A top Japanese driver, after his spell in European Formula 3000, he was in the Japanese GT series, winning the title in 2002. In more recent years, Akira has returned to Europe, racing in the Blancpain endurance series and the big endurance classics. In Japan, he also raced in drift racing and is a broadcaster, driver coach, tuner and car preparer, and in more recent years, a team boss. In 2017, he raced in the Asian Le Mans Series and Super GT but in 2018, he retired from racing to become OTG LM Corsa's team director. However he is now the FIA Drifting Commission president.

Biography last updated 23 Feb 2019