Watch Initial D

Name: Initial D
Genre: Anime
Released: 1998-04-18
Cast: Michiko NeyaTomomichi NishimuraShinichiro MikiAyako KawasumiTakehito Koyasu

TV-PG
1998
4 Seasons
8.5 (4,366)

Initial D is an exciting anime series that revolves around the protagonist, Takumi Fujiwara (voiced by Shinichiro Miki), a high school student who delivers tofu for his father's business using his father's old Toyota AE86. Little does he know that his skills behind the wheel are highly coveted by local street racing gangs.

The show, first aired in 1998 on the Fuji TV network, was based on a manga series by Shuichi Shigeno that had begun in 1995. The anime series was directed by Noriyuki Abe and produced by Studio Comet.

Takumi's expertise in driving is due to his job, as he must navigate the mountain roads of his hometown, which leads him to become the ultimate 'drift racer'. The protagonist is a reluctant hero who becomes embroiled in a world of street racing, pitting his skills against some of the best drivers on the road.

Takumi's friends, including Itsuki Tachibana (voiced by Kazuki Yao) and Iketani (voiced by Tomokazu Seki), initially come along for the ride, but soon become involved in the action too. Alongside the protagonist and his friends, there are various other drivers who will stop at nothing to take Takumi down.

The show is animated in a style typical of late 1990s anime, with striking colors and dramatic angles. The action sequences are fast-paced, with adrenaline-fueled races and tense scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

The soundtrack of the series is also notable, with a combination of techno and rock that provides an immersive atmosphere throughout each episode. The background score also fits well within each moment, augmenting the emotional connection with the events on screen.

Despite being over 20 years old, Initial D still holds up well, with its high stakes racing, engaging characters, and a compelling storyline that keeps viewers coming back for more. It has spawned multiple sequel series, games, and even a live-action movie, which only shows the vast fanbase that the show has garnered over the years.

Overall, Initial D is an intense, thrilling series that showcases the art of drifting and street racing. It takes viewers into a world that is highly competitive and often dangerous, and yet is impossible to resist. The characters are relatable, the animation is top-notch, and the emotional connections with the events on screen will keep you coming back for more. Whether a fan of car culture or not, Initial D is a must-watch for anyone looking for an adrenaline-fueled spectacle mixed with a coming-of-age story.

In conclusion, Initial D is a classic anime series that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its thrilling races and relatable characters.

Initial D is a series that ran for 4 seasons (101 episodes) between April 18, 1998 and on Fuji TV

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Seasons

4 3 2 1

24. Act. 24 Endless Challenge

October 18, 2005

Takumi and God Arm speed toward the finish line. After the race ends, the rising star looks to the legend for a lesson in technique - and Project D looks into the future where new challengers wait for their shot.

23. Act. 23 Endless Battle

October 18, 2005

Takumi's greatest strength is his greatest weakness in the match with God Arm. The race has become an endurance test, and both drivers are wearing thin. Something's got to give - and soon.

22. Act. 22 The Magic of the One Hand Steer

October 17, 2005

God Arm's unexpected moves and legendary steering skills have Project D's downhill ace feeling the pressure - and it doesn't help that Takumi's mind keeps drifting back to the Impreza.

21. Act. 21 Dogfight

October 17, 2005

God Foot executes the type of improbable moves that helped him earn his nickname. Unfortunately for the legend, Keisuke thrives when he's pushed to extremes. The race continues - but the battle is just beginning.

20. Act. 20 Transcendant GT-R

October 15, 2005

Keisuke climbs behind the wheel of his newly modified FD to take on the legendary God Foot's GT-R! The race will be tougher - and longer - than normal. Luckily, Ryosuke's got a plan.

19. Act. 19 God Foot and God Hand

October 15, 2005

Project D's next match is against a pair of legendary racers. The veteran drivers of Purple Shadow may be a lot older than Takumi's crew, but they aren't rusty. In fact, their skills are as sharp as polished blades.

18. Act. 18 Last Drive

April 20, 2005

Kyoko is delighted to spend a day with Keisuke while his car's in the shop. She likes him more than ever, but with his skills growing, Keisuke's never been more focused on driving.

