Initial D Explained

is a Japanese street racing manga series written and illustrated by Shuichi Shigeno. It was serialized in Kodansha's manga magazine Weekly Young Magazine from 1995 to 2013, with the chapters collected into 48 volumes. The story focuses on the world of illegal Japanese street racing, where all the action is concentrated in the mountain passes and rarely in cities or urban areas, and with the drifting racing style emphasized in particular. Professional race car driver and pioneer of drifting Keiichi Tsuchiya helped with editorial supervision. The story is centered on the prefecture of Gunma, more specifically on several mountains in the Kantō region and in their surrounding cities and towns. Although some of the names of the locations the characters race in have been fictionalized, all of the locations in the series are based on actual locations in Japan.

Initial D was adapted into an anime franchise which includes six main installments (five series and one feature film) labeled as Stages: First Stage (animated by Studio Comet and Studio Gallop) ran in 1998; Second Stage (animated by Pastel) ran from 1999 to 2000; Third Stage (feature film animated by Studio Deen) premiered in 2001; Fourth Stage (animated by A.C.G.T) ran from 2004 to 2006; Fifth Stage (animated by SynergySP) ran from 2012 to 2013; and Final Stage (animated by SynergySP) ran in 2014. An anime film trilogy retelling the beginning of the manga, New Initial D the Movie, animated by Sanzigen and Liden Films, was released from 2014 to 2016. A live action film by Avex and Media Asia was released in 2005. Several video games based on the series have also been released.

Both the manga and anime series were initially licensed for English-language distribution in North America by Tokyopop; the anime series later acquired by Funimation (later Crunchyroll), while the manga was re-licensed by Kodansha USA.

By April 2021, Initial D had over 55 million copies in circulation, making it one of the best-selling manga series in history.

Plot

Takumi Fujiwara is a high school student working part-time at a gas station in Gunma Prefecture alongside his friend Itsuki Takeuchi and their supervisor, Koichiro Iketani, leader of the local Akina Speed Stars racing team. Unbeknownst to them, Takumi has spent years honing his driving skills while making early morning tofu deliveries for his father Bunta in their aging Toyota Sprinter Trueno (AE86).

The racing scene in Gunma is disrupted when the Red Suns, a formidable team from Mount Akagi led by Ryosuke Takahashi, challenge the Speed Stars to a downhill race on Mount Akina. After witnessing the Red Suns' superior performance, the Speed Stars grow demoralized. Later that night, Keisuke Takahashi, the team's second-in-command driving a high-powered Mazda RX-7, is unexpectedly defeated by a mysterious Sprinter Trueno. Investigations point to Bunta as the driver, but when Iketani crashes during practice and begs for his help, Bunta declines before secretly arranging for Takumi to race in his place. Utilizing an unorthodox "gutter run" technique—placing the car's wheels in the road's drainage channels to maintain speed through hairpin corners—Takumi soundly defeats Keisuke.

The victory establishes Takumi as the "Legendary Eight-Six of Akina", attracting challengers from across the region. Though initially indifferent, Takumi gradually develops a passion for racing. His skills are tested when he faces the Emperors, a team specializing in Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions. Outmatched by their superior machinery, Takumi loses to their leader, Kyoichi Sudo, and blows his engine in the process. The Red Suns intervene, defeating the Emperors and preserving Gunma's racing reputation. Bunta replaces the AE86's engine, and with guidance from friends, Takumi refines his technique. He later graduates from high school but continues racing, defeating rivals such as Wataru Akiyama in a Toyota Levin and avenging his loss against Kyoichi on the latter's home course, the Nikko Irohazaka. He also overcomes the son of Bunta's old rival, who drives a Toyota MR2 (SW20). A personal crisis arises when his girlfriend Natsuki Mogi is kidnapped, leading to a dramatic rescue at Lake Akina during winter, though their relationship eventually ends amicably.

Seeking greater challenges, Takumi joins Project D, an expeditionary racing team founded by Ryosuke and Keisuke Takahashi, aiming to prove himself as the fastest driver in Japan. The team faces numerous opponents, including skilled racers from Todo Racing School, the Northern Saitama Alliance, and the underhanded Tsuchisaka Lancer Evolution team. During this time, Takumi is humbled when his father, driving a Subaru Impreza WRX STI, defeats him, forcing him to adapt to four-wheel-drive dynamics. He also develops a relationship with Mika Uehara, while Ryosuke confronts a bitter rival tied to a past tragedy.

