For most people, an 80th birthday is a time of reflection and celebration with family. However, for Naoko Nishimoto, it was also a moment to make a significant life decision. She chose to voluntarily surrender her driver’s license and, in a touching gesture, donated her beloved Mazda RX-7 back to the manufacturer.
This decision wasn’t just about letting go of a car; it was about closing a meaningful chapter of her life—one that had been intertwined with the joy of driving and a special connection with her sports car.
The Beginning of Naoko’s Bond with RX-7
Naoko’s love affair with her RX-7 began in 1999, when she was 55 years old. After watching the anime Initial D with her son, she was captivated by the car featured in the series. This newfound enthusiasm led her to purchase a brand-new Mazda RX-7, setting the stage for a 25-year-long journey.
She didn’t just buy any RX-7; she specifically chose the RX-7 Type RB S model, which came with suede seats, a rear spoiler, ZR-rated tires, and fog lights. Under the hood, the car was powered by a turbocharged 13B-REW Wankel engine, delivering 261 horsepower to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission.
25 Years with ‘Seven’
Naoko affectionately named her RX-7 “Seven” and treated it with utmost care. Unlike many sports car enthusiasts who push their vehicles to the limit, Naoko enjoyed the simple pleasure of driving, accumulating just over 48,000 miles in 25 years.
Her relationship with Seven was not merely about transportation; it was about passion, nostalgia, and shared memories. When she announced her plan to part with the car on her 80th birthday, her story quickly gained traction. A viral YouTube video featuring her journey led to over 400 emails from Mazda enthusiasts and well-wishers, including a heartfelt message from Mazda’s Public Relations department.
A Heartfelt Farewell to a Beloved Car
Before officially parting ways with her RX-7, Naoko embarked on one final drive—a trip with her son to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms. This journey was more than a simple drive; it was a symbolic farewell, a way to honor the years of companionship she had with her car.
When she received the message from Mazda, Naoko described it as “an email filled with enthusiasm and sincerity, shining brightly in her heart.” This was a defining moment in her decision to donate the car back to Mazda.
The Handover Ceremony to Mazda
On December 18, Naoko’s 80th birthday, a special handover ceremony took place at a Mazda dealership in Nagasaki. Standing beside her cherished RX-7 for the last time, she handed over the keys, reflecting on the journey they had shared.
“When I came here today, I drove in with my ‘Seven,’ but I’ll be leaving alone. This car has been my companion for 25 years. I’ve enjoyed every moment with it, so I have no regrets about saying goodbye. I just want to say one last thing to my ‘Seven’—thank you. Thank you for 25 wonderful years.”
Mazda’s Tribute to Naoko’s Story
Mazda’s President and CEO, Moro Masahiro, was deeply moved by Naoko’s journey with her RX-7. He highlighted how her story exemplified that cars are more than mere transportation; they are lifelong companions that carry memories and emotions.
“This was a moving reminder that you see a car not just as a means of transportation, but as an important partner in life. We will treasure this car, along with stories of the days when you lived a happy, energetic, and vibrant life, drawing vitality from the power of cars.”
The Future of the RX-7
After the ceremony, Naoko completed her transition by surrendering her driver’s license at the local police station. Meanwhile, her beloved RX-7 embarked on a new chapter.
The car was sent to Mazda’s research center in Yokohama after undergoing maintenance in Hiroshima. Mazda’s public relations department plans to use it for special events, ensuring that its legacy continues.
Naoko Nishimoto’s story is a testament to the deep emotional connection between a driver and their car. Though she has bid farewell to Seven, its story lives on, inspiring car enthusiasts worldwide.
