Japan first appeared on the Grand Prix motorcycle racing calendar in 1963, though the event did not become a regular fixture until the late 1980s. The race was held at Suzuka Circuit for much of its modern history, with Suzuka establishing itself as a celebrated venue for both two-wheel and four-wheel racing. However, the circuit faced increasing criticism from safety-conscious riders who argued that its narrow track, short runoff areas, and unforgiving barriers were no longer appropriate for machines producing around 240 horsepower.
The safety debate reached a critical point at the 2003 Japanese Grand Prix, when Japanese rider Daijiro Kato was killed after crashing into trackside barriers. The accident, which also resulted in injuries to Marco Melandri and Alex Barros, intensified calls for Suzuka to either undertake major safety modifications or be replaced as the host venue. The FIM determined that the necessary changes would not be completed before 2005, and the 2004 event was therefore awarded to the Mobility Resort Motegi. Suzuka has not hosted the Grand Prix since.
The Mobility Resort Motegi, a 4.801-kilometre circuit built by Honda in the late 1990s, became the permanent home of the Japanese Grand Prix from 2004. Its modern safety infrastructure, wide run-off areas, and spacious pit complex addressed the concerns that had ended Suzuka's tenure. The circuit features a technical layout with a long back straight and a sequence of demanding corners that has suited riders with strong technical precision.
The event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, breaking the continuous run at Motegi. The circuit is contracted to host the Japanese Grand Prix until at least 2030.
The race carried the Marlboro title sponsorship from 1994 to 2003, the longest single sponsorship tenure in the event's history. SKYY vodka held naming rights in 2002 and 2003, Camel in 2004, and A-Style from 2006 to 2008. AirAsia sponsored the race in 2012 and 2013. Motul has been the title sponsor from 2014 onwards, with the event branded as the Motul Grand Prix of Japan.
The Japanese Grand Prix carries deep significance for motorcycle racing because Japan is home to four of the sport's major manufacturers: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. Racing at the Japanese round therefore takes on a special character as a home race for the industry that has defined the modern championship. The tragedy of 2003 and the subsequent relocation to Motegi represent a defining moment in the sport's ongoing evolution of safety standards, and the race at Motegi has since become a fixture that combines high-level competition with the passionate support of Japanese motorcycle racing fans.