Encouraging engineers and component suppliers alike, Mr. Kenichi Yamamoto ambitiously devoted all his efforts into the development of the innovative rotary piston engine, and through the use of advanced technologies, ultimately succeeded in the completion of the world’s only RE to be employed in a mass-produced automobile. In recognition of his great achievements, the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame is honored to induct Mr. Kenichi Yamamoto into the Hall of Fame.

Executives departing Japan en route to signing a contract with Wankel regarding the RE.

Yamamoto (second from the right) was appointed the head of the RE project. This shot dates from 1964.

Yamamoto showing paperwork to Dr. Wankel in Germany in 1965.

Released in May 1967, the Cosmo Sport was the first Mazda to feature the rotary engine.

The RX-7 was sadly born in the middle of an oil crisis in 1978. It still sold well, however, providing the RE with a future.

Yamamoto with the car that won the Le Mans 24-hour Race in 1991.

The four-seater RX-8 of 2003 was powered by a new generation of RE known as the Renesis.