The team, under various naming sponsors existed from the mid 70s, riding Splendor . Mid 80s was the first time Hitachi appeared as a team sponsor, with Splendor bikes, for 85 and 86. 1987 they changed to Rossin bikes. Hitachi then rode Merckx in 1988 (Columbus tubes) and 1989 (Reynolds tubes).

Edit: just wanted to add, A1912 seems very early for a Hitachi colour scheme. There may be a chance it's a factory respray. When you have more posts, I'm sure we'd like to see pictures of it. Also, bonus question, what is stamped on the bb shell opposite the serial number? Thanks.