Meet Shotaro Odate, Honda’s 84-Year-Old Chief Engineer With Superhuman Energy and a Legacy That Changed Driving Forever
Every once in a while, a person comes along who doesn’t just fit the mold of what you expect in their field but completely breaks it. For Honda, that person is Shotaro Odate. At 84 years old, Odate still works as a chief engineer, carrying himself with the energy and sharpness of someone decades younger. And yes, the first thing anyone notices is his wild, untamed hair that has almost become a symbol of his personality. But beyond that unforgettable look is a story of passion, persistence, and innovation that continues to shape the way millions of people drive every single day.
Odate joined Honda in 2003, already well into the later years of his life by traditional standards. Most people would think about slowing down at that age, but Odate chose to dive straight into research and development. His dedication made him a standout figure in the company, and soon he became a respected voice in Honda’s most advanced safety projects. The irony is that while his appearance might strike people as unconventional, his contributions are some of the most forward-thinking and practical in the entire automotive world.
One of Odate’s biggest accomplishments is his work on Honda Sensing 360+, an advanced suite of driver-assist technology that helps cars monitor the world around them. This system doesn’t just check blind spots; it extends awareness in every direction, giving cars the ability to anticipate situations that drivers might miss. Lane keeping, automatic braking, collision warnings—these are features that modern drivers often take for granted, but they’re the result of engineers like Odate who pour years of thought and testing into making sure they work seamlessly. For Odate, it was never about flashy gimmicks. It was about making driving safer, reducing fatigue on long trips, and creating a backstop for those inevitable moments when human attention slips.
The beauty of Honda Sensing 360+ is that it represents more than just technology—it represents a philosophy. Odate has often spoken about the idea that machines should support humans, not replace them. This vision is what makes systems like 360+ feel so natural to use. It doesn’t take control away from the driver; it steps in quietly when needed, like a co-pilot that always has your back. In today’s world where automation sometimes feels like a threat, that balance is something truly worth appreciating.
What makes Odate even more inspiring is that at 84, he hasn’t slowed down. His presence at Honda is proof that passion doesn’t have an expiration date. Colleagues describe him as tireless, showing up with the same determination as engineers half his age. His sharp mind, matched with his unforgettable hair and unshakable spirit, makes him not just an engineer but a living symbol of Honda’s drive for progress. He embodies the idea that innovation isn’t about age—it’s about mindset.
Looking at Odate, you don’t just see a veteran engineer. You see a reminder that the future of driving is being built by people who genuinely care about the human experience. In a world rushing toward self-driving cars and fully automated roads, his work anchors us in something important: technology should serve people, not the other way around. That belief has guided Honda through countless advancements, and Odate’s fingerprints are all over them.
So the next time you sit behind the wheel of a Honda and feel that quiet sense of reassurance from its safety systems, remember there’s an 84-year-old man with gravity-defying hair and unmatched determination behind it. Shotaro Odate isn’t just an engineer—he’s proof that passion, energy, and brilliance can carry you further than anyone expects, no matter how old you are.