Japan is undoubtedly one of the largest motorcycle countries on the globe.. Countless numbers of pilots born on the archipelago have won in all categories, including speed. The time has come to draw up a small ranking in order to rehash good memories and above all pay homage to a culture and personalities apart.
The first part containing the honorable mentions as well as places 10 and 9 can be found right here.
This episode follows the fourth part, published yesterday.
N ° 2: Norifumi Abe
Difficult to decide for first place. After long hours of reflection, Norifumi Abe finished second but will always be first in the hearts of fans. There are drivers for whom statistics are not important. Norick is part of this prestigious caste.
During his wildcard at the 1994 Japanese Grand Prix, he dazzled the world with his grace and determination, his rage to win. His unforgettable angelic face is forever anchored in the landscape of 90's Grands Prix. Abe was so generous, so gentle and rough. During his lifetime, he made millions of young people dream, some of whom Valentino Rossi who at 14 years old, wore “ You smoke » on leather.
His career does not end with this Dantesque race, quite the contrary. Norick Abe won three rounds of the 500cc world championship, scattered across nine full seasons. Abe is in the past tense because he was the victim of a road accident on October 7, 2007. We will never forget his smile, his mane and his charisma.
Legendary. Photo: Yamaha Community
No. 1: Tadayuki Okada
However, realism sometimes catches up with us. Okada is the greatest Japanese pilot in history. In the mid-1990s, he was the country's strongman and spearhead. Of course, he is not a world champion either. But it is necessary to step back and contemplate an absolutely monstrous career.
Okada is not only vice world champion in 250cc 1994, but he is also in 500cc, year 1997. This is quite simply the highest ranking of a Japanese in all history. Certainly, at
Honda Repsol and armed with dominant NSR500s. Mick doohan evolved with the same equipment, but that did not prevent Tadayuki to take pole positions right under the Australian's nose.
7 career poles, accompanied by 36 podiums. It's unbeatable. Unfortunately, a terrible wrist injury marred his 1998 year, which should have been his best. The latter did not give up and came back even stronger in 1999 to record his highest total of points: 211. With three victories, he ensured in the absence of Doohan and finished third in the championship, nine lengths behind Kenny Roberts Jr.
for second place. Without the Australian star, Honda places two drivers on the final podium. Great performance for a great driver.
In the same way as Álex Crivillé and Shinichi Itoh , Okada is one of the main lieutenants of the Repsol Honda dynasty, assuming that Mick Doohan is the boss.
The land of the rising sun has many surprises in store. A culture and athletes apart. The athletes mentioned in this top 10 all have at least three things in common: they are extremely respectful and generally appreciated by everyone. The Japanese race with a big heart, a desire, a unique determination that Takaaki Nakagami, the nation's only representative in MotoGP, still transmits. “Seven times on the ground, eight times standing” they say.
Summary of the Top 10:
1) Tadayuki Okada
2) Norifumi Abe
3) Takazumi Katayama
4) Tohru Ukawa
5) Daijiro Kato
6) Shinichi Itoh
7) Nobuatsu Aoki
8) Haruchika Aoki
9) Tetsuya Harada
10) Kazuto Sakata
Cover photo: Rikita
