also remembered as a pioneer of the sport, paving the way for future generations of racers.

6. Tetsuya Harada

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Tetsuya Harada is a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Japan. He is most famously known for being the 1993 FIM 250cc World Champion. Prior to his championship, Harada had been competing in the FIM 250cc World Championship for several years, beginning in 1988.

During his racing career, he also competed in the All-Japan Road Race Championship, the All-Japan Superbike Championship, and the Japanese Superbike Championship. Harada was known as one of the most competitive riders in his class.

He was known for his strong race craft and his ability to adapt to a variety of race track conditions. During his championship-winning year, he was able to secure three victories and three podium finishes. He also secured a pole position and several fastest lap times.

His performance earned him the FIM 250cc World Championship title. Harada is an important figure in Japanese motorcycle racing. His championship win was the first time a Japanese rider had won the FIM 250cc World Championship since its inception in 1949.

His success has inspired many other Japanese riders to pursue success in the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

To this day, Harada remains an inspiration to many Japanese riders and a reminder of the possibilities that are possible when you put in the hard work and dedication needed to succeed.

7. Takeshi Tsujimura

Takeshi Tsujimura is a renowned former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Japan. He began his illustrious career in the Grand Prix in 1993, when he joined Yamaha as a rider.

His best season was in 1994, when he achieved four race victories and placed third in the 125cc world championship. This was a remarkable achievement, as he was competing against world-renowned riders such as Kazuto Sakata and Noboru Ueda.

His performance in this season is remembered as one of the most impressive displays of skill and determination in the Grand Prix circuit.

Throughout his career, Tsujimura was known for his exceptional speed and agility on the track, which earned him the respect of many in the racing world. After his retirement in 2001, Takeshi Tsujimura is remembered as one of the greatest motorcycle racers to come out of Japan.

8. Noriyuki Haga

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Noriyuki Haga is a renowned Japanese former professional motorcycle racer, who has made a big impact in the world of motorcycle racing. He had a 25 year long career, during which time he won 43 world championship superbike races.

This impressive feat puts him amongst the most skilled and accomplished competitors who have never won the Superbike World Championship.

Haga’s impressive success rate in superbike races is remarkable, especially considering the fact that he never won the ultimate prize of the Superbike World Championship.

With 43 world championship superbike victories, it is clear that he was an incredibly talented and dedicated competitor. His drive and commitment to the sport was admirable, and his legacy will continue to live on.

Haga’s contribution to the world of motorcycle racing has been significant. He demonstrated to the world that it is possible to be successful and make a lasting mark in the sport without having won the Superbike World Championship.

His career is a testament to the dedication and hard work that can go into becoming an accomplished racer, and it serves as an inspiration to aspiring motorcyclists across the globe.

9. Tohru Ukawa

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Tohru Ukawa is a well-known former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Japan. He began his illustrious career in 1994, participating in the 250cc world championships.

During the course of his career, Ukawa earned a number of impressive accomplishments, such as finishing second in the 1999 World Championship, and narrowly losing out to Valentino Rossi.

This second-place finish was a remarkable feat, as Rossi was already a highly accomplished rider at that point in time. Throughout his career, Ukawa was an admirable competitor and achieved immense success in the sport.

The 1999 World Championship was just one of his many achievements over his long career, and he remains a well-respected figure in the motorcycle racing community.

10. Makoto Tamada

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Makoto Tamada is a highly accomplished former Japanese professional motorcycle racer. His impressive list of achievements includes wins in both the MotoGP and Superbike World Championships, making him one of the few riders to achieve such a feat.

After retiring from professional racing, Tamada has been working as a rider instructor at the Suzuka Racing School, helping to train aspiring riders. His wealth of experience and success in the sport makes him an invaluable resource for the next generation of riders.

Tamada has proven himself to be an excellent competitor and now serves as a great mentor for the next generation of racers.

11. Shinya Nakano

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Shinya Nakano is a former Japanese motorcycle Grand Prix road racer and Superbike rider who has now retired from the sport. He enjoyed a long and successful career on the circuits and was even able to compete in some of the biggest and most prestigious races around the world.

Despite sharing the same last name, Shinya Nakano is not related to former Formula One driver Shinji Nakano. The two simply share a similar surname and any other similarities between them can be considered to be coincidental.

