Inductee List
A
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_aikawa.jpg)
AIKAWA,Tetsuro
Pioneer in mass produced Lithium-ion battery driven electric vehicles
Born in 1954
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2018-akiyama.jpg)
AKIYAMA,Yoshio
Father of the first water-cooled horizontally opposed cylinder engine in Japan
Born in 1920
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2003-asahara.jpg)
ASAHARA,Genshichi
Promoter of automotive technology basis and founding of SAE of Japan
Born in 1891
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2011-ayukawa.jpg)
AYUKAWA,Yoshisuke
Founder and commander of Nissan Concern and the first President of Nissan Motor Corporation
Born in 1880
F
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2006-furusho.jpg)
FURUSHO,Hirosuke
Pioneer in research and development of passive safety measures
Born in 1932
G
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2013-william.jpg)
GORHAM,William R.
Directed Japan’s mass-production and high precision automobile manufacturing
Born in 1888
H
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2014-hamawaki.jpg)
HAMAWAKI,Yoji
Successful marketing of motorcycles and cars in U.S. and Japan
Born in 1929
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2012-hara.jpg)
HARA,Teiichi
Designer of cars that caught the heart of enthusiasts all over the world
Born in 1916
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2002-hashimoto.jpg)
HASHIMOTO,Masujiro
Founder of a pioneering manufacturer “Kwaishin-Sha” that produced "DAT" cars
Born in 1875
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-hirai.jpg)
HIRAI,Toshihiko
Developed the first Roadster that revived the fun of open top sports car for the world
Born in 1935
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2001-hirao.jpg)
HIRAO,Osamu
Established automotive engineering theory and advanced the technology
Born in 1915
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2001-honda.jpg)
HONDA,Soichiro
Innovative engineer in developing automobiles and racing machines
Born in 1906
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2010-hoshiko.jpg)
HOSHIKO,Isamu
Laid foundation for Japanese truck development and manufacturing
Born in 1884
I
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2005-igarashi.jpg)
IGARASHI,Heitatsu
Contributed to popularization of automobile culture as a car historian
Born in 1924
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-imaki-gray.jpg)
IMAKI,Hisakazu
Led recovery of Mazda’s business performance and independence from Ford
Born in 1942
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2008-inagawa.jpg)
INAGAWA,Seiichi
Pioneering engineer promoting the Kei-car in the past-war Japan
Born in 1925
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2014-itoh.jpg)
ITO,Masao
Father of technological developments of automotive diesel engines
Born in 1911
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-itoh.jpg)
ITO,Naganori
Created high performance sport cars that symbolized Japanese technology
Born in 1937
K
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2008-kageyama.jpg)
KAGEYAMA,Katsumi
Established basic theory of motorcycle dynamics through research
Born in 1920
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2003-kamiya.jpg)
KAMIYA,Shotaro
Established a modern automotive sales and marketing philosophy
Born in 1898
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2008-katayama.jpg)
KATAYAMA,Yutaka
Pioneered Japanese automobile marketing in U.S. with original philosophy
Born in 1909
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2012-kawakami.jpg)
KAWAKAMI,Genichi
Founded a global motorcycle enterprise starting from piano making
Born in 1912
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2006-kawamoto.jpg)
KAWAMOTO,Nobuhiko
Global player in modernization of Japanese automobile industry
Born in 1936
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017-kimura-1.jpg)
KIMURA,Haruo
Leader of Japan’s car restoration activities for true restoration based on historical facts
Born in 1941
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2013-kobayashi.jpg)
KOBAYASHI,Shotaro
Pioneer journalist of automobiles through deep insight of the sport
Born in 1929
<![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2006-kobori.jpg)
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2006-kobori.jpg)
KOBORI,Yasuzaburo
Inventor of the airbag system that spread throughout the world
Born in 1899
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-kosugi.jpg)
KOSUGI,Jiro
Pioneer industrial designer in the field of automobile design manufacturing
Born in 1915
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2009-kubo.jpg)
KUBO,Tomio
Developed high performance cars based on refined aerodynamic characteristics
Born in 1908
M
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2004-maeda.jpg)
MAEDA,Shozo
Contributed to popularizing automobile culture with his quality motor museum
Born in 1930
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022_masuda.jpg)
MASUDA,Tadashi
Developed the first passenger car for the Japanese Emperor and the first front-wheel-drive car for Nissan
Born in 1923
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2003-matsuda.jpg)
MATSUDA,Tsuneji
Inspirational leader of Mazda for high efficiency production and development of rotary piston engines
Born in 1895
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017-miyakawa.jpg)
MIYAKAWA,Hideyuki
Contributed to advancement of automotive design by introducing carrozzeria to Japan
Born in 1937
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2008-miyasu.jpg)
MIYASU,Michiko
Entrepreneur encouraged motoring safety through digital technology
Born in 1929
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2013-mizusawa.jpg)
MIZUSAWA,Joji
Creation of advanced automotive technology through unique R&D
Born in 1923
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-mori-gray.jpg)
MORI,Yoshiki
Advocated from the lawyer’s viewpoint a vision what automotive society should be
Born in 1931
N
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-nagayama.jpg)
NAGAYAMA,Yasuhisa
Lifelong devotion to advance the traffic safety education
Born in 1932
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2018-nakagawa.jpg)
NAKAGAWA,Ryoichi
Great engineer who improved the performance of Japanese airplanes and automobiles drastically
Born in 1913
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022_nakamura.jpg)
NAKAMURA,Ken’ya
Paved the way for the development of the Toyota Crown as Toyota’s first product manager
