Initial D anime and manga is a series about street racing that was created by Shuichi Shigeno, a talented Japanese writer and illustrator. This captivating series has been brought to life through anime adaptations produced by well-known studios like OB Studio Comet, Studio Gallop, Pastel, A.C.G.T, and SynergySP.
The anime series was originally licensed for distribution in North America by Tokyopop from 2002 to 2009 for English-speaking audiences. However, Funimation (Crunchyroll) has since taken over the license for the anime series while Kodansha USA acquired the rights to publish the manga in 2019.
The Initial D anime focuses on Takumi Fujiwara's journey to becoming a drift racing legend
Where to watch the Initial D anime
If one is looking to stream the Initial D anime, there are several platforms where they can find this beloved series. One popular choice is Hulu, where fans can dive into the world of street racing and experience Takumi's thrilling adventures.
Individuals can also enjoy the title via Funimation, another streaming platform that provides access to Initial D. They offer both subtitled and dubbed versions of the series so fans can choose the language they prefer to watch the anime in.
Crunchyroll is also worth considering as it's a leading streaming platform for anime content. Viewers can subscribe to the platform to join Takumi on his racing journey and enjoy the exhilarating races firsthand.
Plot overview of the Initial D anime
The story of Initial D centers around Takumi Fujiwara, a high school student who works as a delivery driver for his father's tofu shop. Little do his friends and classmates know that Takumi has developed driving abilities over the years while delivering tofu on dangerous mountain roads.
As Takumi drives along the twisted roads of Mount Akina, he unknowingly discovers his hidden talent for drift racing, earning the admiration and respect of the street racing community. The series explores Takumi's journey as a racer, his encounters with rival drivers, and the challenges he faces while finding a balance between his racing pursuits and his responsibilities at home and school.
With each race, Takumi continuously pushes himself to new limits, honing his skills and establishing himself as a formidable presence in the racing world. The story not only focuses on thrilling races but also delves into the personal relationships and character growth of Takumi and those around him.
The team behind the Initial D anime
Initial D was created by Shuichi Shigeno, a Japanese artist with a deep love for cars and street racing culture. Running from 1995 to 2013, the manga served as the foundation for the anime adaptation. The animated series premiered in 1998 and captivated audiences with its 26 episodes.
What makes the anime truly special is its talented voice actors who bring the characters to life. Takumi Fujiwara, the protagonist, is voiced by Shin'ichirô Miki, while Keisuke 'K.T.' Takahashi is portrayed by Tomokazu Seki.
Final thoughts
Initial D is perfect for those looking for an exciting anime that features high-speed racing and compelling characters. This show has built a strong following over time thanks to its gripping plot, adrenaline-pumping race sequences, and well-crafted characters. The good news is that there are multiple streaming platforms via which fans can enjoy Initial D to the fullest.
Popular platforms like Hulu, Funimation, and Crunchyroll offer complete access to the entire series. Fans can dive into the thrilling world of street racing alongside Takumi Fujiwara and witness his journey towards becoming a drift racing legend.