Mazda films one owner's 25-year farewell to her RX-7 — and wins its first Cannes Lion

Naoko Nishimoto bought her silver FD RX-7 at 55, fell for it through the anime 'Initial D', and drove it daily for 25 years — never skipping a wax coating, keeping the catalogue where she first circled the car in red pen. Mazda's MIRAI BASE editorial team spent her final three days of ownership filming what the car had given her: a hobby, a bond with her son, and a life story that began when she insisted on driving at a time when it was still rare for a woman in Japan.

At 78 Nishimoto decided to surrender her licence when she turned 80 — she wanted the choice to be hers — and resolved to pass the RX-7 to someone who would truly appreciate it. After considering options she chose to return the car to where it was made: Mazda. The transfer ceremony took place at Kyushu Mazda Akasako Store, the dealership that had serviced the car for all 25 years.

The team deliberately let Nishimoto and her son Makoto decide how and where to spend the final days, joining what was essentially their usual photo excursion. Makoto revealed on camera why he had started the sessions: 'I want to create more memories for my mother.' The documentary frames the RX-7's parting gift not as the car itself but as the new connection it created between mother and son.

Mazda accepted the car, restored it while keeping the traces of its 25 years with Nishimoto, and gave it a second life as a publicity vehicle. Released 31 March 2025, the film won a Bronze Lion in Entertainment at Cannes Lions 2026 — Mazda's first award at the festival — alongside honours at MAD STARS 2025, the Eibunren Awards 2025 and International Auto Film Festa 2026.