He first attracted the attention of the US fans when he competed for the NWA Central States territory run by Bob Geigel as a face teaming with people like Jerry Oates and the Viking.
On February 19, 1976 Sato teamed up with promoter Bob Geigel to win the "Central States" version of the NWA World Tag-Team Titles.
[2] Sato next attracted the spotlight in the NWA Western States territory booked by Dick Murdoch and Blackjack Mulligan in Amarillo, Texas.
Working as the heel "Mr. Sato" along with fellow Japanese wrestler Mr. Pogo the duo would win the Western States tag-team titles twice while feuding with Mulligan, Ted DiBiase, Merced Solis and Akihisa Takachiho (the future Great Kabuki).
[2] Sato would go on to win the title twice more, first with John Tolos[2] and then towards the end of 1979 with Mr. Kiyomoto, a new name adopted by former foe Takachiho.
On June 11, 1981 Sato and Takashi Ishikawa beat Kerry and David Von Erich for the All Asia Tag Team Championship in Tokyo, Japan.
During these tours Sato would face off against such varied competition as Nick Bockwinkel, Austin Idol[3] and Curtis Hughes.
Near the end of his time in the AWA he participated in a feud between Pat Tanaka and Paul Diamond following the breakup of Badd Company.
[5] Sato's next move is the one that got him the most media attention as he signed with the World Wrestling Federation for the first time in his career.
The Orient Express kicked off a prolonged feud with The Rockers that started at WrestleMania VI[6] and continued off and on for well over a year.
Sato did return to the WWF in late 1994 as the white faced manager "Shinja" who advised Hakushi during his heel run with the company.