[2] In Asia, Ryuji Yamamoto had a successful career in karting, winning the Asian-Pacific Championship in 2004., his sophomore year in the competition.

[citation needed] After a successful career in kart, Yamamoto changed to open wheel categories in 2006.

He participated in the first season of the Formula Challenge Japan, achieving the 2nd place in the season, and in the World Cup Formula A, alongside drivers like Riki Christodoulou, Alexander Sims, Alvaro Parente and Jules Bianchi.

[citation needed] In 2007, Yamamoto moved to Europe and joined the Formula Renault, competing in France and England for the CR Scuderia as part of the Nissan Driver Development Program.

[citation needed] After two years in the European Formula Renault, 42 races, no wins and only two podiums, Yamamoto returned to Japan and joined the Japanese Formula 3 for the AIM Sports team.