Initial D
Sezóna
Epizóda
Server prehrávača
Initial D

Initial D

19988
AnimovanýDrámaAkčný a Dobrodružný
Vydané
18. 4. 1998
Krajina
Japonsko
Produkcie
OB PlanningFuji Television NetworkGallopStudio CometPastelACGT+2
Takumiho práca ako doručovateľ tofu ho premenila na jedného z najhrubších vodičov v regióne. Za volantom svojho Eight‑Six sa stáva jedným s cestou — a jeho život nabíja, keď podzemný svet ulice zistí o ňom. Vodiči z celého regiónu sa zriadí na rad, aby si dali šancu proti novému chlapcovi. Takumi sa nezameriava len na víťazstvo — chce preukázať, že je najlepší.

About

Quick guide

A high‑school tofu delivery driver becomes a legendary street racer in 1990s Japanese mountain passes.

Takumi Fujiwara starts as a shy tofu delivery boy in Gunma Prefecture, but his precise driving on the winding mountain roads catches the eye of the local racing scene. A chance battle against the formidable Red Suns forces him to face the city’s top racer, Keisuke Takahashi, and he surprisingly wins by mastering the car’s drift mechanics. Over the series, Takumi defends his title against teams like the Emperors, gains experience with Project D, and ultimately contemplates a future beyond the streets. The 26‑episode First Stage anime captures these events with realistic racing dynamics and a focus on character growth.

What to know

  • Takumi drives a Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86, a lightweight car prized for drifting.
  • The story is set mainly on Gunma’s mountain passes, where downhill racing is the main sport.
  • Drifting—controlled over‑steering—is the core driving technique showcased.
  • The series covers 26 episodes of the First Stage, the first anime adaptation.
  • Voice actors include Masato Hagiwara (Takumi) and Yuichiro Umehara (Keisuke) in the Japanese version.
  • Realistic car physics and sound design are hallmarks, praised by fans of motorsport anime.
  • The anime ends with Takumi’s decision to join Project D, hinting at future adventures.

Watch if

If you enjoy grounded sports anime that balances technical detail with relatable character arcs—especially those centered on drifting, underground racing, and the growth of a reluctant hero—Initial D offers a focused, adrenaline‑filled journey that rewards patience over flashy spectacle.

Skip if

If you prefer high‑octane action with minimal focus on realistic driving mechanics or you’re not into slice‑of‑life character development, this series may feel slow‑paced and too niche for you.

fast pacedintense actiondialogue heavymature themespsychological elementslanguage some
Background
Takumi Fujiwara, a high‑school student, works delivering tofu early in the mornings, driving his family’s Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86. The car’s lightweight chassis and responsive handling make it an ideal platform for mastering Japan’s winding mountain roads. Takumi’s skill grows quietly, setting the stage for the racing world that awaits him.
Plot Overview
The first episode pits Takumi against the city’s top racer, Keisuke Takahashi, on Mount Akina. Using a unique “gutter run,” Takumi drifts past the Red Suns, earning notoriety. As the series progresses, he faces rival teams such as the Emperors and joins Project D, a racing initiative that challenges him to compete beyond local passes.
Main Characters
Takumi is the reluctant hero, whose calm demeanor masks fierce ambition. Keisuke Takahashi, a charismatic racer, serves as a rival and later mentor. The Red Suns’ leader, Ryosuke Takahashi, introduces the competitive underground. Mika Uehara provides a romantic subplot, deepening Takumi’s personal stakes.
Driving Style
The series focuses on drifting—controlled over‑steer—where timing and car balance are critical. Takumi’s mastery of the AE86’s rear‑wheel drive allows him to navigate hairpin turns with precision. The realistic depiction of car physics and engine sound earned acclaim among racing enthusiasts.
Music and Soundtrack
Eurobeat tracks power the show’s high‑energy racing scenes, punctuating each race with adrenaline. The soundtrack also underscores character moments, adding emotional weight to Takumi’s journey. The music’s sync with on‑track action is a hallmark of the series’ appeal.
Cultural Impact
Initial D inspired real‑world drifting culture and influenced automotive design, notably the AE86’s status as a drift legend. Its blend of realistic racing and relatable characters made it a staple of 1990s anime and continues to attract fans of motorsport storytelling.

