The race was in doubt after the devastating tsunami and earthquake in the north-west of the country in March, forcing the race to be postponed from April 24 to October 2.
After a leak at the Fukushima nuclear power plant 70 miles away, further concerns were raised about possible radiation levels on the racetrack. Casey Stoner, Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi insisted not to travel to Japan for safety reasons.
While an independent review has confirmed Motegi is safe and race management has confirmed the race will go as planned, Honda rider Stoner has admitted that he is now likely to compete in the Grand Prix.
However, Rossi and Lorenzo are among a group of riders who have not yet committed to travel, which raises further concerns about whether the race can take place.
Nakamoto believes switching to Suzuka, which hosted the Japanese Grand Prix from 1987 to 2003 and is more than 300 miles from the danger zone, would be an ideal situation to secure the event this year, despite the fact that the race is only six Weeks away.
However, he doesn’t think Honda’s own circuit would necessarily stage the event in future seasons.
“I say we could race in Suzuka this year and then come back to Motegi next year,” Nakamoto told Motosprint. “I also like Suzuka better: The track is nicer and more technical. [But] The international federation has removed the homologation of the Suzuka track so some dispensation would be required and this would have to be done quickly.
“Three years ago at the Suzuka circuit, major renovations were carried out on the circuit, the drainage areas and the back roads around the track.
“The paddock has remained a bit out of date, but only once would it not bother anyone. And the eight hours of Suzuka, which take place regularly, show that motorcycles can also race there.”
After Daijiro Kato’s death during the 2003 race, the FIM removed Suzuka’s homologation for holding Grand Prix races.
However, Nakamoto does not believe the aftermath of that fall, which occurred at the chicane at the end of the lap, needs to be considered.
“The chicane, which is no longer used in Formula 1 racing, has been modified in all of its exterior areas,” he added.