The Isle of Man TT has seen Japanese motorcycles charging around the island since Honda brought a brace of 125’s in 1959. Much success has followed with their machinery but only one Japanese rider has ever won the TT - Mitsuo Ito.
Mitsuo took the win in the ultra-lightweight class in 1963 aboard his 50cc Suzuki RK67.
Ito spent his whole career at Suzuki and started racing in 1959. After retiring from competition he focused on development work, as well as training new riders, including Kevin Schwantz, who later became 1993 500cc world champion.
Mitsuo Ito died this day in 2019, aged 82.
