Takuma Sato has been inspired by the success of other Japanese athletes on the world stage in recent years.

Since Sato won his first Indianapolis 500 title in 2017, Naomi Osaka has won the Australian and U.S. Open titles twice, Hinako Shibuno won the Women's British Open, Hideki Matsuyama won the Masters and Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani has become perhaps the most captivating player in MLB.

There was also Sato's own win at the prestigious 500, billed as "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," last year.