Sugo International Racing Course was built by the Yamaha Motor Company and opened in 1975 as one of the largest motorsport facilities in Japan at the time, whilst also featuring other sports facilities including tennis courts and athletic facilities.

Being owned by a motorbike company, the circuit has always remained popular with two wheels – with bikes using the chicaned-final-corner variant, whilst cars have used the faster configuration.

A fast and sweeping circuit, the track is nestled, like many facilities in the country, in a woodland hillside setting.

After 12 years of operation, major changes were implemented in time for the 1987 season, featuring more extensive runoff areas, a new infield loop with more technical corners requiring heavier braking, a wider overall circuit and new pit and paddock facilities.

The past three decades have seen minimal changes at the national racing facility, which now focusses on motorsport and tennis, although the pit lane was extended in 2021, with cars now entering the circuit at the third corner.