Watch Initial D: First Stage

Name: Initial D: First Stage
Genre: Anime
Released: April 18, 1998
Cast: Michiko NeyaTomomichi NishimuraShinichiro MikiAyako KawasumiTakehito Koyasu

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

Initial D: First Stage is an anime television series produced by Studio Gallop and co-produced by OB Planning. The show is based on the manga series Initial D by Shuichi Shigeno. The series has a total of 26 episodes which aired from 1998 to 1999. The story revolves around Takumi Fujiwara, a high school student who works at a gas station and develops his driving skills by delivering tofu for his father's shop on treacherous mountain roads in his Toyota AE86. Takumi's driving skills are put to the test when he encounters various street racers in illegal races on the mountain roads, eventually getting him involved in the world of street racing.

The show features a range of characters, each with their own unique personality and driving style. The main character, Takumi, is initially portrayed as an unknowing novice in racing, who must learn to control his car and develop his driving skills. Along the way, he discovers his passion for racing and becomes more confident in his driving abilities. The other characters in the show include Takumi's co-workers at the gas station, his father and his group of racing buddies.

The racing sequences in Initial D: First Stage are intense and fast-paced, with each race showcasing different techniques and strategies used by the characters to outsmart and defeat their opponents. The show also explores the world of professional racing, with Takumi being scouted by a professional racing team and finding himself pitted against some of the best drivers on the circuit.

In addition to the racing, the show also explores the personal lives of the characters, delving into their relationships and their motivations for racing. The characters all have their own personal struggles, whether it be a romantic relationship or a rivalry with another driver, which helps to add depth to their personalities and makes them more relatable to the audience.

The animation style in Initial D: First Stage is unique, with the cars and characters being designed in a somewhat realistic manner. The backgrounds are also well-detailed, showcasing the scenery of the mountain roads and creating a sense of atmosphere and tension during the racing scenes. The soundtrack for the show is also notable, featuring a blend of techno and rock music that helps to create a sense of excitement and danger during the races.

Overall, Initial D: First Stage is a thrilling and engaging show that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The combination of intense racing sequences and well-rounded character development makes for a memorable viewing experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression on fans of the anime genre.

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Seasons

4 2 1 0

24. Act. 24 Endless Challenge

October 18, 2005

The dramatic conclusion between the Eight-Six and S2000 is at hand…or is it? Now that Godhand has gotten serious, how will Takumi compensate into winning, or worse…how will the Eight-Six hold itself together if risky maneuvers are the only way to success?!

23. Act. 23 Endless Battle

October 18, 2005

The battle between Takumi’s Eight-Six and Toshiro’s S2000 has become a battle of the best endurance. Yet Ryosuke suspects that something isn’t right about the battle, rather he finds out late on what has just happened. Now that the battle has stretched for far too long, Godhand gets serious and shows off his true driving skills when he is at the peak of his full potential.

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

October 17, 2005

As the battle between the super powered cars of the hillclimb has ended, Takumiâ€™s battle is another story. Takumi realizes that his opponent has the same frightening aura that the Impreza driver had, making his battle with Godhand more difficult. This time, itâ€™s streetracing skills against another form of streetracing skills.

21. Act. 21 Dogfight

October 17, 2005

The battle between the FD and GT-R continues, however the real battle has just begun. Now, Hoshino demonstrates his unique driving skills that people call the impossible earning him the name Godfoot. This makes Keisuke’s true racing abilities appear when it’s pushed beyond his limits as both drivers begin to drive recklessly forcing the battle to be settled in more than just one battle.

20. Act. 20 Transcendant GT-R

October 15, 2005

Keisuke agrees to Hoshino’s request in making the uphill battle rule different, until Ryosuke tells him that this is in favor of the FD. This makes Keisuke feel a lot of pressure concerning Hoshino’s true intentions, as the battle between his newly modified FD is put to it’s first test against Godfoot’s newly purchased next generation GT-R34.

19. Act. 19 God Foot and God Hand

October 15, 2005

Now that Project D is now recognized as streetracers worthy of competing against high levels, they have to venture out much farther to meet greater rivals in the streets. Purple Shadow, a legendary pair of streetracers in Ibaraki prefecture have come back out of retirement to prove that they can still hold the title of not just kings, but Gods of the streets.

