He currently drives in the Formula Nippon, and the Super GT series in the GT500 category.

He is not related to fellow Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi.

In 2010 he won the All-Japan Formula Three championship, National Class.

Despite the team mistakenly declaring him to qualify instead of Ralph Firman in the final session, he claimed the pole position, being the first to do so on a debut.

His performance led to him becoming part of the new lineup of ARTA in the 2011 Super GT season, partnered with former IndyCar Series driver Hideki Mutoh.