FAQ

50 Q&A
What is the impact of the second season, Initial D Second Stage?
Initial D Second Stage focuses on Takumi's growth as a driver and his rivalry with other teams after his initial victories. It introduces new challenges and develops his racing techniques.
Who is Iketani?
Iketani is a senior member of the Akina SpeedStars and Takumi's co-worker at the tofu shop. He is an aspiring street racer who initially looks down on Takumi but later becomes his supporter.
What is the story of Initial D Fifth Stage?
Initial D Fifth Stage follows Project D as they challenge the best racers in Japan on various mountain passes, aiming to defeat all of them. Takumi and Keisuke face increasingly difficult opponents.
Who are the main characters in Initial D?
The main characters are Takumi Fujiwara, a skilled but reluctant street racer, and Keisuke Takahashi, a talented driver and leader of Project D. Other key characters include Ryosuke Takahashi and Bunta Fujiwara.
What is the RedSuns team?
The RedSuns are a famous street racing team from Akagi Mountain, led by the Takahashi brothers, Ryosuke and Keisuke. They are known for their aggressive driving style and high skill level.
Are there any Initial D movies?
Yes, there are several Initial D movies, including a movie trilogy that retells the story of the first stage and a movie called Initial D: Legend 1 - The Awakening, part of a new movie series.
What is Initial D about?
Initial D is about a high school student named Takumi Fujiwara who secretly becomes a skilled street racer. He drives his father's old car, delivering tofu, and uses his unique skills to win races on mountain passes.
Who is Ryosuke Takahashi?
Ryosuke Takahashi is the older of the Takahashi brothers and the intelligent strategist behind Project D. He is a brilliant racer known for his analytical approach and precise driving techniques.
What is the ending of the Initial D anime?
The anime's ending in Final Stage sees Takumi Fujiwara achieve his ultimate goal in street racing, facing his final challenges and making decisions about his future.
What is the relationship between Takumi and Natsuki?
Takumi and Natsuki Mogi have a romantic relationship that begins in the early stages of the series. Their relationship faces challenges due to Takumi's racing and Natsuki's personal circumstances.
What is the impact of the Takahashi brothers?
The Takahashi brothers, Ryosuke and Keisuke, are central figures in the Initial D series. They form the RedSuns team and later create Project D, a legendary racing team that pushes the boundaries of street racing.
What happens in Initial D Final Stage?
Initial D Final Stage is the concluding part of the anime series, focusing on Takumi's final races and his journey to become the best street racer. It resolves many plotlines and character arcs.
Who is Natsuki Mogi?
Natsuki Mogi is Takumi Fujiwara's girlfriend. She is a significant character in Takumi's personal life and her presence often influences his decisions and emotional state.
Who is Takumi Fujiwara?
Takumi Fujiwara is the main protagonist. He is a seemingly ordinary high school student who secretly excels at street racing, using his unique techniques learned from years of early morning tofu deliveries.
What is Project D?
Project D is a highly successful street racing team formed by the Takahashi brothers, Ryosuke and Keisuke. Their goal is to conquer all the major mountain passes in Japan by challenging local racing teams.
Who is Kenta Nakata?
Kenta Nakata is a young racer who joins Project D as a supporting driver. He idolizes Takumi and Keisuke and works hard to improve his skills.
What is the Bunta Fujiwara character?
Bunta Fujiwara is Takumi's father and the owner of the tofu shop. He is a legendary, albeit mysterious, street racer from the past who secretly trained Takumi and is a master of the AE86.
Who is Itsuki Takeuchi?
Itsuki Takeuchi is Takumi's best friend and a member of the Akina SpeedStars. He is an enthusiastic but less skilled racer who dreams of becoming a professional.
Who is Keisuke Takahashi?
Keisuke Takahashi is the younger of the Takahashi brothers and a co-founder of Project D. He is a highly talented and passionate street racer, known for his aggressive style and skill with his Mazda RX-7.
What is the AE86?
The AE86, also known as the Hachi-Roku, is a Toyota Corolla Levin that Takumi Fujiwara drives. It is an iconic car in the series, known for its lightweight design and rear-wheel drive, making it surprisingly capable on mountain roads.
What car does Takumi drive?
Takumi Fujiwara drives a modified Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno, often referred to as the Hachi-Roku.
What is the significance of Mount Akina?
Mount Akina is the home mountain of Takumi Fujiwara and the Akina SpeedStars. It is where Takumi hones his legendary downhill racing skills, initially through his tofu delivery job.
What happens in Initial D Third Stage?
Initial D Third Stage focuses on Takumi's growing reputation and his involvement in more serious races. It also develops his relationship with Natsuki and introduces the Emperor team.