Project D's campaign culminates in a climactic race against Shinji Inui of Team Sidewinder. Despite blowing his engine mid-race, Takumi coasts backward across the finish line to secure victory. He retires the AE86 from competition, opting to restore it gradually. Ryosuke disbands Project D, revealing the meaning behind its name and shifting focus to mentoring new drivers. Keisuke pursues professional racing, while Takumi resumes tofu deliveries in his father's Subaru.

Years later, Takumi transitions to rally racing, eventually becoming a world champion; this would lead to the events of MF Ghost, another series by Shigeno.

Media

Manga

Written and illustrated by Shuichi Shigeno, Initial D was serialized for eighteen years by Kodansha in the manga magazine Weekly Young Magazine, starting on the July 17, 1995 issue, and concluded on July 29, 2013.^{[1] [2]} Kodansha collected its 719 individual chapters in forty-eight volumes, released from November 6, 1995,^[3] to November 6, 2013.^[4]

In North America, the manga was licensed for English release by Tokyopop (along with the anime series) in 2001.^{[5] [6]} The company changed the names of the characters in the anime edition, and subsequently changed them in the manga to match. These name changes matched the name changes that Sega implemented into the Western releases of the Initial D Arcade Stage video games. Tokyopop also censored the brief scenes of nudity from the original manga. In addition, "street slang" was interlaced in translations.^[7] The company released thirty-three volumes from May 21, 2002,^[8] to January 13, 2009,^[9] before they announced in August 2009 that their manga licensing contracts with Kodansha had expired.^[10] In April 2019, ComiXology and Kodansha USA announced that they had released volumes 1 to 38 digitally, while volumes 39 to 48 were released in July of the same year.^{[11] [12]} In August 2023, Kodansha USA announced that they would be re-releasing the manga in an omnibus format with new translation and lettering beginning in 2024.^[13] The first volume was released on March 19, 2024; it has three cover variants: a new cover made by Kodansha USA, a Crunchyroll and direct market exclusive variant, and a Kinokuniya Books variant.^[14] As of December 2, 2025, eight volumes have been released.^[15]

Anime

The first anime television series adaptation of Initial D (referred to retroactively as Initial D First Stage) was produced by and Avex Entertainment and animated by Studio Gallop and Studio Comet.^{[16] [17] [18]} It was broadcast for 26 episodes on Fuji TV from April 19 to December 6, 1998.^[19]

A second series, Initial D Second Stage, animated by Pastel, was broadcast for 13 episodes on Fuji TV from October 15, 1999, to January 21, 2000.^{[20] [21]} A two-episode original video animation (OVA), Initial D Extra Stage, was released by Avex on November 10, 2000.^{[22] [23]}

A 104-minute anime film, Initial D Third Stage, animated by Studio Deen and distributed by Toei Company, premiered on January 13, 2001.^{[24] [25]} A compilation of the 17 races featured across the first three Stage series, Initial D Battle Stage, was released by Avex on May 15, 2002;^[26] mainly focusing on music and racing scenes, it features reanimated and remastered scenes with more advanced animation techniques, as well as a new original race.^[27]

A third anime series, Initial D Fourth Stage, animated by A.C.G.T, ran for 24 episodes on SKY PerfecTV!'s pay-per-view service from April 17, 2004, to February 18, 2006.^{[28] [29]} A follow-up OVA to Initial D Extra Stage, Initial D Extra Stage 2, was released on SKY PerfecTV! on October 3, 2008, before being released on DVD by Avex on December 5 of that same year.^[30] A compilation of Fourth Stage, including new scenes not featured in the series, Initial D Battle Stage 2, was released by Avex on May 30, 2007.^[31]

A fourth anime series, Initial D Fifth Stage, animated by SynergySP, ran for 14 episodes; it was previewed on Animax on November 4, 2012, and later ran on SKY PerfecTV!'s Perfect Choice Premier 1 channel from November 9, 2012, to May 10, 2013.^{[32] [33] [34]}

The fifth and final series, Initial D Final Stage, once again animated by SynergySP, ran for four episodes, which were released on Animax's video on demand service, Animax Plus, from May 16 to June 22, 2014.^{[35] [36]} A compilation of Fifth Stage and Final Stage, Initial D Battle Stage 3, was released on March 5, 2021;^[37] unlike the previous two Battle Stages, this does not feature any new scenes or character dialogue.

