Originally named TI Circuit Aida, the ‘TI’ being for circuit founder Hajime Tanaka and Aida for the closest town, the Okayama International Circuit began life as a private members club for wealthy racing fans.

Construction began in 1989 in a scenic but notably remote part of Japan, c. 25 km to the north-east of the city of Okayama.

Touring car racing arrived in 1992 from the Japanese Touring Car Championship, and in 1994 bigger things heralded, as the circuit hosted Formula One for the first time – although F1 would only return once more in 1995.

Financial troubles in the early 2000s spelled the end of Tanaka’s ownership, and in 2005 the circuit was renamed to its present title.

Beginning in 2008, World Touring Cars visited for three years. Perhaps unsurprisingly for the mountainous circuit, every WTCC race held between 2008 and 2010 ended up being wet.

There has to-date been no significant changes to the track layout, although minor modifications were made in 2020.