Initial D First Stage

Nah.. What shingo did by hitting rear bumper of S13 was dirty. 😔😔

The race finale was epic! But the highlight for me was Itsuki's subplot lol. It was both heartbreaking and hilarious! I love how Takumi stayed a loyal friend through the chaos. Such a great fun episode!

I first got into "Initial D" in 2001 during my homestay in Hiroshima. A friend told me that I would love it and was persistent that I would know once the episode actually began. After getting passed a banger of an opening, I was instantly blown away by the use of "Space Boy" by Dave Rodgers. I have been a fan of Eurobeat, largely thanks to Konami's "Para Para Paradise" arcade game, and just hearing this anime featuring Eurobeat as we see the Hachiroku shred Mt. Akina in the opening minutes had me instantly hooked. I was casually into cars prior to "Initial D," but after watching this episode, I wanted to know more about the Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno! I won't disagree that the art style isn't the most appealing along with the CG being out of date, but this is certainly an anime that is more substance than style. As a first episode, it immediately establishes the cast, setting, soundtrack, and themes. It is very technical with how the cars and courses function together, but the performance of the Japanese voice cast does a very job of conveying all of this that sounds convincingly authoritative. This is best expressed through the performance of Takehito Koyasu (also famous as the voice of Dio in recent years) as Ryosuke, the main antagonist. His performance truly shows that Ryosuke is a cold, calculating, and driven (pun intended) street racer. Playing Takumi, the main character, is Shinichiro Miki, also famous as the voice of the Grandpa in "Grandpa and Grandma Are Young Again." He effectively captures Takumi's aloofness and that he's always out of it (which won't be revealed until the following episodes). For longtime fans such as myself, the stain that TokyoPop put on this franchise by changing the names and criminally removing the Eurobeat and theme songs has still discouraged us from wanting to watch it in English in any form. Granted other fans have told me that Funimation's dub is an improvement, but still feel watching it in Japanese is the best.

A tale of an particular Tofu driver :)

love the rain setting for this race

miscommunication trope is so annoying other than that great episode

my favourite episode so far

the soundtrack is dope and im loving the race. Like the relationship between the two girls as well and It is nice to see Takami struggle and improve.

Lets go Takami!

Iketani has become my fav charachter. so Heartbroken for him.

When I discover you can use Eurobeat to race in Cars

Perfectly builds the tension for the ultimate showdown. Bunta’s legendary no-hands drift while lighting a cigarette is easily one of the coolest, most iconic moments in anime history. The Eurobeat is pumping, the stakes are sky-high, and the hype is real.

Episode 5 perfectly builds the hype for Takumi vs. Keisuke. The tension, mountain atmosphere, and anticipation of the showdown keep you hooked, while giving both drivers more depth before one of the most iconic races in the series.

Recommended to watch

Perfectly establishes the series in general, good setting that is down to earth, it's clear on the get go and it doesn't waste it's time. Not as high stakes but it's a pilot so it's understandable.

Love Takumi support in this episode. His buddy thought he bought an AE86 but actually an 85', but Takumi envy him that his buddy could afford his own car rather than borrowing from someone. Can't wait next episode for Takumi to beat the 3 bullies who looked down on 85'

Such a hype when Keisuke push Takumi to accept the race between R32 challenge and with Tachibana's baiting Takumi to not accept the challenge and telling Takumi that most car cannot compete with R32 performance, Takumi decided to accept the challenge because he's eager to see the goodness of everybody glazing R32.

THE FINAL LAP OF THE FIRST STAGE! Ryosuke is built different from the previous opponents, fr. Will Takumi be able to keep up, or is he gonna suffer his first loss? Anything could happen~ This finale is a fantastic finish to this great run of a season!

It’s the Superstar Showdown~ This race has been building up so much, and now it’s finally starting!! The vibes are ultra-tense as Takumi faces a BRUTAL, high-level, analytical opponent in Ryosuke. This is our MC’s toughest trial yet! White Comet vs. Ghost of Akina is ON!!

This ep mostly prepares for the storm that’s coming. The insights into Takumi and Ryosuke are interesting. Bunta’s such a crazy AURA FARMER in this ep. Looks like Takumi’s skills and vibes were hereditary 🤯 The stakes are HIGH and the final race is about to START!