12. Norifumi Abe

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Norifumi “Norick” Abe, also known as Norick Abe, was a Japanese professional motorcycle road racer. He had a successful career in the 500 cc/MotoGP division and was one of the top riders in his field.

Unfortunately, Abe’s life was cut short in October 2007, when he was involved in a fatal road traffic accident. Abe was born in 1985 in Tokyo, Japan, and began his career in the motorcycle racing world at the young age of 13.

He spent the next several years training and competing in various national championships, and in 2003, he made his debut in the 500 cc/MotoGP division.

From that point on, Abe quickly rose to the top of the ranks and was a regular competitor in the GP series for the next several years. Abe was known for his daring and aggressive style of riding.

He was often the first to take the lead and was willing to take risks that other riders were not. As a result, he was a fan favorite and was respected by his peers.

Sadly, Abe’s career and life were cut short in October 2007, when he was involved in a fatal road traffic accident. He was just 22 years old. His death was a huge loss to the motorcycle racing world and his legacy lives on.

Abe’s passion and enthusiasm for racing will never be forgotten.

13. Shoya Tomizawa

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Shoya Tomizawa was a talented Japanese motorcycle racer who achieved great success in the All Japan Road Race Championship. He decided to take his career to the next level and raced in the 250cc class of the MotoGP during the 2009 season.

This was the highest level of motorcycle racing and he proved to be a capable competitor. In 2010, the Moto2 class was created and Tomizawa was at the forefront of this new development.

He made the transition seamlessly and was one of the first racers to compete in the new class. He was a true pioneer of the sport and his legacy will live on.

14. Noboru Ueda

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Nobby Ueda is a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who specialized in the 125 class. He made an impressive debut in the Grand Prix circuit, winning his first race in 1991 at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Ueda was successful throughout his career, with multiple podium finishes and a second-place finish in the 1993 125cc World Championship. He retired from racing in 1997 but remains an avid fan of the sport.

Ueda is an inspiration to many aspiring riders, and his dedication to the sport is an example of what hard work and determination can achieve.

15. Ryuichi Kiyonari

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Ryuichi Kiyonari is a professional motorcycle road racer who is well known for his success and personality. He originally raced with a Honda CBR1000RR in the MFJ All-Japan Road Race JSB1000 Championship.

Kiyonari has had great success in the British Superbike Championship, winning the title three times in 2006, 2007, and 2010. His success and outgoing personality have earned him a great deal of fame and popularity with British motorcycle racing fans.

He is truly an inspiration to all motorcyclists and a role model to many.

16. Takumi Takahashi

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Takumi Takahashi is a Japanese motorcycle racer who competes in the British Superbike Championship. He is supported by the factory-backed Honda Fireblade, a factory-built motorcycle.

Takahashi is known for his aggressive riding style, and his ability to push the limits of the bike. He is a highly skilled rider and is able to make the most out of the resources available to him.

He has been a consistent podium finisher and has earned many podiums in the British Superbike Championship. Takahashi has shown his commitment to the sport and is continuously pushing himself to improve and reach the top of the championship.

He is a well-loved racer and is always looking to give back to the sport and the fans that support him. Takahashi is a great example of a talented and hard-working rider and an inspiration to all those who want to become a professional motorcycle racer.

17. Shinichi Ito

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Shinichi Ito is a retired professional Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Japan. Born on December 7, 1966, in Kakuda, Miyagi, Japan, he has had a long and successful career racing in both Japanese and international championships.

He began his career in the early 1990s, competing in Japanese championships such as the All Japan Road Race Championship and the All Japan Superbike Championship.

He then made the move to the international scene, competing in the likes of the World Superbike Championship and the FIM Superbike World Championship. Throughout his career, Shinichi Ito has been a consistent top performer, often achieving podium finishes.

He has won numerous championships, both in Japan and abroad, and has earned a reputation as one of the best motorcycle racers in the world.

In 2005, Shinichi Ito retired from professional racing, but his legacy and accomplishments remain as a testament to his skill and dedication.

18. Toshiyuki Hamaguchi

Toshiyuki Hamaguchi is a world-renowned Japanese motorcycle racer. He has achieved remarkable success in the 600cc Supersports class of the FIM Asian Grand Prix Championship, having won the title six times across an impressive span of seven years.

He first won the championship in 2002 and went on to take the title again in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008. This remarkable feat has earned him the title of the undisputed champion of the 600cc Supersports class.

