Thousands honour Kato at Memorial Day.

Friends and fans of Daijiro Kato came to Tokyo in their thousands on Sunday (May 18) to say goodbye to their friend and hero at a special Memorial Day held at the Honda Motor Co headquarters in Aoyama.

Over 9,000 people were present to view the memorabilia on display recording Kato's magnificent achievements in his racing career. The display featured the machines that carried him to victory in the All Japan Championship, the 2001 250cc World Championship, and his Suzuka 8 Hour winning VTR100SP-W.

The #74 will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to make his acquaintance. The sublimely talented 17-time grand prix victor leaves us with memories of a very special motorcycle racer. 'Daichan' possessed everything required of a Champion.

Kato was fast on any type of circuit, tactically astute and very brave when circumstances demanded him to be. His determination to win produced many spectacular hard charges that carried him to unexpected race wins. Whatever the result Kato behaved with great dignity, shy and humble when victorious, and gracious in defeat.

Daijiro Kato the man was a quiet, confident, unassuming, and courteous personality, in complete contrast to his racing persona. Kato loved nothing more than spending his free time with wife Makiko and young son Ikko. The close knit family were popular residents in the GP paddock and their absence has brought sadness to the 'Paddock village' community.

Many of Kato's former rivals, team technicians, and Honda staff members were present and Mr Hiroyuki Yoshino, President of Honda Motor Co, Ltd, and Suguru Kanazawa, each read an address to the assembly.

Mr Yoshino said: "Daijiro Kato made his debut in road racing in 1992, when only 16 years old. In the course of his career he competed in the All Japan Road Race Championship and won the Road Race World Championship in the 250cc class. Last year, he began competing in the MotoGP class, the pinnacle of motorcycle road racing.

"In 2002, Daijiro was granted an award for distinguished service to sports by the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, an honour that acknowledged the pride shared by the entire Japanese nation in his outstanding achievements as a race rider.

"For eleven years, Daijiro consistently raced Honda machines. He made a significant contribution both to the development of works machines and the winning of the Honda 500 wins in WGP. Daijiro's expertise as a rider placed him above the others, and his personality endeared him to everyone.

"Daijiro, we are honored that you were a Honda rider. We will never forget the depth of feeling you engendered in us as we observed the mastery with which you road, and the glory that you bestowed on Honda by your association with us.

"We mourn your passing, and offer our most heartfelt condolences to your loved ones."

Mr Kanazawa, a guiding influence on Kato's career, said of his former charge: "Daijiro, despite the prayers of your family, your relatives, and your many, many fans, you never recovered from the injuries suffered from that sudden accident in the opening round of the WGP on April 6, and at the tender age of 26, you have left us.

"The term, "genius", was one that was used often in relation to you, and with you, we dreamed of MotoGP supremacy. In 2001, you became the WGP 250cc champion, and we were convinced you were on the brink of making all our dreams come true. Taking on the WGP challenge again without you is a daunting prospect indeed.

"Honda will continue to compete in many races, fuelled by the spirit you inspired by your actions.

"I join my prayers with those of everyone else here today, that you have gone to a happier place."

Daijiro Kato leaves behind a wife Makiko, son Ikko and daughter Rinka.

The cause of his fatal accident at Suzuka has yet to be established.