18. Act. 18 Last Drive

April 20, 2005

While his FD is in the shop being upgraded, Keisuke and Kyoko go out on a date. Afterwords, Keisuke testdrives his FD, as his acceleration skills has finally paid off in unleashing this new vehicleâ€™s monstrous power

17. Act. 17 Saitama Area's Final Battle

April 20, 2005

Ryosuke Takahashi the founder and leader of the RedSuns is about to do what he never had to do before. He will drive with everything he has against the Eighty - Six showing that there is a huge gap between talent and skill. Will Takumi be able to defend against the analytical brother with more experiance in driving than most Pros.

16. Act. 16 The Hated Hill Climb

April 18, 2005

The loss to the Eighty -six of Akina has started a fierce battle. Takeshi Nakazato of the NightKids has challenged Keisuke Takahashi ofthe RedSuns to prove that they are the most skilled racers of Gunma.

15. Act. 15 4WD Complex

April 18, 2005

Takumi continues to struggle between the difference of his Eight-Six and the Impreza’s awesome 4WD capabilities. Surprisingly, he gets a tip in starting to solve this problem from an unexpected ex-rival. Now Project D has come to meet with their next opponents, a pair of Lan Evos. However a deadly trap that will turn the tides has been set against them. This puts the practise on a risky hold.

14. Act. 14 The Pitiful Lonely Driver

April 16, 2005

Takumi wakes up for his usual Tofu delivery when he recognizes the sight of the Impreza in front of him. Suddenly, everything he knows about his Eight-Six begins to collapse. Elsewhere, Itsuki is out on a date with Kasumi, but he might be going too far with his date when there is more to the story.

13. Act. 13 Motivation

April 16, 2005

The rain continues to pour down towards the next battle where Keisuke’s FD competes against Wataru’s newly upgraded Eight-Six. Instead, it only gets far more intense and time consuming if it keeps raining harder and harder.

12. Act. 12 Mt. Kattou's Straightaway

February 19, 2005

The downhill rain battle continues between Takumi's 86 and the Cappucino. Fujiwara tries to do a counter attack because he misunderstood what Ryosuke told him. The second time Takumi tried to counterattack, he makes a mistake and puts a gap between himself and his opponent. As they come closer to the finish line, Takumi begins to wonder whether or not he should beat his opponent in the straightaway, eventhough he lost in the corners. When Sakamoto tried to block Takumi from passing him, Takumi instinctively uses the blind attack winning him the race. He also almost runs over his friends on the road since his headlights were off and they could not see him. Everyone was shocked the race was over in the first round. Now the second battle in the rain takes place between Wataru Ikiyama and his 86, and Keisuke Takahashi and his FD.

11. Act. 11 Downhill Battle in the Rain

February 19, 2005

The downhill race between the 86 and the Cappucino starts, and everyone is talking about how much advantage the Cappucino has over the 86. But that advantage is lessen by the rain because the burden of the race shifts from the car to the driver's skills. Iketani, Kenji, and Itsuki goes to watch Takumi's race. Ryosuke gives Takumi some advice in beating his opponent, but he didn't give it clearly because he wants Takumi's skills to grow by figuring it out. This episode ends when Takumi's 86 catches up to the Cappucino by turning early so he spends more time stepping on the accelerator.

10. Act. 10 Saitama Area Ultimate Weapon

December 19, 2004

Nobuhiko has devised a new devilish Eight-Six destroyer at the sight of the Cappuchino, and with the addition of a rally racer named Sakamoto, the chance of success for Saitama Grand United is close to 100%. The next battle Project D will face is going to be in another new level, as chances of a rainy night is taken to notice.

9. Act. 9 Kyoko's Confession

December 18, 2004

Kyoko couldn't bring to tell her newly found Prince about how she feels about him. Meanwhile Nobuhiko is chasing after the Eight-Six with his Altezza only to behold the shocking driving techniques Project D's downhill ace can perform.

8. Act. 8 Fates FD Battle

October 16, 2004

With two prefectures of Project D completed, they move on towards the prefecture of Saitama, only to discover the difference of the roads compared to Kantoâ€™s Gunma and Tochigi counterparts. This time, Keisuke will have to work on his acceleration techniques. However, there seems to be an unexpected twist, as his opponent also drives an FD, and happens to be a girl.

7. Act. 7 The Stormy 85 Turbo

October 16, 2004

A New nightmarish opponent arrives on Mt. Akina challenging Takumi in a downhill battle. Also, Itsuki gets a new upgrade for his Eight-Five as it is demonstrated on the downhill.

