- Sam Mitani
Sam Mitani, a Japanese America writer and author, is best known for his work as International Editor for Road & Track Magazine, a popular monthly automobile enthusiast publication in the United States.
His responsibilities include covering and test driving cars from around the world. His expertise and knowledge on Japanese automobiles has many considering him the foremost authority about these popular imports from Asia. This proficiency has led him to the breakthrough distinction of being the first Asian American senior staff member of an English language major automobile publication.
This internationally recognized journalist has also been published in magazines in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan. He currently writes a monthly column for XaCAR, and regularly contributes to Best Car, two of Japan’s most popular auto magazine.
His travels around the world had inspired him to author a book titled Fielding's Malaysia & Singapore: The Adventurer's Guide to the Wonders of Malaysia and Singapore. He had also co-authored a book about traveling in Asia titled Fielding’s Far East.
Not only noted for his writing skills, the charismatic Mitani also appears as a guest host for the Best Motoring DVD series. He also has an Emmy Award to his credit for his on camera hosting of the Los Angeles Motor Show for KABC’s Eye On LA television series.
As if professional writing and hosting were not enough, he is also an amateur race car driver. As part of his job, he has been invited to participate in a number of adventurous races all over the world. He ran in the Dakar Rally in 1996 (then known as the Granda-to-Dakar Rally), as well as two stints in the Malaysian jungle in the Trans Peninsula Rally. He also drove in the Baja 2000, a grueling off-road race through the famous desert peninsula. Also of note, he was part of the first American motorcycle tour of Vietnam since the war. The exploits of this historic trek was chronicled in Cycle World magazine.
In his spare time, he stays in condition by practicing judo. Currently a 4th-degree black belt, he has placed as high as 4th at the World Masters Championship International Competition in Northern Ireland. He regularly returns to Japan to work out at the Kodokan Judo Institute, the international headquarters for judo.
Born May 29, 1966.Birthplace: Tokyo, JapanBirth name: O. Sam MitaniCame to U.S. at 2 years old.
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