So, I know very little of road bikes aside from my own brand (Centurion)
I'd like to know more about Japanese steel bikes and which you thought to be the pinnacle of Japanese bikes. Totally subjective, up to you.
Preference for steel (because this is the C&V forum) but open to any materials

Since I started it, I'll post my favorite Japanese C&V bike:
The 1988 Centurion Ironman Expert (in "Miami Vice" colors)