A film trilogy retelling the beginning of the manga, New Initial D the Movie, animated by Sanzigen and Liden Films, was released from 2014 to 2016. The first film, Awakening, premiered on August 23, 2014;^[38] the second film, Racer, premiered on May 23, 2015;^[39] the third film, Dream, premiered on February 6, 2016.^[40] A compilation of the trilogy, New Initial D the Movie: Battle Digest, was released on January 7, 2022.^[41]

English release

In North America, the anime series was licensed by Tokyopop in 2001.^[42] The company released First Stage, Second Stage, and Extra Stage across fourteen DVDs from September 16, 2003, to November 8, 2005.^{[43] [44]} Tokyopop altered the series for Western audiences by modifying names, adding slang, and replacing the characteristic eurobeat music with original rap and hip-hop tracks produced by Tokyopop CEO and an in-house musician, Stu Levy (DJ Milky).^{[45] [46] [47]}

An English-subtitled version of Third Stage was screened it at the Big Apple Anime Fest on August 29, 2003.^{[48] [49]} Tokyopop never released it on DVD, despite having mentioned in 2006 plans to release a "theatrical movie-length animated feature" in the near future.^[50]

In 2006, Funimation announced that it would be distributing the Tokyopop DVDs.^[51] The company released First Stage and Second Stages in two separate box sets; First Stage was released on March 13, 2007, and Second Stage on October 16 of that same year.^{[52] [53]} At the New York Anime Festival 2009, Funimation announced that it would be re-releasing and re-dubbing First Stage, Second Stage, Extra Stage, Third Stage, and Fourth Stage. Their release included a brand new English dub and retained the original music from the Japanese in an uncut format.^[54] Funimation first released Third Stage on May 11, 2010;^[55] Fourth Stage was released in two sets on May 11 and June 29, 2010, respectively;^{[56] [57]} First Stage was released in two sets on September 21 and November 16, 2010, respectively;^{[58] [59]} Second Stage and Extra Stage were released in a single set on February 1, 2011.^[60] Following the announcement that Funimation would be unified under the Crunchyroll brand, the series (including First Stage to Fourth Stage and Extra Stage) began streaming on the platform in May 2022;^[61] however, the episodes are no longer available on the platform.^[62]

Video games

• Initial D Gaiden (1998): Game Boy
• Initial D Koudou Saisoku Densetsu (1999): Sega Saturn
• Initial D (1999): PS1
• Initial D: Ryosuke Takahashi's Fastest Typing-theory (2000/2001): PC/Mac & PS2
• Initial D Second Stage: Fastest Typing in Kanto Project (2001): PC/Mac
• Initial D Arcade Stage / Initial D (2002): Arcade (NAOMI 2)^[63]
• Initial D Another Stage (2002): GBA
• Initial D Arcade Stage Ver.2 / Initial D Ver.2 (2003): Arcade (NAOMI 2)^[64]
• Initial D Collectible Card Game (2003): Collectible Card Game
• Initial D Special Stage (2003): PS2
• Initial D Mountain Vengeance (2004): PC
• Initial D Arcade Stage 3/Initial D Version 3 (2004): Arcade (NAOMI 2)^[65]
• Initial D Street Stage (2006): PSP
• Initial D Arcade Stage 4 / Initial D 4 (2006): Arcade (Lindbergh)^[66]
• Initial D Arcade Stage 4 Limited (2007): Arcade (Lindbergh)
• Initial D Arcade Stage 4 Kai (2008): Arcade (Lindbergh)
• Initial D Extreme Stage (2008): PS3
• Initial D Arcade Stage 5 (2009): Arcade (Lindbergh)^[67]
• Initial D Arcade Stage 6 AA (2011): Arcade (RingEdge)^[68]
• Initial D Arcade Stage 7 AAX (2012): Arcade (RingEdge)^[69]
• Initial D Arcade Stage 8 ∞ (Infinity) (2014): Arcade (RingEdge/RingEdge 2)^[70]
• Initial D: Perfect Shift Online (2014): Nintendo 3DS eShop (free-to-play)
• Initial D Arcade Stage Zero (2017): Arcade (Sega Nu2)^[71]
• Initial D RPG: Sony Ericsson mobile phone
• Initial D Pachislot (2021): Arcade
• Initial D The Arcade (2021): Arcade (ALLS)^[72]
• P Initial D (2022): Arcade

