Takumi’s job as a tofu delivery boy has turned him into one of the most formidable drivers around. Behind the wheel of his Eight-Six, he’s one with the road—and his life shifts into high gear when the underground street racing world takes notice. Drivers from across the region are lining up for a shot at the new guy. Takumi’s not just focused on winning—he’s out to prove he’s the best.
Initial D (Season 1)
The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift (Episode 1) 8.5
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-04-18
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: High school kid Takumi works at a gas station with his buddy Itsuki. When the guys join their co-worker Iketani for a night of street racing action on Mt. Akina, Takumi’s life will never be the same.
Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo (Episode 2) 7.9
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-04-25
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: When his boss reveals that the Eight-Six driver from Mt. Akina owns a tofu shop, Iketani begins to wonder if the legendary racer might have an intimate connection to Takumi.
Downhill Specialist Arrives (Episode 3) 8.0
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-05-02
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Iketani’s out of commission for the race against the RedSuns, so he tries to convince Bunta to take his place. Takumi’s working on a deal of his own - he need’s his dad’s car for a date with Natsuki.
The Battle Begins (Episode 4) 8.8
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-05-09
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: The match between the SpeedStars and the RedSuns is set to begin. Just as Iketani makes the desperate decision to put Kenji up against Keisuke, the Eight-Six appears - with Takumi behind the wheel.
Dogfight! (Episode 5) 8.7
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-05-16
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: When Takumi stuns everyone with his skills in the Eight-Six, Iketani and Itsuki start plotting a way to get the new hotshot to join the SpeedStars.
A New Challenger (Episode 6) 8.1
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-05-23
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Driving his new Three-Two, Takeshi goes head-to-head against Ryosuke on Mt. Akina. Meanwhile, Takumi offers Iketani a first-hand look at the thrill of riding in the Eight-Six.
Pride of a Racer (Episode 7) 7.8
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-06-13
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Takeshi is ready to take on the Eight-Six and he has every reason to believe that the car’s driver is game. When Takumi catches wind of the situation, he’s got to decide if the challenge is worth accepting.
Time's Almost Up! (Episode 8) 7.7
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-06-20
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: There’s a crowd waiting for a race to start on Mt. Akina, but the Eight-Six is nowhere to be seen. Itsuki’s in a tough spot - and Takumi’s the only one who can get him out of it.
Battle To the Limit (Episode 9) 8.8
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-06-27
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: The race is underway with Takumi behind the wheel of the Eight-Six. His competition, Takeshi, drives the Three-Two with undeniable skill - but he can’t seem to pull away from Takumi!
The Five Consecutive Hairpins (Episode 10) 8.7
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-07-04
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Takeshi and Takumi speed toward the finish line! Victory is at hand for the driver who can conquer the final challenges of the course - five treacherous hairpin curves.
Shingo Arrives (Episode 11) 8.1
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-07-11
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Iketani’s putting his S-13 to the test now that it’s out of the shop, but a simple practice session turns into a dangerous situation when a reckless member of the NightKids - Shingo - arrives in a red EG-6.
The FR Killer (Episode 12) 8.0
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-08-01
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Shingo arrives with the NightKids and he’s calling Takumi and the gang out. His demands: A Duct Tape Death Match against the Eight-Six.
First Date (Episode 13) 7.2
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-08-08
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Shingo’s itching to take on the Eight-Six in a dangerous race, but with nobody stepping up to accept the challenge, he takes drastic measures to get his way.
Evolving Drift (Episode 14) 7.7
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-08-15
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Takumi’s had enough of Shingo’s intimidation tactics. He agrees to take on the pushy NightKid in the most treacherous of races: A Duct Tape Death Match.
Takumi's Fury (Episode 15) 8.6
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-08-22
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Takumi and Iketani are having very different days: Takumi’s hand is taped to the Eight-Six’s steering wheel as Shingo bumps into him at high speeds. Iketani’s hanging out with a pretty girl.
The Angel of Usui (Episode 16) 7.7
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-08-29
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: When Iketani takes Mako out for a good time, his friends decide to tail the duo and figure out what she’s all about. They soon discover her greatest talent: outdriving them all on Mt. Usui!
Sudden-Death Death Match (Episode 17) 8.3
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-09-12
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Takumi’s upcoming race at Usui is creating friction among his friends. One reason for the tension: he’s never driven the course. A bigger reason: his opponent is Mako.
Hot Winds and Furious Driving (Episode 18) 8.7
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-09-19
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Mako and Sayuki are having their way with Takumi and the Eight-Six on Mt. Usui. As Takumi himself questions his ability to pull out a win, the racers approach the course’s toughest curve.
Super Drift! (Episode 19) 8.6
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-09-26
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: The finish line is in sight on Mt. Usui! Mako and Sayuki know the course like the back of their hands; Takumi might need a miracle if he is to claim victory against the girls.
The End of Summer (Episode 20) 7.8
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-10-01
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: When the gang heads out to a water park, Iketani sees signs that it could actually work out with Mako - until he finds photographic proof that her heart might belong to another guy.
Challenge From the Superstar (Episode 21) 8.1
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-10-17
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Takumi’s growing rep has attracted the attention of Ryosuke, who’s ready to face the Eight-Six on Mt. Akina. Takumi better get his head on straight - this will be his greatest challenge yet.
Fierce Uphill Battle! (Episode 22) 8.2
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-10-24
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: At Itsuki’s behest, Takumi heads out to watch an uphill race between two of his former foes - Takeshi of the NightKids and the RedSuns’ Keisuke.
The Rainy Downhill (Episode 23) 8.3
Writer: Nobuaki Kishima
Air date: 1998-11-07
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Kenta, a member of the RedSuns, challenges Takumi to a downhill race in the pouring rain. With the increasingly wet course conditions, neither driver is guaranteed victory.
Akagi's White Comet (Episode 24) 8.4
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-11-14
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Ryosuke may already be a local legend, but he still drives like a man with something to prove. He’s determined to beat the very best racers Mt. Akina has to offer - and Takumi’s next on his list.
Last Great Battle (Episode 25) 8.6
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-11-28
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: Veteran racer Ryosuke’s a mastermind behind the wheel, and he’ll be pulling no punches in the match against rising rookie Takumi. The drivers are ready and only one can be the best.
The New Downhill Legend (Episode 26) 9.1
Writer: Hiroshi Toda
Air date: 1998-12-05
Runtime: 25 min
Overview: The drivers fly toward the finish line, with only one curve to go. Ryosuke and Takumi have earned their reputations - but the winner of this race will go down in history.
