Initial D: First Stage

Initial D(1998 - 2014), an anime TV series about street racing, originated from the manga from the same title, is about a boy named Takumi Fujiwara who initially was an everyday tofu delivery driver for his father. He finds himself on unexpected turns(pun intended) and journey to become the best street racer after being introduced to the world of underground racing through his early morning deliveries. The series consisted of six main seasons (called "stages") of Takumi's journeys, and each stage has their own core storyline. For the first stage, it's about how Takumi became a street racer while also showing his life as a high school boy, the second stage focuses more on the races, his racing skill improvements, and some intense drama. The third stage takes a unique approach, from being a TV series season to a movie. This stage is the stage that determines Takumi's future to the world of racing. The fourth, fifth and the final stage are about finding the purpose behind the Takumi's team, and eventually ending the series. For the first few stages, the animation and 3D models for cars are not as good, understandably being produced in the nineties. Despite that, the races still feel exciting and heart-grabbing every time. But the changes in art style throughout the stages may throw some people off. Some of the characters got their looks changed from the first stage into the second stage, for example Takahashi Keisuke, a friendly rival of Takumi. But one of the most praised elements of the series has got to be the soundtrack. Since the first stage, Initial D's Eurobeat has delivered a more thrilling experience to the races. Eurobeat is characterized by its rapid tempos and catchy rhythms, and acts as the perfect counterpart to the races that take place on the mountains. The engine sounds and background noises are well-made as well. The silent night in the mountains with some animal noises, broken by the roar of car engines screaming. And these engine sounds were particularly impressive because of their accuracy that closely resembles the cars used in the show. The anime isn't all about cars and racing either, in five main stages, we get to see Takumi bonding with other characters whether they be former rivals or friends. Despite his shy personality, he got a lot of friends because of his humbleness and skills. There were also romances and heartbreaks in the series, which creates stronger character backgrounds and passion behind the wheel. In conclusion, Initial D is one of, if not, the best racing anime there ever is and ever will. Initial D is not just about mindless racing. It's about the passion to cars, friendship, heartbreaks, fails, successes and being the best. The Eurobeat soundtrack enhances the thrill in every race. Along with the nostalgic, retro art in the early stages, to the sharp, crisp, and beautiful animation in the last stages. It's a great anime for watchers who want good stories, but even greater for the gearheads.

In the Anime, 17 year old Takumi Fujiwara has to race against 6 opponents. Akina is where it happens. I started watching the anime in 9th grade. 2 episodes a month. 26 episodes. I like The story, the epic races, the incredibly well made arcade games (which I have one of them on the PSP), the use of eurobeat, etc. Most eurobeat (including Seventies) is not tied to Initial D, if you didn't know. But this is the BEST ANIME EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rage your "D" ream! There are inconsistencies in the animations of the characters but regardless the show is a classic & not giving it the stars it deserves would be wrong. I definitely learned a few things from this show & although I'm not a huge automobile enthusiast, I still enjoyed the show. One of the few animes that I actually enjoyed.

It's the story of a high school student, Takumi Fujiwara who works as a delivery boy in his father's Tofu Shop. Every morning he makes his deliveries, in his father's Ae86 ( Toyota Corolla ) passing through Mt. Akina's full of hairpins track. In the process of making his deliveries, he becomes a skilled driver and Mt. Akina his turf. Those who see him call him the ghost of Akina. When racers from other regions make an expedition to Mt. Akina, they come to know about this ghost. The Racers start to challenge Takumi and how he deals with each challenge and in the process becomes a legend is what Initial D is about. Visuals/Graphics: 10/10 Apart from the races it's just like what you'd expect an anime to be. The races have been done in 3D which really adds to the thrill. With each and every season the graphics have gotten better, stage Four being the best. Story: 9/10 The story is simply about the journey of Takumi from an ordinary High school kid to a legendary street racer and how he meets other racers who help him achieve it in the process. Screenplay: 9/10 There are a few flashbacks but apart from that the anime proceeds in one direction only. Nothing unnecessary has been done, making it an easy to watch experience. Initial D is a must watch, even if you're not an anime freak. You don't have to be ! It's much better than the Fast 'n Furious movie series, where they pull off stunts defying the laws of physics. This anime actually bothers to explain how the machines are working. Trust me, if you watch this you wouldn't be disappointed. The best thing is it has also been dubbed in English so you won't have to stress reading subtitles. Overall: It's a 10/10. Watch it !

It's feels just like the Fast and the Furious movies, it's an Anime Fast and the Furious, and Initial D compared to the Fast and the Furious, it's fun for All Ages.

Yes it is an anime with a lot of cars in it BUT don't get fooled by that (especially if you are a person who doesn't care much about cars, drives Vauxhall or likes) and give this anime a try. If you watched Death Note, Shingeki no Kyojin, Psycho Pass, Silver Spoon and other anime like them you will probably like Initial D. Only connection with before mentioned anime is originality, and that should be enough to give it a try. Initial D has funny, interesting and original storyline with specific soundtrack that will change your perspective on cars, and make you wanna own some of the cars that are shown in the series. Also series are full of interesting trivia. Most valuable thing about Initial D is that petrol-heads will love it, but it is not exclusive for them, so they can share and watch it with non petrol-heads friends :D Negative side, part of the animation that is in "3D" p.s. Just in case you are in dilemma: don't watch English dubbed version, watch original in Japanese language

I started this series years ago with my brothers and I mean all of them. My oldest brother would come by the house every time a new DVD would be available. We all started this show like right when it hit the American market. So glad we did!! I remember waiting in sun coast videos waiting for my pre order when these dropped. The story is great, at the character are interesting and the story evolves. Any anime fan should give this a chance if you haven't yet. It is definitely worth a watch and you will rewatch it so many times as well.

I know it was the late 90s and the early days of CGI but my god, it just looked literally terrible . The cars looked like hot wheels toys on drugs rather then them looking like real 90s cars! I would've continued on watching more of the anime without hesitation, if the animation wasn't so distasteful and blinding enough. Instead of watching the whole anime, I played all of its pumped up music on YouTube and had them on full blast! Man they were effing lit, I LOVE listening to them! I want to give a shoutout to the great Bongo Cat meme for playing "Deja Vu" and made me watch this classic anime! Even if I'm not fan of it, I'm glad to give it a try regardless!