Live-action film

A live-action film based on Initial D was released on June 23, 2005, in Asia. The film was jointly produced by Japan's Avex Inc. and Hong Kong's Media Asia Group. It was directed by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak, whose credits include the 2002 Hong Kong blockbuster Infernal Affairs. The adaptation featured Taiwanese singer Jay Chou as Takumi Fujiwara and Hong Kong stars Edison Chen as Ryosuke Takahashi and Shawn Yue as Takeshi Nakazato. Despite many changes to the original plot, the film was met with generally positive reviews and was nominated for multiple awards, including Best Picture, at the Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Horse Awards, winning many of them.

In October 2023, actor Sung Kang stated that he is working on developing another live-action film and is "trying" to direct it.^[73]

Reception

By July 2013, collected volumes of the Initial D manga series had sold 48million copies.^[74] By April 2021, Initial D had over 55 million copies in circulation.^[75]

Initial D received praise. The Anime Review rated it A−, with the reviewer calling it "simply the best show I've seen in a long time."^[76] Bamboo Dong of Anime News Network rated it B−, stating it "is the first time in a long while since I've been so fired up about a series, so I recommend to everyone to at least check this out."^[77] Some fans of Initial D reacted negatively to the Tokyopop's extensive editing and changes made in the English-language version of the manga. Similar reactions were made towards their English dub's script and voice acting, and the removal of the original music from the anime series. Tokyopop said that it was trying to Americanize the series so it could be aired on television, while at the same time keeping the Japanese spirit of the series.^[45]

Reviews of the Funimation re-release of the anime note a marked improvement from the Tokyopop iteration, with most complaints leveled against the lack of anamorphic widescreen on the DVDs. Initial D has drawn comparisons to the later Fast & Furious film franchise (debuted 2001), particularly (2006),^{[78] [79]} for which Initial Ds consultant, Keiichi Tsuchiya,^{[80] [81] [82]} served as a stunt coordinator and also made a cameo appearance in the film as a fisherman.^{[82] [83]}

See also

• Wangan Midnight, another car racing-themed manga by Michiharu Kusunoki, focusing on highway racing in Tokyo's Bayshore Route

External links

• Initial D at Kodansha's official site
• Avex webpage for Initial D
  • Initial D Fifth Stage official website – Animax Initial D Arcade Stage Version 3.0
• Initial D games official Website – Sega
• Initial D games official website – Sega
• North America Premier of the Initial D live-action film

