Initial D: First Stage (1998)

Episodes: 26
Premiered April 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.

Series overview Ask the AI

Episodes

Episode 1 · April 18, 1998 · 25m

The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift
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.

8.5
Episode 2 · April 25, 1998 · 25m

Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo
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.

7.9
Episode 3 · May 2, 1998 · 25m

Downhill Specialist Arrives
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.

8.0
Episode 4 · May 9, 1998 · 25m

The Battle Begins
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.

8.8
Episode 5 · May 16, 1998 · 25m

Dogfight!
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.

8.7
Episode 6 · May 23, 1998 · 25m

A New Challenger
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.

8.1
Episode 7 · June 13, 1998 · 25m

Pride of a Racer
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.

7.8
Episode 8 · June 20, 1998 · 25m

Time's Almost Up!
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.

7.7
Episode 9 · June 27, 1998 · 25m

Battle To the Limit
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!

8.8
Episode 10 · July 4, 1998 · 25m

The Five Consecutive Hairpins
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.

8.7
Episode 11 · July 11, 1998 · 25m

Shingo Arrives
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.

8.1
Episode 12 · August 1, 1998 · 25m

The FR Killer
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.

8.0
Episode 13 · August 8, 1998 · 25m

First Date
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.

7.2
Episode 14 · August 15, 1998 · 25m

Evolving Drift
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.

7.7
Episode 15 · August 22, 1998 · 25m

Takumi's Fury
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.

8.6
Episode 16 · August 29, 1998 · 25m

The Angel of Usui
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!

7.7
Episode 17 · September 12, 1998 · 25m

Sudden-Death Death Match
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.

8.3
Episode 18 · September 19, 1998 · 25m

Hot Winds and Furious Driving
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.

8.7
Episode 19 · September 26, 1998 · 25m

Super Drift!
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.

8.6
Episode 20 · October 1, 1998 · 25m

The End of Summer
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.

7.8
Episode 21 · October 17, 1998 · 25m

Challenge From the Superstar
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.

8.1
Episode 22 · October 24, 1998 · 25m

Fierce Uphill Battle!
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.

8.2
Episode 23 · November 7, 1998 · 25m

The Rainy Downhill
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.

8.3
Episode 24 · November 14, 1998 · 25m

Akagi's White Comet
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.

8.4
Episode 25 · November 28, 1998 · 25m

Last Great Battle
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.

8.6
Episode 26 · December 5, 1998 · 25m

The New Downhill Legend
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.

9.1