Japan has a storied history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the Super GT series.

: Widely regarded by reviewers as one of the most talented Japanese F1 drivers , he is best remembered for his podium finish at the 2012 Japanese Grand Prix and his later dominance in the FIA World Endurance Championship .

: Often cited as Japan's premier racing pioneer, he became the first Japanese driver to participate in a full Formula 1 season in 1987 as Ayrton Senna’s teammate at Lotus .

: A fan favorite known for his aggressive style, Sato achieved a podium in F1 (2004 US Grand Prix) but gained legendary status by becoming the first Japanese driver to win the Indianapolis 500, a feat he accomplished twice .

: Following in his father Satoru's footsteps, Kazuki became the first Japanese driver to score pole position at Le Mans (2014) and won the race three times (2018–2020) with Toyota .

These figures are synonymous with the global rise of drifting and Japanese car culture.

: Representing the modern era, Tsunoda joined AlphaTauri (now RB) in 2021 and has since become a fixture in the Red Bull racing program . Endurance and GT Specialists

The history of Japanese motorsport is defined by pioneers who bridged the gap between national dominance and international acclaim, as well as those who revolutionized car culture through subcultures like drifting. From Formula 1 trailblazers to endurance legends at Le Mans, Japanese drivers have consistently broken barriers on the world stage.