Notes and References

1. News: Nelkin. Sarah. Initial D Manga's Final Chapter to be Published This Month. August 2, 2013. Anime News Network. July 18, 2013. April 14, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140414124129/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-07-18/initial-d-manga-final-chapter-to-be-published-this-month. live.
2. Web site: ja:猟奇サスペンスがヤンマガで開幕、「頭文字D」は完結. https://natalie.mu/comic/news/96011. Comic Natalie. Natasha, Inc.. December 8, 2021. ja. July 19, 2013. December 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211208191817/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/96011. live.
3. Web site: http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=323567X. ja:頭文字〈イニシャル〉Ｄ（１） しげの秀一 講談社. Kodansha. December 3, 2018. Japanese. https://web.archive.org/web/20131210211400/http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=323567X. December 10, 2013.
4. Web site: http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3823776. ja:頭文字〈イニシャル〉Ｄ（４８）. Kodansha. February 7, 2019. Japanese. https://web.archive.org/web/20131210211641/http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3823776. December 10, 2013.
5. Web site: Macdonald. Christopher. Tokyopop Officially Announces Licences. Anime News Network. December 8, 2021. December 5, 2001. November 6, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201106001816/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-12-05/tokyopop-officially-announces-licences. live.
6. Web site: Macdonald. Christopher. Not quite clear on Tokyopop Aquisitions [sic]. Anime News Network. December 8, 2021. December 5, 2001. December 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211208191816/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-12-05/not-quite-clear-on-tokyopop-aquisitions. live.
7. Web site: Pine. Jarred. Initial D Vol. #14. AnimeOnDVD. December 8, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20080418070849/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=2175. April 18, 2008. January 23, 2006.
8. Web site: Tokyopop - Initial D, Vol. 1. Tokyopop. December 3, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090825165601/http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1040/InitialD/1. August 25, 2009.
9. Web site: Tokyopop - Initial D, Vol. 33. Tokyopop. December 3, 2008. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20090122220121/http://tokyopop.com/product/1040/InitialD/33. January 22, 2009.
10. Web site: Loo. Egan. Tokyopop Confirms Its Kodansha Manga Licenses Have Ended (Update 3). Anime News Network. March 27, 2012. August 31, 2009. February 6, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120206021353/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-08-31/tokyopop-confirms-its-kodansha-manga-licenses-will-end. live.
11. Web site: Sherman. Jennifer. Comixology, Kodansha Comics Release Complete Initial D Manga in English. Anime News Network. April 17, 2019. April 17, 2019. April 17, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190417183430/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-04-17/comixology-kodansha-comics-release-complete-initial-d-manga-in-english/.145825. live.
12. Web site: Hodgkins. Crystalyn. Kodansha USA Announces 4 New Shōjo Manga Licenses, Release of Volumes 39-48 of Initial D Manga. Anime News Network. July 21, 2019. July 20, 2019. July 20, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190720214143/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-07-20/kodansha-usa-announces-4-new-shojo-manga-licenses-release-of-volumes-39-48-of-initial-d-manga/.149178. live.
13. Web site: Hodgkins. Crystalyn. Kodansha USA Reveals 21 New Print Releases, 3 Omnibus Releases, 2 Digital Licenses. August 7, 2023. Anime News Network. August 7, 2023. July 1, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230701220717/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-07-01/kodansha-usa-reveals-21-new-print-licenses-3-omnibus-releases-2-digital-licenses/.199832. live.
14. Web site: Initial D Omnibus Print Variant Covers Revealed. Kodansha USA. February 21, 2024. January 16, 2024. February 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240221150844/https://kodansha.us/2024/01/16/initial-d-omnibus-print-variant-covers-revealed/. live.
15. Web site: Initial D Omnibus, Volume 8. Kodansha USA. December 5, 2025.
16. Web site: ja:頭文字 ＜イニシャル＞ D. http://www.animax.co.jp/program/m_kashira_d.html. Animax. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20020203020912/http://www.animax.co.jp/program/m_kashira_d.html. February 3, 2002. ja.
