Initial D: First Stage

Season overview

Initial D is a Japanese street racing series that originated as a manga written and illustrated by Shuichi Shigeno. The story was serialized in the magazine Weekly Young Magazine from 1995 to 2013. The television adaptation, titled Initial D: First Stage, premiered in 1998. The narrative centers on Takumi, a young man whose employment as a tofu delivery driver has developed his skills into those of a formidable driver. He operates a vehicle known as the Eight-Six. The plot begins when the RedSuns, a street racing team from Mt. Akagi, arrive to challenge the local SpeedStars team from Mt. Akina to a race. Although the challenge is presented as a friendly competition, the SpeedStars view the event as a matter of pride to avoid humiliation on their home turf. The situation becomes complicated for the SpeedStars when their team leader and primary downhill driver, Iketani, is involved in an accident during a practice run. The series is categorized as animation, action, adventure, and drama. It is officially recognized as a TV-14 production. The source material for the series consists of 48 tankobon volumes collected from the original manga publication.