Initial D

Overview Places & Experiences Collectibles Characters Weapons & Gear Media

Legendary street racing manga and anime series about tofu delivery driver Takumi Fujiwara and his journey in the world of mountain pass racing.

Official Website

Jump to:Story·Impact·Characters·FAQ

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Initial D (頭文字D)

Also Known As

頭文字D, Inisharu D, Initial D First Stage, Project D

Format

Manga/Anime Series

Release Year

1995

Current Status

Complete

Country of Origin

Japan

Region

Japan

Creator

Shuichi Shigeno

Publisher

Kodansha (manga), various (anime)

Original Work

Initial D manga by Shuichi Shigeno

Genre

Racing, Sports, Drama, Coming-of-age, Action

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Initial D.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

Takumi Fujiwara, an 18-year-old high school student, unknowingly becomes a skilled street racer while delivering tofu for his father's business. His natural talent behind the wheel of an aging Toyota AE86 leads him into the underground world of mountain pass racing.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

Gunma Prefecture, Japan - mountain passes including Mount Akina, Mount Usui, Mount Myogi

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Coming of age, passion for racing, friendship, rivalry, self-discovery, dedication and hard work

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Initial D's global influence.

1995

Initial D manga begins serialization in Weekly Young Magazine

1998

First anime season (First Stage) premieres, introduces iconic Eurobeat soundtrack

2001

Third Stage movie released, focusing on Takumi vs Ryosuke

2005

Hong Kong live-action film adaptation released

2012

Fifth Stage anime uses full CGI for cars, modernizing the series

2013

Manga concludes after 18 years of serialization

2014

Final Stage anime completes the story adaptation

Sales

Over 48 million manga copies sold worldwide

Revenue

Hundreds of millions from manga, anime, games, and merchandise

Awards

Kodansha Manga Award nomination, various anime industry recognitions

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Initial D.

Takumi Fujiwara

“I've been driving on this mountain since I was thirteen. Every morning to deliver tofu.”

An 18-year-old high school student who becomes a legendary street racer while delivering tofu for his father's business.View Profile

Keisuke Takahashi

“I'll show you the true power of the FD!”

Talented street racer and member of the Akagi RedSuns, later becomes Takumi's teammate in Project D.View Profile

Ryosuke Takahashi

“Theory is just as important as practice in racing.”

Keisuke's older brother, leader of the Akagi RedSuns and founder of Project D racing team.View Profile

Itsuki Takeuchi

“Takumi, you're amazing! Teach me how to drive like that!”

Takumi's best friend and fellow Akina Speed Stars member, enthusiastic about cars despite limited skill.View Profile

Natsuki Mogi

“Takumi, racing is important to you, isn't it?”

Takumi's girlfriend and classmate who provides emotional support and personal conflict in his life.View Profile

Bunta Fujiwara

“A car is just a tool. The driver makes all the difference.”

Takumi's father and former street racing legend, owner of the tofu shop and secret tuner of the AE86.View Profile

Explore all Initial D characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main plot of Initial D?▼

Initial D follows Takumi Fujiwara, an aloof high schooler who works at a gas station and delivers tofu for his father's shop. Unbeknownst to him, his years of daily deliveries on the treacherous Mount Akina have made him a drift racing prodigy.

What car does Takumi drive?▼

Takumi drives a Toyota Sprinter Trueno GT-APEX (AE86), commonly known as the 'Hachi-Roku' (Eight-Six). Despite being an underpowered, older car, he uses his superior technique to defeat modern sports cars.

What genre is Initial D classified as?▼

It is a Seinen sports manga focused on street racing, drifting, and automotive culture. It blends intense technical racing battles with coming-of-age drama.

What is the significance of the Eurobeat music?▼

The anime adaptation is famous for its 'Super Eurobeat' soundtrack. The high-energy, fast-paced electronic music perfectly syncs with the CGI racing scenes, becoming inseparable from the show's identity.

How many stages/seasons are there in Initial D?▼

The anime is divided into 'Stages': First Stage, Second Stage, Extra Stage (OVAs), Third Stage (Movie), Fourth Stage, Fifth Stage, and Final Stage. There are also Battle Stages (recaps) and Legend movies (remakes).

Who is the creator of Initial D?▼

The series was created by Shuichi Shigeno. It was serialized in Young Magazine from 1995 to 2013.

What are Takumi's signature moves?▼

Takumi is famous for the 'Gutter Run' (hooking his tires into the drainage gutter to fight centrifugal force) and the 'Blind Attack' (turning off his headlights to disappear from the opponent's rearview mirror).

Is Mount Akina a real place?▼

Yes, Mount Akina is based on the real-world Mount Haruna in Gunma Prefecture. The course layout in the anime is nearly identical to the actual roads.

Is there a sequel to Initial D?▼

Yes, 'MF Ghost' is a spiritual successor set in the future of the same universe, where self-driving cars are common and internal combustion engine racing is a niche sport. Takumi appears as a mentor figure.

Why is Initial D so popular?▼

It single-handedly popularized drifting culture globally and turned the Toyota AE86 into a cult classic. Its realistic depiction of automotive physics and driving techniques appeals to car enthusiasts and anime fans alike.

Official & Related Links

Find official resources and trusted references to learn more.

Official Website

Visit Official Site

Twitter

Official Initial D accounts

Youtube

Official anime channels

Instagram

Character and car content

Streaming / Watch

Funimation, Crunchyroll, various regional platforms

Where to Buy

Kodansha manga, anime distributors, merchandise stores

Fan Communities

Initial D World, fan wikis, car enthusiast sites

Characters Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/initial-d/characters

Works Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/initial-d/works

Collectibles Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/initial-d/collectibles

Experiences Page

https://www.enjoyip.com/franchises/initial-d/experiences

Pop Culture Destinations

Filming Locations

IP Navigation