Born in 1913
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2005-nakamura.jpg)
NAKAMURA,Yoshio
International contribution through Formula 1 racing and academic community
Born in 1918
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2007-nakatsuka.jpg)
NAKATSUKA,Takeshi
Developed and applied own philosophy in automotive R&D and manufacturing
Born in 1926
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2003-nishida.jpg)
NISHIDA,Michihiro
Promoter of safety and ecology-oriented corporate culture
Born in 1923
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2005-nobumoto.jpg)
NOBUMOTO,Yasusada
Greatly assisted the growth of domestic auto-parts industry by supplying brake systems
Born in 1920
O
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2007-ogiwara.jpg)
OGIHARA,Hachiro
Pioneered world-renowned automobile stamping die manufacturing
Born in 1906
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_oguchi.jpg)
OGUCHI,Yasuhei
Developed automobile safety technology through advanced driver control concept and education
Born in 1937
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2009-ohashi.jpg)
OHASHI,Takayoshi
Winning team leader of 24 hours of Le Mans with Mazda rotary piston engine
Born in 1941
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2010-ohta.jpg)
OHTA,Sukeo
Pioneer of original Japanese automobiles and racing car technology
Born in 1886
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-otsuki.jpg)
OHTSUKI,Yukio
Established “Kawasaki” as a global brand through developing big motorcycles
Born in 1930
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2020-oka.jpg)
OKA,Namiki
Proposed new road traffic system through deep investigation of consumer needs
Born in 1926
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/2018-okura.jpg)
OKURA,Kishichiro
Pioneer of motor racing and automotive culture in Japan
Born in 1882
S
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2009-saitoh.jpg)
SAITO,Takeshi
Leader of automobile related environment and energy studies
Born in 1923
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2005-sakurai.jpg)
SAKURAI,Shinichiro
Leader in design and development of the celebrated Nissan Skyline series
Born in 1929
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2023_sano.jpg)
SANO,Shoichi
Developed and applied the first four wheel steering technology in the world
Born in 1937
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2014-sasaki.jpg)
SASAKI,Isao
Extensive investigation of historical facts in the early stage of Japan’s motorization
Born in 1929
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2006-seki.jpg)
SEKI,Toshiro
Leading researcher in Diesel engine research and development
Born in 1908
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2014-shimazu.jpg)
SHIMAZU,Narazo
Ingenious developer of the first Japanese make motorcycle
Born in 1888
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022_shinozuka.jpg)
SHINOZUKA,Kenjiro
The first Japanese overall winner at the World Rally Championship and a contributor to the motor sports
Born in 1948
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2012-shioji.jpg)
SHIOJI,Shigeo
Developed and implemented modern curriculum of driver training
Born in 1924
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/2019-someya.jpg)
SOMEYA,Tsuneo
Paved the way to advancing the performance of bearings for internal combustion engines
Born in 1931
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2007-suzuki.jpg)
SUZUKI,Kenshichiro
Pioneering publisher of auto-magazine who contributed to motorization of Japan
Born in 1903
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017-suzuki.jpg)
SUZUKI,Takayuki
Developed advanced Diesel engine technology and pioneered in its hybrid system
Born in 1939
T
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2010-takada.jpg)
TAKADA,Juichiro
Contributed to developing and popularizing vehicle occupant restraint systems
Born in 1936
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2002-takahashi.jpg)
TAKAHASHI,Kunimitsu
The first Japanese top-class rider and driver in international motorcycle and car racing
Born in 1940
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/2017-takashima-1.jpg)
TAKASHIMA,Shizuo
Leading historical investigation of Japan’s motorization advanced automotive culture
Born in 1938
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2008-tanaka.jpg)
TANAKA,Jiro
Pioneer in automotive technology development in the post-war Japan
Born in 1917
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2013-tomiya.jpg)
TOMIYA,Ryuichi
Pioneer of ultra compact car design starting with “Flying Feather"
Born in 1908
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2005-tomiduka.jpg)
TOMIZUKA,Kiyoshi
Pioneering researcher on two-stroke cycle engine theory and research
Born in 1893
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2021-toyoda-gray.jpg)
TOYODA,Eiji
Established the basis for Toyota to become a leading global automobile manufacturer
Born in 1913
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2001-toyoda.jpg)
TOYODA,Kiichiro
Founded the Toyota Motor Corporation and laid the foundation for later growth
Born in 1894
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2002-toyokawa.jpg)
TOYOKAWA,Junya
Founder of a pioneering manufacturer that developed “Otomo” cars
Born in 1886
U
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2007-uruno.jpg)
URUNO,Fujio
Pioneer in traffic psychology who contributed to improvements in safety
Born in 1917
W
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2006-watari.jpg)
WATARI,Atsushi
Father of research on automotive noise, vibration and harshness as well as suspension design
Born in 1917
Y
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2010-yagi.jpg)
YAGI,Shizuo
Leader in high performance engine development and clean exhaust emission
Born in 1927
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022_yamaba.jpg)
YAMABA,Torao
Marked the beginning of Japan as a motor vehicle superpower
Born in 1874
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2007-yamamoto.jpg)
YAMAMOTO,Kenichi
Passionate leader in the development of rotary piston engine and mass production
Born in 1922
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2011-yano.jpg)
YANO,Koichi
Creator of the oldest existing automobile of Japanese make "Arrow"
Born in 1892
![](https://www.jahfa.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/2011-yoshida.jpg)
YOSHIDA,Shintaro
Creator of the first automobile of Japanese make “Type Yoshida”
Born in 1877