17. Web site: ja:社歴. http://www.anime-gallop.co.jp/syareki.htm. Studio Gallop. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20030413170130/http://anime-gallop.co.jp/syareki.htm. April 13, 2003. ja.
18. Web site: ja:作品履歴. http://www.st-comet.com/rireki.htm. Studio Comet. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20031014045736/http://www.st-comet.com/rireki.htm. October 14, 2003. ja.
19. Web site: ja:頭文字Ｄ. http://www.fujitv.co.jp/jp/b_hp/inisyaru/index.html. Fuji Television. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/19990508051009/http://www.fujitv.co.jp/jp/b_hp/inisyaru/index.html. May 8, 1999. ja.
20. Web site: ja:頭文字D 2nd stage. http://www.fujitv.co.jp/jp/b_hp/initd2nd/cast.html. Fuji Television. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20000523222844/http://www.fujitv.co.jp/jp/b_hp/initd2nd/cast.html. May 23, 2000. ja.
21. Web site: ja:放送スケジュール. http://www.a-mode.ne.jp/d/d2sk.htm. Avex Mode. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20001018164432/http://www.a-mode.ne.jp/d/d2sk.htm. October 18, 2000. ja.
22. Web site: ja:OVA 頭文字D Extra Stage. http://avexnet.jp/item/ainid/disc/product/VRZF-00508.html. Avex Network. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20060509154517/http://avexnet.jp/item/ainid/disc/product/VRZF-00508.html. May 9, 2006. ja.
23. Web site: ja:頭文字＜イニシャル＞Ｄ　Ｅｘｔｒａ　Ｓｔａｇｅ　（ＯＶＡ　５５分）. http://animax.co.jp/program/program.php3?naiyo=m_initial_dextra. Animax. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20040604175820/http://animax.co.jp/program/program.php3?naiyo=m_initial_dextra. June 4, 2004. ja.
24. Web site: ja:頭文字Ｄ. http://db.eiren.org/contents/03000002001.html. Eiren Database. Motion Picture Producers. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20250316063344/http://db.eiren.org/contents/03000002001.html. March 16, 2025. ja. live.
25. Web site: ja:劇場作品. http://deen.co.jp/prdct_movie.html. Studio Deen. December 6, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20020213213131/http://deen.co.jp/prdct_movie.html. February 13, 2002. ja.
26. Web site: Initial D Battle Stage. Neowing. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20260104073402/https://www.neowing.co.jp/product/AVBA-14365. January 4, 2026. ja. live.
27. Web site: ja:頭文字＜イニシャル＞Ｄ　Ｂａｔｔｌｅ　Ｓｔａｇｅ　（ＯＶＡ　６０分）. http://www.animax.co.jp/program/program.php3?naiyo=m_initial_dbattle. Animax. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20060306114920/http://www.animax.co.jp/program/program.php3?naiyo=m_initial_dbattle. March 6, 2006. ja.
28. Web site: News. OB Planning. December 7, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20040402000415/http://www.obkikaku.com/news01.html. April 2, 2004. ja.
29. Web site: ja:頭文字［［イニシャル］］D Fourth Stage. https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/C10780. Media Arts Database. National Center for Art Research. December 7, 2025. https://megalodon.jp/2026-0228-1807-58/https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp:443/id/C10780. February 28, 2026. ja. live.
30. Web site: ja:「頭文字[イニシャル]D」2年半ぶりの新作アニメDVD発売＆先行放送. http://animeanime.jp/article/2008/09/04/3622.html. AnimeAnime.jp. December 7, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20120509165955/http://animeanime.jp/article/2008/09/04/3622.html. May 9, 2012. ja. September 4, 2008. live.
31. Web site: Initial D Battle Stage 2. . Avex Marketing Inc. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20090725160301/http://shop.mu-mo.net/avx/sv/item1?jsiteid=mumo&seq_exhibit_id=7631&categ_id=204102. July 25, 2009. ja. live.
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33. Web site: ja:シリーズ最新作　「頭文字D Fifth Stage」第1話をアニマックスで独占先行放映. https://animeanime.jp/article/2012/09/10/11386.html. AnimeAnime.jp. December 7, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20120912201233/https://animeanime.jp/article/2012/09/10/11386.html. September 12, 2012. ja. September 10, 2012. live.
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35. Web site: Komatsu. Mikikazu. "Initial D Final Stage" to Feature m.o.v.e's Unreleased Songs. Crunchyroll News. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20260213111226/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2014/3/1/initial-d-final-stage-to-feature-moves-unreleased-songs. February 13, 2026. March 1, 2014. live.
36. ANIMAX_Japan. Animax. 477018331753742336. ja:『頭文字[イニシャル]Ｄ Final Stage』の#02（ACT.3「危険な匂い」 ACT.4「ドリーム」）が、6/22(日)からアニマックスPLUS on スカパー！にて配信スタート！. ja. June 12, 2014. December 8, 2025. https://ghostarchive.org/archive/v8MDV. February 28, 2026. live.