Hamaguchi has received numerous accolades for his accomplishments, both from within Japan and internationally. He has been recognized as one of the most talented and successful motorcycle racers in the world and his dedication to the sport is unparalleled.

He is an inspiration to many aspiring racers, showing them that with hard work and dedication, success can be achieved. Hamaguchi is a great example of how dedication and a passion for the sport can lead to success.

19. Yukio Kagayama

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Yukio Kagayama is a well-known professional motorcycle road racer from Japan. He has been racing on two wheels for many years, having first competed in the Japanese national championships.

After gaining experience in the Japanese championships, Kagayama decided to try his hand at international racing, and he has competed in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, the Superbike World Championship, and the British Superbike Championship. Kagayama has had a lot of success in his racing career.

He has achieved multiple podium finishes in the Superbike World Championship, as well as a number of wins in the British Superbike Championship.

He is renowned for his skill and commitment on the track, and his passion for the sport of motorcycle racing is evident whenever he competes. Kagayama’s achievements have also been recognized by his peers in the racing community.

He has been awarded the prestigious Japanese Racing Driver of the Year award, and he is highly respected by fellow racers and fans alike. Kagayama’s success is a testament to his dedication and skill as a racer.

He has shown that with hard work and determination, it is possible to achieve great things in the world of motorcycle racing. He is an inspiration to many aspiring racers, and his impressive career is a reminder of just how far dedication and talent can take you.

20. Hiroshi Aoyama

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Hiroshi Aoyama is a retired Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Japan. He is well-known for winning the 2009 250cc World Championship title. Aoyama is currently the team principal of Honda Team Asia.

He is the elder brother of Shuhei Aoyama, who was a 250cc and World Superbike rider. Hiroshi Aoyama made his debut in the Grand Prix motorcycle road racing in the 125cc class in 2001.

He raced in the 125cc and 250cc classes for Honda and finished third in the 2005 250cc World Championship. In 2008, he moved up to the MotoGP class and in 2009, he won the 250cc World Championship title.

After a few seasons in the MotoGP class, he retired from professional racing in 2014. Since his retirement, Aoyama has become the team principal of Honda Team Asia, a team that competes in the Asia Road Racing Championship.

In addition to his team principal role, Aoyama is also a common sight at the Grand Prix circuits as a coach and mentor for the young riders.

He is a highly experienced and respected figure in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing world. Hiroshi Aoyama’s younger brother, Shuhei, is also involved in the world of motorcycling. He is a former 250cc and World Superbike rider and is currently a test rider for Honda.

The Aoyama brothers have a long and successful history in the world of motorcycling, and their presence is still felt in the sport today.

21. Takazumi Katayama

Takazumi Katayama is a legendary figure in the world of motorcycle road racing. He is a former Grand Prix champion, having won the title in 1993. Katayama began his professional career in the early 1980s and quickly became a major force in the sport.

He was particularly noted for his ability to stay consistent and consistent with his performance, something that earned him the respect of his peers.

Throughout his career, Katayama was a consistent podium finisher in many races, including the Suzuka 8 Hours and the All Japan Road Race Championship.

He was also a consistent threat in the World Grand Prix circuit, where he won six races and was the 1993 Grand Prix world champion.

Katayama’s success in motorcycle road racing was a major influence on the sport and inspired many other riders to strive for excellence and greatness. He is remembered as a great rider and champion who pushed the boundaries of the sport.

22. Takaaki Nakagami

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Takaaki Nakagami is a Japanese motorcycle racer who competes in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing series, more commonly known as MotoGP. He is currently racing for the LCR Honda Idemitsu team.

Nakagami has had a successful career in motorcycle racing, having won the Japanese Road Race Championship 125cc class in 2006 and the J-GP2 class in 2011. His impressive track record shows that he is a serious contender in the MotoGP field.

Nakagami is a talented rider who has shown a great deal of skill and determination. His ability to succeed in the high-pressure environment of MotoGP is a testament to his skill and commitment.

He has a long and successful career ahead of him, and his presence in the MotoGP field is sure to bring a lot of excitement. Nakagami is an inspiring example of what a dedicated athlete can achieve.

