The Mazda Rotary engine was an integral piece towards Mazda's success after World War II. The engine's creator, Kenichi Yamamoto, has passed away at 95 years old.

Granted, he was not the only person to work on the project, but he was a vital part of its development. Yamamoto returned to his home in Hiroshima after WWII to discover his home destroyed, and his family either dead or ill from radiation. Despite his turmoil, he began working at a local truck company to help support his family. His efforts got him promoted to work on a new engine for a 3 wheeled truck, which would be sold with the Mazda name.

The vehicle maker's success grew until Japan disregarded Mazda as a domestic vehicle producer. Yamamoto went to Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry with a Cosmo Sport he helped create, one containing the rotary engine he helped design, to convince it Mazda was a legitimate carmaker. Japan agreed.

Yamamoto would continue to climb the ranks of Mazda until becoming president in 1985. In 1992 he retired.

Kenichi Yamamoto was a legendary figure in Mazda history. His efforts not only saved Mazda but helped it grow into a legitimate carmaker worldwide. Our condolences go out to Yamamoto's family and estate.