This big endurance weekend between Fuji and Shanghai allows us to take stock of great first-time achievements for Japan, China, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and endurance.

Throughout the last 25 years, drivers, manufacturers and competitors from Asia have added nicely to the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The new TS040 Hybrid opens a new chapter in Toyota's history in endurance, which began at the 24 Hours of Le Mans already four decades ago.

Although Germany can claim a third of all victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, La Sarthe is also a "promised land" for Japanese sports cars, drivers and manufacturers. Here are eight examples.