Kenjiro Shinozuka, a world-renowned rally driver who lived in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture and was the first Japanese to win the overall victory at the Paris-Dakar Rally, passed away from pancreatic cancer at a hospital in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture.
He was 75 years old.
After graduating from university, Kenjiro Shinozuka got a job at an automobile manufacturer and participated in the Paris-Dakar Rally, the world's toughest rally, which was held mainly in Africa from 1986 as an employee driver. In 2012, he became the first Japanese to win the overall championship.
Mr. Shinozuka established an elementary school in Senegal in 2002, which was also his goal, and continued to support activities such as donating stationery every year.In recognition of these activities, he was inducted into the Japan Automobile Hall of Fame a year ago.
Mr. Shinozuka has lived in Hokuto City for about 35 years and continued to participate in rallies held in the Sahara Desert even into his 70s.
His wife, Hiroko Shinozuka, commented, ``He ran really well. Everyone please praise Shinozuka. Thank you for your continued support.''
The funeral will be held for family only, and a farewell party will be held at a later date.