Initial D

TV SERIES 1998 5 SEASONS

Overview

Takumi’s job as a tofu delivery boy has turned him into one of the most formidable drivers around. Behind the wheel of his Eight-Six, he’s one with the road—and his life shifts into high gear when the underground street racing world takes notice. Drivers from across the region are lining up for a shot at the new guy. Takumi’s not just focused on winning—he’s out to prove he’s the best.

This production, originally released in 1998, has captivated audiences with its unique storytelling. As a Scripted series, it brings a fresh perspective to the Animation, Action & Adventure, Drama genre, maintaining a strong viewer rating of 8.0 across its 5 seasons.

Storyline Highlights:
• Explores themes within Animation and Action & Adventure.
• Produced in Japan.
• Original Language: Japanese.

Starring Cast

Shin-ichiro Miki

Takumi Fujiwara (voice)

Atsushi Abe

Shinji Inui (voice)

Takehito Koyasu

Ryosuke Takahashi (voice)

Tomokazu Seki

Keisuke Takahashi (voice)

Hidenobu Kiuchi

Go Hojo (voice)

Yasuyuki Kase

Eiji Kubo (voice)

Yuuka Hirose

Shinji's Mother (voice)

Seasons

Specials

8 Episodes • Aired 2001-03-22

No season overview provided for this season.

First Stage

26 Episodes • Aired 1998-04-18

The story begins when street racers called the RedSuns, a team from Mt. Akagi, come to challenge Mt. Akina's local SpeedStars team to a "friendly" race. After seeing how skilled the RedSuns are, the SpeedStars treat it as a race for pride, determined not to be humiliated on their home turf. However, the SpeedStars are left in a bind when their team leader and primary downhill driver Iketani has an accident during a practice run.

Second Stage

13 Episodes • Aired 1999-10-14

Following his victory over RedSuns leader Ryosuke Takahashi, AE86 driver Takumi Fujiwara is challenged by the Lancer EVO-based "Emperor," a group known for taking decals of racing teams they defeat, cutting them up and placing them on their cars like a fighter plane kill board. Takumi's undefeated streak is on the line as his AE86 is virtually no match against the more powerful and more agile four-wheel-drive EVOs of the Emperor team.

Fourth Stage

24 Episodes • Aired 2004-04-17

Takumi Fujiwara and brothers Keisuke and Ryousuke Takahashi have formed "Project D," a racing team aimed at bringing their driving skills to their full potential outside their prefecture. Using the internet, Project D issues challenges to other racing teams and posts results of their races. Managed by Ryousuke, the team has Takumi engaging in downhill battles with his AE86, while Keisuke challenges opponents uphill. Among their rivals are the Seven-Star Leaf (SSR) and Todo-juku.

Fifth Stage

14 Episodes • Aired 2012-11-04

Still working as part of the Project D driving team, Takumi Fujiwara and Keisuke Takahashi continue to challenge courses and teams in the Kanagawa Prefecture. Meanwhile, a young golf phenom catches Takumi's eye, and Ryosuke Takahashi settles a score from his past.