6. Act. 6 Blind Attack

August 21, 2004

Act 6 is completely the race between The 86 and The Toudou School Demo Civic EK9 unlike the last two battles in this one the racers start off side by side with the 86 taking the lead into the first corner but Takumi's lead would be short lived has Tachi passes him rather easily at least so it seems to the untrained eye but we learn that Tachi used a technique called the disappearing line that when used properly even pro racers can't avoid getting passed.After the race proceeds past the half way maker Takumi finds a way to adapt the technique used by Tachi by turning off his headlights coming out of a corner and then pulling ahead by taking the unblocked line but even after he uses this trick he gets passed once more when Tachi taps the rear of The 86 making Takumi loose his rhythm for a second.After being passed the second time Takumi decides that if he is to stand a chance at winning he must use his ""Blind Attack"" again , at the last turn before the home stretch Tachi not knowing wher

5. Act. 5 The Starting Line to Victory

August 21, 2004

Act 5 begins with a few short scene's first it's Takumi chatting with Iketani and Itsuke at the gas station followed by Director Toudou giving some advice to a former student and professional racer Tomoyuki Tachi telling him that he feels that he should participate in a street race to help him get out of a slump he is in and after that we have Takumi sitting at home waiting for Bunta to arrive who has taken the 86 for a little spin upon seeing how well tuned the 86 is Bunta feels that there is no more fun left for him in the tuning the 86 any longer and thus informs Takumi that he is thinking about purchasing a new car for himself!. Keisuke and Ryosuke are at home when we learn that a challenge has been made from the Toudou Racing School for a re-match against Project D and on top of that Ryosuke is informed that the driver is a professional by The Emperor's Koyichi Sudo who is also a Toudou School alumni upon hearing this news Keisuke feels that he should be the one how races on behal

4. Act. 4 The Two Pieces of Advice

June 19, 2004

Act 4 is completely the race between Takumi and Daiki once again it is in the leader/chaser style with Daiki choosing to be out in front for the first heat.Has the race progresses we learn just what the two pieces of advice Ryosuke gave Takumi in Act 3 were. First "don't look back" - Secondly rev limiting he told Takumi to shift gears at 9000 RPM and not the normal 11,000. The downhill battle seemed to be a bit of a surprise to both racers on Daiki's part it was just how fast both the 86 and Takumi were and on Takumi's side it seemed to be just how much Daiki was able to push him to the edge of his ability's. Has for the race itself the first heat failed to resolve anything with Daiki failing to pass Takumi and in Takumi failing to put any distance between the two of them has for the second heat with Daiki in lead now Takumi was able to end the race when he passed Daiki while using the 86 to it's full potential.

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

June 19, 2004

Act 3 starts off with Takumi driving on Akina after finishing his tofu deliveries upon returning home Takumi informs his father that he will be doing the deliveries for the next few days due to the fact that the team will be having another away match this week their next targets are a team called The Toudou Racing School A special school for driving techniques run by a car shop owner and ex-rally driver.The opponents are Daiki with his Honda Civic EK-9 on the downhill and Sakai with his Honda Integra DC2 Type R on the uphill.This whole episode is just everyone preparing for the up coming battles and ends with Ryosuke giving Takumi a little bit of advice for his race.

2. Act. 2 Full Speed! Downhill Battle

April 17, 2004

Act 2 is mostly the downhill battle featuring Takumi VS Tohru.The race between the AE86 and the Miata is a very close one with Tohru's Miata leading in a leader/chaser style battle that is at least until Takumi finds a way to take a extreme inside line over the open mountain gutters leading him to victory and leading Tohru into trying to go over the gutters himself only to end up crashing and thus handing victory over to Project D.

1. Act. 1 Project D

April 17, 2004

The long awaited 4th stage finally arrives and in it we learn that Ryosuke Takahashi has formed his new racing team "Project D" consisting of his hand picked Double Aces his brother Keisuke Takahashi with his Mazda RX-7 FD3S and of course Takumi Fujiwara with his Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno. In Act 1 we learn that Project D has been undefeated so far into there campaign to become the greatest team in japan not only that but they have also been setting record times wherever they go. They're opponents for the first two act's are a team called The Seven-Star Leaf and that they will have to deal with a Mazda Miata NA6C on the downhill and a Nissan Skyline ER34 on the uphill.

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