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38. Web site: Nelkin. Sarah. 1st New Initial D Anime Film's Trailer Previews Ryūichi Kawamura Theme Song. Anime News Network. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20250118191056/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-08-06/1st-new-initial-d-anime-film-trailer-previews-ryuichi-kawamura-theme-song/.77350. January 18, 2025. August 6, 2014. live.
39. Web site: Hodgkins. Crystalyn. New Initial D the Movie Legend 2 Film's 1st Promo Video Streamed. Anime News Network. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20240621053507/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-04-17/new-initial-d-the-movie-legend-2-film-1st-promo-video-streamed/.87210. June 21, 2024. April 17, 2015. live.
40. Web site: Loo. Egan. 3rd New Initial D Film's Trailer Previews Tatsuyuki Kobayashi's Song, Battle With Ryōsuke. Anime News Network. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20240415063807/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-12-16/3rd-new-initial-d-film-trailer-previews-tatsuyuki-kobayashi-song-battle-with-ryosuke/.96578. April 15, 2024. December 16, 2015. live.
41. Web site: Beveridge. Chris. Avex Pictures Reveals ‘Initial D’ Movie Battle Digest Blu-ray Release Artwork. The Fandom Post. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20220105191304/https://www.fandompost.com/2022/01/05/avex-pictures-reveals-initial-d-movie-battle-digest-blu-ray-release-artwork/. January 5, 2022. January 5, 2022. live.
42. Web site: Macdonald. Christopher. Initial D Anime from Tokyopop. Anime News Network. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20240523210706/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-10-19/initial-d-anime-from-tokyopop. May 23, 2024. October 19, 2001. live.
43. Web site: Initial D Volume 1: Akina's Downhill Specialist. Tokyopop. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20051220082850/http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1625. December 20, 2005.
44. Web site: Initial D Volume 14: Extra Stage. Tokyopop. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20051220082914/http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=3249. December 20, 2005.
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48. World Premiere of "Initial D: Third Stage The Movie" to Premiere at BAAF. Big Apple Anime Fest. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20030402053650/http://www.bigappleanimefest.com/2003press/Press03_17.cfm. April 2, 2003. March 17, 2003.
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51. Web site: Macdonald. Christopher. Funimation to Distribute Tokyopop Titles. Anime News Network. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20250317171932/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-05-22/funimation-to-distribute-tokyopop-titles. March 17, 2025. May 22, 2006. live.
52. Web site: Coulter. Bryce. Initial D Season 1 Box Set. AnimeOnDVD. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20071021190230/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/5912.php. October 21, 2007. July 9, 2007.
53. Web site: Coulter. Bryce. Initial D Season 2 Box Set. AnimeOnDVD. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20080601222003/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/6371.php. June 1, 2008. March 26, 2008. live.
54. Web site: Loo. Egan. Funimation Adds X TV/OAV, 5 Initial D Anime Stages. Anime News Network. August 10, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240110091457/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-25/funimation-adds-x-tv/oav-5-initial-d-anime-stages. January 10, 2024. September 25, 2009. live.
55. Web site: Ellingwood. Holly. Initial D Third Stage (Advance Review). Active Anime. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20111012162628/http://activeanime.com/html/2010/05/10/initial-d-third-stage-advance-review/. October 12, 2011. May 10, 2010.
56. Web site: Jones. Davey C.. Initial D Fourth Stage Part 1 (Advance Review). Active Anime. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20160529104102/http://activeanime.com/html/2010/05/10/initial-d-fourth-stage-part-1-advance-review/. May 29, 2016. May 10, 2010.
57. Web site: Jones. Davey C.. Initial D Fourth Stage Part 2. Active Anime. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20111004025152/http://activeanime.com/html/2010/07/17/initial-d-fourth-stage-part-2/. October 4, 2011. July 17, 2010.
58. Web site: Manry. Gia. North American Anime, Manga Releases September 19–25. Anime News Network. December 8, 2025. https://web.archive.org/web/20250620223238/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-09-20/north-american-anime-manga-releases-september-19-25. June 20, 2025. September 20, 2010. live.
