Initial D
Legendary street racing manga and anime series about tofu delivery driver Takumi Fujiwara and his journey in the world of mountain pass racing.
Category
Anime/Manga
Release Year
1995
Origin
Japan
Tags
racingcarssportscoming-of-agedriftstreet racing
Detailed Overview Information
Basic Information
Full Name
Initial D (鬆ｭ譁・ｭ優)
Aliases
鬆ｭ譁・ｭ優, Inisharu D, First Stage, Project D
Type
Manga/Anime Series
Release Year
1995
Status
Complete
Origin
Japan
Region
Japan
Creation Information
Creator
Shuichi Shigeno
Publisher
Kodansha (manga), various (anime)
Original Work
Initial D manga by Shuichi Shigeno
Genre
Racing, Sports, Drama, Coming-of-age, Action
Content Information
Synopsis
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.
Main Characters
Takumi Fujiwara, Keisuke Takahashi, Ryosuke Takahashi, Itsuki Takeuchi, Natsuki Mogi, Bunta Fujiwara
Setting
Gunma Prefecture, Japan - mountain passes including Mount Akina, Mount Usui, Mount Myogi
Themes
Coming of age, passion for racing, friendship, rivalry, self-discovery, dedication and hard work
Target Audience
Young adults, car enthusiasts, racing fans, anime/manga readers
Characters
Takumi Fujiwara
Main Protagonist/Street Racer
An 18-year-old high school student who becomes a legendary street racer while delivering tofu for hi...
Main Protagonist/Street Racer
Keisuke Takahashi
Rival/Teammate/Racing ProdigyAkagi RedSuns, Project DMale20
Talented street racer and member of the Akagi RedSuns, later becomes Takumi's teammate in Project D.
Abilities: Advanced racing techniques, Mazda RX-7 mastery, Competitive spirit...
Quotes:
"I'll show you the true power of the FD!"
""I am Keisuke Takahashi.""
"Racing isn't just about speed, it's about heart."
character
Team Emperor
Rival Racing TeamTeam EmperorMixed
Elite racing team from Irohazaka known for their Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions and aggressive tactics.
Abilities: Advanced racing techniques, Team coordination, Evo mastery...
Quotes:
"We are the Emperor. We don't lose."
""I am Team Emperor.""
"Teamwork is everything in racing."
character
Kyoichi Sudo
Emperor Leader/RivalTeam EmperorMale20s
Leader of Team Emperor and skilled Mitsubishi Evo driver who challenges Project D's dominance.
Abilities: Evo mastery, Leadership skills, Strategic thinking...
Quotes:
"Amateur racers can never defeat professionals like us."
""I am Kyoichi Sudo.""
"Discipline and training beat natural talent."
character
Natsuki Mogi
Love Interest/SupportCivilianFemale
Takumi's girlfriend and classmate who provides emotional support and personal conflict in his life.
Abilities: Emotional support, Personal relationships, Understanding...
Quotes:
"Takumi, racing is important to you, isn't it?"
""I am Natsuki Mogi.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Koichiro Iketani
Team Leader/MentorAkina Speed StarsMale
Leader of the Akina Speed Stars and Takumi's senior, passionate about cars and racing culture.
Abilities: Team leadership, Car knowledge, Racing passion...
Quotes:
"The AE86 is a legend among sports cars!"
""I am Koichiro Iketani.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Kenta Nakamura
Team Member/Technical SupportAkina Speed StarsMale
Member of the Akina Speed Stars, car enthusiast who provides technical knowledge and team support.
Abilities: Technical knowledge, Car maintenance, Team support...
Quotes:
"The technical aspects of racing are just as important as driving skill."
""I am Kenta Nakamura.""
""Every journey begins with a single step.""
character
Media Forms
Comics
Original manga series (48 volumes, 1995-2013)
Animated Series
Multiple anime seasons: First Stage (1998), Second Stage (1999), Third Stage (2001), Fourth Stage (2004-2006), Fifth Stage (2012-2013), Final Stage (2014)
Live Action Films
Initial D (2005) Hong Kong live-action film starring Jay Chou
Video Games
Arcade games, PlayStation games, mobile games, racing simulators
Merchandise
Die-cast cars, model kits, clothing, accessories, soundtracks
Digital Content
Streaming anime, digital manga, mobile apps, online games
Live Events
Car shows, racing events, fan gatherings, mountain pass tours
Commercial Information
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
Critical Reception
Highly praised for realistic racing depictions and character development
Cultural Impact
Revolutionized car culture in Japan and globally, popularized drift racing and AE86
Market Value
One of the most valuable racing-themed franchises in anime/manga
Licensing
Extensive global licensing for games, merchandise, and adaptations
Fan Culture
Fanbase
Global community of car enthusiasts, anime fans, racing gamers, drift culture participants
Communities
Car clubs, online forums, social media groups, racing communities
Events
Touge racing events, car meets, anime conventions, mountain pass tours
Quotes
Cool vibrations, Gutter run, The fastest driver on Mount Akina
Memes
Eurobeat intensifies, AE86 vs supercars, Takumi's sleepy driving, Bunta's cigarette
Fan Art
Car illustrations, character art, racing scene recreations, custom liveries
Fan Projects
Real-life AE86 builds, racing videos, tribute songs, fan animations
Collectibles
Tomica die-cast cars, Kyosho models, racing memorabilia, soundtrack CDs
Historical Development
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
Related Links
www.enjoyip.com