In an automotive tale that feels straight out of a feel-good movie, 80-year-old Naoko Nishimoto from Nagasaki, Japan, has made headlines for her touching connection to her 1997 Mazda RX-7 FD. After 25 years of loyal ownership, Nishimoto recently bid an emotional farewell to her beloved sports car, a silver beauty she affectionately called “Seven.”
Nishimoto’s journey with the RX-7 began in the late 1990s when, at the age of 55, she decided to buy a car that resonated with her spirit of adventure. The FD-generation RX-7 wasn’t just a car, it was a cultural icon, made famous by its appearances in the anime Initial D and its reputation as one of the finest Japanese sports cars ever produced. Nishimoto, inspired by the anime and perhaps by a bit of youthful defiance, purchased the sleek rotary-powered machine and made it her daily driver. From grocery store runs to errand trips, the RX-7 became a constant companion in her life, a symbol of freedom and joy that transcended the typical idea of practicality.
However, time waits for no one, and as Nishimoto approached her 80th birthday, she faced a decision that many elderly drivers in Japan must confront: giving up her driver’s license. In Japan, surrendering a license is a voluntary yet encouraged step for senior citizens to ensure road safety. For Nishimoto, this meant parting ways with her cherished RX-7, a car that had become an extension of her identity.
When the news spread that Nishimoto was selling her RX-7, offers poured in — over 400 of them. From rotary enthusiasts to collectors eager to preserve such a pristine example, everyone wanted a piece of this remarkable car’s story. Yet, Nishimoto’s decision was guided not by profit but by sentiment. She chose to sell her RX-7 back to Mazda, the company that created the car she loved so dearly.
Mazda didn’t take this lightly. In a ceremony held at a dealership in Nagasaki, Nishimoto handed over the keys to her RX-7 in a moment filled with gratitude and emotion. Mazda honored her with a framed personalized license plate bearing the name “Seven” and a heartfelt letter from Masahiro Moro, the company’s president, thanking her for her unwavering loyalty to the brand. It was a gesture that underscored how much the automotive world values its passionate enthusiasts.
But this isn’t the end of the story for Nishimoto’s RX-7. The car is being sent to Mazda’s facilities in Hiroshima for a thorough maintenance check, ensuring it remains in pristine condition. From there, it will transition into a new role as a promotional vehicle in Yokohama, where it will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate fans of the rotary legend. Nishimoto’s “Seven” will live on, serving as a reminder of the deep bond that can exist between a person and their car.
This tale of Nishimoto and her RX-7 isn’t just about a car; it’s about a lifetime of memories, a testament to the enduring allure of great design and engineering. It’s also a celebration of how cars can transcend their utilitarian purpose to become something far greater — a source of identity, a vessel of freedom, and, ultimately, a cherished companion.
For enthusiasts, the story of Nishimoto and her RX-7 resonates deeply. It’s a reminder that passion for cars knows no age, and the connection between driver and machine can be as profound as any relationship. In an era where autonomous vehicles and electrification dominate headlines, tales like this reaffirm the human side of driving — an art that’s as emotional as it is mechanical.
The Spirit of Rotary and the RX-7 lives on, not just in Mazda’s engineering but also in the hearts of owners like Nishimoto. And if you ever find yourself in Yokohama, keep an eye out for a silver FD. It might just be “Seven,” carrying with it a legacy of adventure and devotion that spans a quarter-century.
Photos are courtesy of a Reddit post.