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61. Web site: Kyle. Cardine. Trigun, Space Dandy and More Funimation Titles Come to Crunchyroll in May. Crunchyroll. May 6, 2022. December 8, 2025. February 3, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240203154156/https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/announcements/2022/5/6/trigun-space-dandy-and-more-funimation-titles-come-to-crunchyroll-in-may. live.
62. Web site: Initial D. Crunchyroll. December 8, 2025.
63. Web site: 頭文字D Arcade Stage – 株式会社セガ. 2024-11-04. セガ・アーケードゲームヒストリー｜株式会社セガ. ja.
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66. Web site: 頭文字D ARCADE STAGE 4 – 株式会社セガ. 2024-11-04. セガ・アーケードゲームヒストリー｜株式会社セガ. ja.
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68. Web site: 頭文字D ARCADE STAGE 6 AA – 株式会社セガ. 2024-11-04. セガ・アーケードゲームヒストリー｜株式会社セガ. ja. November 2, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20241102122246/https://www.sega.jp/history/arcade/product/7932/. live.
69. Web site: 頭文字D ARCADE STAGE 7 AA X – 株式会社セガ. 2024-11-04. セガ・アーケードゲームヒストリー｜株式会社セガ. ja.
70. Web site: 頭文字D ARCADE STAGE 8 インフィニティ – 株式会社セガ. 2024-11-04. セガ・アーケードゲームヒストリー｜株式会社セガ. ja. December 13, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20241213135640/https://www.sega.jp/history/arcade/product/7515/. live.
71. Web site: 頭文字D ARCADE STAGE Zero – 株式会社セガ. 2024-11-04. セガ・アーケードゲームヒストリー｜株式会社セガ. ja.
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73. Web site: Hazra. Adriana. Fast & Furious Actor Sung Kang Is 'Trying' to Direct Initial D Film. Anime News Network. May 11, 2024. October 24, 2023. October 26, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231026165354/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2023-10-24/fast-and-furious-actor-sung-kang-is-trying-to-direct-initial-d-film/.203749. live.
74. Web site: http://mantan-web.jp/2013/07/22/20130721dog00m200012000c.html. ja:頭文字D ： 人気"走り屋"マンガ次週完結 18年の歴史に幕. ja. July 22, 2013. Mainichi Shimbun Digital. November 28, 2013. November 10, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131110214413/http://mantan-web.jp/2013/07/22/20130721dog00m200012000c.html. live.
75. ja:累計発行部数5500万部のしげの秀一氏マンガ作品『頭文字D』と累計15万台を突破した人気車載家電ブランド「JAPAN AVE.(ジャパンアベニュー)」のコラボキャンペーン開始！. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000003.000055666.html. Kodansha. PR Times. April 24, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210423180320/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000003.000055666.html. April 23, 2021. ja. April 24, 2021. live.
76. Web site: Initial D - Stage 1. The Anime Review. December 31, 2018. January 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190101100833/http://www.theanimereview.com/reviews/initiald.html. live.
77. News: Review - Initial D. December 31, 2018. Anime News Network. January 1, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190101101925/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/initial-d. live.
78. Web site: Francisco. Eric. These 9 Sweet Action Comics Will Thrill 'Fast & Furious' Fans. Inverse. April 13, 2017. December 8, 2018. December 9, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123921/https://www.inverse.com/article/30286-9-comics-to-read-fast-and-furious-initial-d-speed-racer. live.
79. Web site: 7 Anime Fast & Furious Fans Would Totally Dig. Nerdist. April 18, 2017. December 8, 2018. December 9, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123832/https://geekandsundry.com/7-anime-fast-furious-fans-would-totally-dig/. live.
80. Web site: ja:頭文字D：新型ハチロクは「マンガのおかげ」. https://mantan-web.jp/article/20140814dog00m200058000c.html. Mantan Web. July 17, 2024. ja. August 14, 2014.
81. Web site: Sugimoto. Kenta. ja:『頭文字D』のハチロクは、ドライバーを育ててくれる車だった　元ディーラーが解説. https://realsound.jp/book/2021/09/post-859192.html. . Blueprint Co., Ltd.. July 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20210925153806/https://realsound.jp/book/2021/09/post-859192.html. September 25, 2021. ja. September 15, 2021. live.
82. Web site: McMillan. Graeme. Classic Manga Racing Series 'Initial D' Added to Amazon Platforms in New Deal. The Hollywood Reporter. July 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20221126094151/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/classic-manga-racing-series-initial-d-added-amazon-platforms-new-deal-1202567/. November 26, 2022. April 17, 2019. live.
83. Web site: Cowen. Nickand. Patience. Hari. Wheels On Film: The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift. The Daily Telegraph. July 17, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240717210605/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/wheelsonfilm/2752402/Wheels-On-Film-The-Fast-and-The-Furious-Tokyo-Drift.html. July 17, 2024. May 24, 2008. live.