He has worked hard to get to the top of his sport, and his successes have been a testament to his talent and drive. He is an inspiration to many aspiring MotoGP riders, and he is sure to continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

23. Takuma Aoki

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Takuma Aoki is a renowned former road racer of motorcycles at Grand Prix level. He started his involvement in the Grand Prix racing scene in 1993. From 1994 to 1996, Aoki stepped up his game and competed in the World Superbike Championship, where he earned a win in the series.

His excellence was further rewarded in 1996 when he was crowned as the All Japan Championship Superbike class champion.

This feat earned him the respect and admiration of the motorcycle racing community. Aoki’s impressive racing career has spanned over two decades and has seen him compete in numerous events at both the local and international level.

He has also won several awards along the way, further cementing his status as one of the most skilled motorcyclists in the world. His success has been a source of inspiration for aspiring riders, who look to him as a role model.

24. Tetsuta Nagashima

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Tetsuta Nagashima is a Japanese motorcycle racer. He is known for his accomplishments in the All Japan GP-Mono championship. In 2011, Nagashima was crowned the champion of the All Japan GP-Mono championship.

This success was the highlight of his career and he has since continued to compete in the series for several years. Nagashima has been racing since he was young. He first started competing in motocross events when he was just 13 years old.

He then moved on to compete in the All Japan GP-Mono championship in 2006. Since then, he has been a consistent performer in the series, taking part in multiple races each year. Nagashima has achieved numerous successes during his career.

In addition to his 2011 championship win, he has achieved several podium finishes during his time in the series.

He has also won multiple individual race titles and has earned several top 10 finishes in the overall standings. Nagashima is a highly successful motorcycle racer and has gained widespread recognition for his achievements in the All Japan GP-Mono championship.

His success has served as an inspiration to other riders and has helped to increase the popularity of the sport in Japan.

25. Takuya Tsuda

Takuya Tsuda is a Japanese motorcycle racer who has been Suzuki’s primary test rider since 2015. Tsuda has been riding for Suzuki for five years and has gained plenty of experience in MotoGP.

His first race in MotoGP was in the 2017 Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez, where he stepped in for the injured Alex Rins. This was a major milestone for Tsuda as it marked his first MotoGP appearance.

Since then, Tsuda has become a regular feature in MotoGP and has since then appeared in numerous other races. He has achieved many victories and podiums in his career, showing his skill and experience in the sport.

He has become an important part of Suzuki’s team since his 2015 debut and has been instrumental in their success.

26. Mitsuo Itoh

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Mitsuo Itoh was an accomplished Grand Prix motorcycle road racer from Japan. He had a long-standing relationship with Suzuki, having worked for them throughout his career. Itoh made his debut in the Grand Prix in 1961, at the French Motorcycle Grand Prix.

Unfortunately, he was forced to retire on the third lap of the 250cc Grand Prix, and was a DNS (did not start) in the 125cc Grand Prix. Despite this initial disappointment, Itoh went on to have a successful racing career, and was widely respected for his skills and talents.

He was a passionate and dedicated racer, and his enthusiasm for the sport was infectious. Itoh’s success in the Grand Prix circuit showed that he was a true professional and an excellent racer.

27. Ayumu Sasaki

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Ayumu Sasaki is a professional motorcycle racer from Japan. He is currently competing in the Moto3 class of the Grand Prix World Championship, representing the Liqui Moly Husqvarna Intact GP team.

Moto3 is the third tier of the Grand Prix World Championship, with the two higher classes being Moto2 and MotoGP. The Grand Prix World Championship is the premier class of motorcycle racing, with riders from all around the world competing in a variety of circuits and tracks.

Ayumu Sasaki is a talented and experienced rider, having competed in numerous championships both in Japan and abroad. His success in the Moto3 class has propelled him to the forefront of the Grand Prix World Championship.

He is a highly respected and admired rider, and his presence in the Moto3 class has only increased the level of competition and excitement.

28. Ai Ogura

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Ai Ogura is a professional motorcycle racer from Japan. He competes in the Grand Prix motorcycle racing series, which is one of the most competitive and prestigious motorcycle racing series in the world. Ogura started his career in 2017, when he joined the Red Bull Rookies Cup.

From there, he went on to compete in the Moto3 World Championship, and in 2019, he moved up to the Moto2 World Championship, where he has been competing ever since.Ogura has been successful at every step of his journey, achieving several podium finishes in the Moto3 and Moto2 series.

