Such was Kato's reputation that even defending World Champion
Valentino Rossi picked him as a title contender for 2003, in what would have been his first full season on an RCV.
Kato left behind a wife and two young children, one of whom was born just days before his accident. His death was the first fatality in
MotoGP since Nobuki Wakai was killed at the 1993 Spanish Grand Prix. The cause of Kato's accident was something of a mystery, with mechanical failure, contact with another rider or even a near 'high-side' (causing the back wheel to swing around) all rumoured causes for his sudden change of direction.
However, an inquiry set-up by Honda later declared that mechanical failure was not to blame - and that the former 250cc world champion's fatal accident was probably triggered by a loss of rear grip. The six-month investigation - chaired by Professor Ichiro Kageyama of Nihon University's College of Industrial Technology - believes Kato was pushing hard to catch the race leaders and that his rear tyre began to slide when he braked hard for the chicane, at a speed of 170km/h.
While the Japanese was able to partially control the slide - by reducing his braking - the bike began to kick ever more violently, shaking from side-to-side (oscillating). This instability also caused a loss of balance and Kato was thrown over to the left side of the bike, taking his right foot off the footpeg - and removing any chance of using the rear brake - in the process.
These factors combined are believed to have resulted in the #74 veering sharply left into the trackside tyre wall. After the initial contact, Kato travelled along the tyre wall, still on his bike, before eventually hitting a new section of foam protection which - together with the closeness of the barrier - contributed significantly to the extent of his injuries.
Nevertheless, questions remained about why the race wasn't red flagged after the accident and the apparently 'rushed' manner in which Kato was moved from the race track, given the obvious seriousness of his injuries.
MotoGP hasn't returned to Suzuka since Kato's accident.