17. Act. 17 Saitama Area's Final Battle

April 20, 2005

The Lan EVO drivers have proven to be Project D's shadiest opponents yet. They've already shown their willingness to cheat - and now they've threatened Takumi's team with physical violence.

16. Act. 16 The Hated Hill Climb

April 18, 2005

The damage to Keisuke's car might prevent him from driving in the uphill race. Just as it looks like he's out of options, Kyoko arrives on the scene in her FD.

15. Act. 15 4WD Complex

April 18, 2005

Takumi continues wrestling with the differences in his Eight-Six and the Impreza. Later, when Keisuke falls prey to a trap set by Project D's next opponents, the upcoming race could be over before it begins.

14. Act. 14 The Pitiful Lonely Driver

April 16, 2005

After driving the Impreza, Takumi begins to question his abilities behind the wheel of the Eight-Six. Itsuki's got his own emotional turmoil after a date with Kasumi takes an unexpected turn.

13. Act. 13 Motivation

April 16, 2005

Keisuke and Wataru's grueling race continues in the pouring rain. Meanwhile, the Cappuccino driver picks Takumi's brain, trying to better understand his amazing abilities behind the wheel.

12. Act. 12 Mt. Kattou's Straightaway

February 19, 2005

Takumi is locked in the toughest race of his career! With Ryosuke's odd advice echoing in his mind, and the Cappuccino still leading, his decision in the last straightaway will be the difference in victory or defeat.

11. Act. 11 Downhill Battle in the Rain

February 19, 2005

Takumi struggles to keep up with the Northern Saitama Alliance's Cappuccino. As the rain soaks the course, both teams find their confidence wavering - it seems the race could go either way.

10. Act. 10 Saitama Area Ultimate Weapon

December 19, 2004

Project D might be in trouble. The leader of the Northern Saitama Alliance has recruited a bold new driver to face Takumi. Ryosuke knows victory isn't a sure thing, and as the race begins, so does a heavy rain.

9. Act. 9 Kyoko's Confession

December 18, 2004

Hoping to keep up with Takumi's growth as a racer, Keisuke's spending most of his spare time driving. He's not interested in distractions - and that could spell heartbreak for Kyoko.

8. Act. 8 Fates FD Battle

October 16, 2004

Keisuke meets a girl named Kyoko, who happens to be a fellow FD driver. Their first encounter is pleasant and leaves her weak in the knees. Their second encounter is a race on her turf.

7. Act. 7 The Stormy 85 Turbo

October 16, 2004

New challenges are popping up on Akina: Takumi is shocked when an unfamiliar car passes him with ease, and Iketani takes on a cocky circuit driver from Tokyo.

6. Act. 6 Blind Attack

August 21, 2004

The Toudou School's driver knows all about exploiting a challenger's blind spot. If Takumi hopes to win, he'll have to find a way to leave his opponent in the dark.

5. Act. 5 The Starting Line to Victory

August 21, 2004

The Toudou School brings in a professional driver to face Project D in a rematch. With reputations on the line, Ryosuke must decide who will represent the team.

4. Act. 4 The Two Pieces of Advice

June 19, 2004

The Toudou School's driver could be the toughest Takumi's ever faced. If Project D is to claim victory, Takumi would be wise to listen to Ryosuke's advice.

3. Act. 3 The Top Gun of the Todo School

June 19, 2004

The guys of Project D are great at keeping their cool, but the pressure can't be denied as they prepare to face their next opponents - the students of the Toudou Racing School.

2. Act. 2 Full Speed! Downhill Battle

April 17, 2004

Tohru's promised to quit racing forever if he loses his next match. The course is dangerous, and with Project D's downhill specialist on his tail, one wrong move could spell disaster.

1. Act. 1 Project D

April 17, 2004

Project D's reputation is growing with every race. The team's next match pits Takumi against a downhill racer with technique very similar to his own.

Description

Where to Watch Initial D

Initial D is available for streaming on the Fuji TV website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Initial D on demand at Apple TV.