He also won the 2019 Red Bull Rookies Cup, and finished the 2019 Moto2 season in fourth place overall. Ogura is widely regarded as one of the most talented and successful motorcycle racers in Japan, and his career is only just beginning.

He is still young, and with the right support, he could have a long and successful career ahead of him.

29. Kunimitsu Takahashi

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Kunimitsu Takahashi was a legendary figure in the world of motorsports. He was a Japanese professional motorcycle road racer, racing driver, and team manager, and was fondly known as “Kuni-san” by his peers.

He was an incredibly talented racer who achieved great success and recognition in his career, and was also responsible for popularizing a new style of driving known as “drifting”.Kuni-san’s racing career spanned an impressive four decades, from 1958 to 1999.

During this time, he achieved many victories on the track and continually pushed the limits of what was possible with a motorcycle. He raced in various events, from road races to time trials, and was a regular at the Japanese Grand Prix.

He was also a successful team manager, overseeing a number of teams as they raced across the globe.Kuni-san was instrumental in helping to establish drifting as a legitimate form of motorsport.

He was the first to popularize the technique, which involves purposely sliding a car or motorcycle around corners for the purpose of gaining an edge over the competition.

He is often referred to as the “father of drifting” for helping to make it a popular form of motorsport today.Kuni-san’s legacy continues to this day. He is widely respected for his racing ability and his impact on the motorsports world.

His influence can still be felt in the modern racing scene, and his contributions to the sport of drifting will never be forgotten.

30. Yuki Takahashi

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Yuki Takahashi is a Japanese Grand Prix motorcycle road racer who is currently competing in the All Japan Road Race JSB1000 Championship. He is riding a Honda CBR1000RR, a motorcycle specifically designed for racing.

Takahashi has been competing in Grand Prix racing since 2007, and is now a well-known figure in the motorcycle racing world. He has achieved a number of successes in the All Japan Road Race JSB1000 Championship, including podium finishes and numerous victories.

Takahashi has also achieved success in other racing series, such as the FIM World Supersport Championship and the British Superbike Championship. He is a highly respected racer and continues to be a major force in the world of motorcycle racing.

31. Shuhei Aoyama

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Shuhei Aoyama is a former Grand Prix motorcycle road racer, known for his success in the All-Japan Road Racing Championship. He is the younger brother of MotoGP rider Hiroshi Aoyama, and has demonstrated his own prowess on the track.

Aoyama won the 250cc championship in 2005 with Honda, and the 125cc championship in 2003, also with Honda. This success made him a household name in the racing world, and his accomplishments earned him recognition as one of the top riders in the world.

Aoyama’s skill on the track has also been noted by his peers, and he has been admired for his ability to push his limits and consistently achieve great results.

32. Wataru Yoshikawa

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Wataru Yoshikawa is a highly accomplished Japanese motorcycle rider. He has achieved a great deal of success both domestically and internationally. In 1994 and 1999, Yoshikawa won the All Japan Superbike Championship, a prestigious honor in the Japanese motorcycling community.

He also participated in the World Superbike Championship, and was able to finish 9th in the 1996 season. Yoshikawa continued his success in 2003, when he finished second at the Suzuka 8 Hours.

He was partnered with Shinichi Nakatomi on a Yamaha YZF-R1, and was able to make it to the podium. Yoshikawa is an impressive rider who has achieved a great deal of success over the years.

His accomplishments in the All Japan Superbike Championship and World Superbike Championship have earned him a great deal of respect from the motorcycle community. His impressive performance at the Suzuka 8 Hours is just one more example of his commitment to excellence.

33. Hiroki Ono

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Hiroki Ono is a professional Grand Prix motorcycle racer from Japan. He competes in the MFJ All Japan Road Race J-GP2 Championship, a series of races for motorcycles held in Japan. Ono races on a Suzuki GSX-R600, a 600cc sport bike manufactured by Suzuki Motor Corporation.

Ono is part of a growing number of Japanese riders who have made an impact on the international racing scene. He has achieved great success in the J-GP2 Championship, and is considered one of the top riders in the series.

Ono’s success has given him a platform to compete in other international racing series, and he is currently one of the most successful Japanese riders on the international stage.

34. Hiromichi Kunikawa

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Hiromichi Kunikawa is a Japanese motorcycle racer with a history of success at the national level. He has competed in the GP250 and ST600 classes of the MFJ All Japan Road Race Championship, winning several races in both classes.