What is the tofu delivery job?
The tofu delivery job is Takumi Fujiwara's early morning task for his father's tofu shop. This job forces him to drive the AE86 on Mount Akina daily, secretly developing his exceptional racing skills.
What is the plot of Initial D Fourth Stage?
Initial D Fourth Stage chronicles the formation and early successes of Project D. Takumi and Keisuke travel across Japan, challenging and defeating various regional racing teams to build Project D's reputation.
What is the significance of rain in Initial D races?
Rain makes the roads slippery, making it harder to drive and drift. It's a big challenge for drivers and can change who wins.
Who is God Foot?
God Foot is a nickname for a legendary driver named Kyoichi Sudo, known for his amazing driving skills.
What are the best Initial D songs?
Many fans love the fast-paced Eurobeat songs used in the anime, like 'Deja Vu' and 'Running in the 90s'.
Are there any spin-off series of Initial D?
Yes, there's a spin-off called 'MF Ghost' that continues the story in a similar style.
Who are the main rivals Takumi faces?
Takumi faces many rivals, including Keisuke Takahashi, Itsuki Takeuchi, Shingo Shoji, and many others from different racing teams.
Where can I watch Initial D?
Initial D anime is available on various streaming platforms, depending on your region. It's also released on DVD and Blu-ray.
What is the importance of the car mechanics in the series?
Car mechanics, like Iketani and Koichiro, are important because they keep the cars running well and sometimes help with strategy.
How accurate is the Initial D anime to the manga?
The anime is generally very faithful to the manga, following the same story and characters closely.
How does the series portray the passion for cars?
The series shows characters deeply passionate about cars, their performance, and the thrill of driving and racing.
What is Eurobeat music?
Eurobeat is a style of dance music that is very energetic and fast, often featuring synthesizers and a driving beat. It's famous for its use in Initial D.
What are the different racing techniques shown?
The series shows many techniques like drifting, braking while turning, and using the car's weight to gain speed.
How did Initial D influence car culture?
Initial D made cars like the Toyota AE86 popular and inspired many people to get into car tuning, drifting, and street racing.
What is the appeal of the AE86 in real life?
The AE86 is loved for its light weight, rear-wheel drive, and balanced handling, making it a fun car to drive and drift, especially after seeing it in Initial D.
What is the impact of the Myogi NightKids?
The Myogi NightKids are an early rival group that helps introduce Takumi to the world of street racing and shows the challenges he faces.
Who is Nakazato?
Toshiki Nakazato is the leader of the Akina SpeedStars and drives an R32 Skyline. He is one of Takumi's early rivals.
How does Takumi improve as a driver?
Takumi gets better by racing against skilled drivers, learning new techniques, and through experience gained from his father's teachings and his own practice.
What is the difference between street racing and professional racing in Initial D?
Street racing is about skill, speed, and bragging rights on public roads, while professional racing is more organized, with rules and official tracks.
What is the role of friendship in Initial D?
Friendship is important as Takumi's friends and family support him, cheer him on, and sometimes help him with his racing challenges.
What are the main themes of Initial D?
The main themes are passion for cars, self-improvement, friendship, and the pursuit of perfection in driving.
What is the live-action Initial D movie?
It's a movie made in 2005 that tells a version of the Initial D story with real actors and car stunts.
What are some common misconceptions about Initial D?
Some people might think it's just about reckless driving, but it also focuses on skill, strategy, and the beauty of car mechanics.
What is the legacy of Initial D?
Initial D is considered a landmark series that popularized drift racing and Japanese car culture worldwide.
Is Initial D still popular?
Yes, Initial D remains very popular among car enthusiasts and anime fans globally, with a dedicated fanbase.
Who is Shingo Shoji?
Shingo Shoji is a reckless driver known for his aggressive 'suicide technique' and is a rival to Takumi.
What are the different types of cars featured in Initial D?
The series features many iconic Japanese sports cars, with the Toyota AE86 being the most famous, alongside cars like the Mazda RX-7, Nissan Silvia, and Subaru Impreza.

Herci

Shin-ichiro Miki
Shin-ichiro Miki
Takumi Fujiwara (voice)
Atsushi Abe
Atsushi Abe
Shinji Inui (voice)
Takehito Koyasu
Takehito Koyasu
Ryosuke Takahashi (voice)
Tomokazu Seki
Tomokazu Seki
Keisuke Takahashi (voice)
Hidenobu Kiuchi
Hidenobu Kiuchi
Go Hojo (voice)
Yasuyuki Kase
Yasuyuki Kase
Eiji Kubo (voice)
Yuuka Hirose
Yuuka Hirose
Shinji's Mother (voice)