Finally retired from driving in 2000, after 25 years at the top of the Japanese racing ladder. Masahiro started racing in 1960, in motocross, before starting a 40 year affiliation with Nissan in 1964, which started in GT and saloon cars. Masahiro is still the last Japanese driver to win the Japanese Grand Prix, in 1975, when it was then a non-championship event. He impressed in the same event, now a World Championship event, one year later, getting his chance through his old friend and motocross rival, Matsuhisa Kojima, and then went on to win the 1980 Japanese Formula 2 title. Later involved in team management and ran an Nissan aftermarket parts company.

Biography last updated 9 Apr 2022