In 2010, he was signed by Bimota M Racing to replace the injured Niccolò Canepa in the Moto2 World Championship for the last races of the season. This marked the first time a Japanese motorcycle racer had been signed to compete in the Moto2 World Championship.

Kunikawa’s signing was seen as a major milestone for Japanese motorcycle racing, and as a sign that the sport is beginning to gain international recognition.

Despite the late start to his Moto2 season, Kunikawa was able to achieve several top-ten finishes in the last races of the season. His performance was seen as an encouraging sign of his potential to compete at the highest levels of motorcycle racing.

35. Katsuyuki Nakasuga

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Katsuyuki Nakasuga is a professional motorcycle racer from Japan. He races in the All Japan Road Race Championship’s JSB1000 class on a factory Yamaha YZF-R1.

He has won the Suzuka 8 Hours endurance race four times, and has won the JSB1000 championship title a remarkable ten times. His immense success on the track has earned him the respect and admiration of fans and fellow racers alike.

He is proof that hard work and dedication can pay off in the world of motorsport.

36. Kenta Fujii

Kenta Fujii is a professional motorcycle racer from Japan. He is currently competing in the All Japan Road Race J-GP3 Championship, riding a Honda NSF250R.

This championship is the top-level, single-make championship for the Japanese national motorcycling series, and is seen as one of the most prestigious events in motorcycle racing in Japan.

Competitors must be at least 16 years old and have a valid motorcycle license in order to participate in the J-GP3 Championship.Kenta Fujii is no stranger to the world of motorcycle racing.

He has a long history of success in the Japanese motorcycle racing scene, having competed in the All Japan Road Race Championship since 2014. He has consistently placed in the top 10 in the championship, and even took home the championship title in 2018.

He has also raced in the Japanese Supersport Championship, and the Asia Road Racing Championship.Kenta Fujii continues to be an inspiring figure in the world of motorcycle racing.

He is proof that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible, even in a sport as competitive as motorcycle racing.

He is also a great example of how Japanese riders can be successful in international races, and how Japan can be a major force in the world of motorcycle racing.

37. Tatsuki Suzuki

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Tatsuki Suzuki is a professional motorcycle racer with a career spanning more than a decade. Born in Japan, he is currently competing in the Moto3 class of the Grand Prix World Championship series for the Leopard Racing team.

Suzuki has been a consistent performer, scoring points in the majority of his Grand Prix races and becoming a regular podium finisher.

He has also achieved some notable results throughout his career, including a podium finish at the 2013 Japanese Grand Prix and a third-place finish at the 2014 German Grand Prix.

His best season to date came in 2015 when he finished fourth in the Moto3 Championship standings, demonstrating his ability to remain competitive at the highest level of the sport.

38. Masami Kuwashima

Masami Kuwashima is a former racing driver from Japan, who has had a long and illustrious career on the track. He began his career in the lower formula in Japan, where he gained valuable experience and honed his skills.

After proving himself in the lower formulae, Kuwashima decided to take on a greater challenge and moved up to Formula One.

This is the highest level of motorsport and the most prestigious racing series in the world.Kuwashima made his Formula One debut in the Japanese Grand Prix in 1995, and went on to compete in eight Formula One events over the course of two seasons.

Despite not managing to make any major breakthroughs, Kuwashima proved himself to be a capable driver, and was able to compete with some of the best drivers in the world.

He eventually retired from Formula One in 1997, bringing an end to a short but successful career.Kuwashima’s time in Formula One may have been short, but it was not without merit.

He was able to challenge some of the established stars of the sport, and despite not achieving great success, he was able to prove himself to be a capable driver. His time in Formula One may have been brief, but it was an achievement that he should be proud of.

Conclusion

The best motorcycle racers in Japan are some of the most talented and experienced riders in the world. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of their sport and setting new records.

Their passion and commitment to the sport are evident in their performances and make them a force to be reckoned with on the track.

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James Hillier

I'm a motorcycle racer at Rich Energy OMG Racing. I've always been interested in racing ever since I was a child. My love for racing started with my father who was also a motorcycle racer. He would take me to the track with him and that's when I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I'm not only interested in racing but also in motorcycles themselves. I have always dreamed of owning my own bike someday, so when Rich Energy OMG Racing gave me the opportunity to test their bike last year, it was an honor for me. LinkedIn