Episode guide
Initial D: First Stage
26 episodes · premiered Apr 18, 1998
The story begins when street racers called the RedSuns, a team from Mt. Akagi, come to challenge Mt. Akina's local SpeedStars team to a "friendly" race. After seeing how skilled the RedSuns are, the SpeedStars treat it as a race for pride, determined not to be humiliated on their home turf. However, the SpeedStars are left in a bind when their team leader and primary downhill driver Iketani has an accident during a practice run.
- Episode 1: The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift Apr 18, 1998 · 25m 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…
- Episode 2: Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo Apr 25, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 3: Downhill Specialist Arrives May 2, 1998 · 25m 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…
- Episode 4: The Battle Begins May 9, 1998 · 25m 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…
- Episode 5: Dogfight! May 16, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 6: A New Challenger May 23, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 7: Pride of a Racer Jun 13, 1998 · 25m 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…
- Episode 8: Time's Almost Up! Jun 20, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 9: Battle To the Limit Jun 27, 1998 · 25m 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!
- Episode 10: The Five Consecutive Hairpins Jul 4, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 11: Shingo Arrives Jul 11, 1998 · 25m 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…
- Episode 12: The FR Killer Aug 1, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 13: First Date Aug 8, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 14: Evolving Drift Aug 15, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 15: Takumi's Fury Aug 22, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 16: The Angel of Usui Aug 29, 1998 · 25m 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!
- Episode 17: Sudden-Death Death Match Sep 12, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 18: Hot Winds and Furious Driving Sep 19, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 19: Super Drift! Sep 26, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 20: The End of Summer Oct 1, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 21: Challenge From the Superstar Oct 17, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 22: Fierce Uphill Battle! Oct 24, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 23: The Rainy Downhill Nov 7, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 24: Akagi's White Comet Nov 14, 1998 · 25m 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…
- Episode 25: Last Great Battle Nov 28, 1998 · 25m 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.
- Episode 26: The New Downhill Legend Dec 5, 1998 · 25m 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.