The Correct Watching Order of the Anime 'Initial D' Along with Its Synopsis

Kapanlagi.com - Hello speed and adrenaline fans! Who doesn't know Initial D, the legendary anime that takes us into the challenging world of Japanese street racing?

With the roar of iconic cars like the Toyota AE86 and the accompanying Eurobeat music that ignites the spirit, Initial D has captured the hearts of many. However, with so many 'Stages', OVAs, and movies, the watching order can be a bit confusing, especially for those who are just starting to follow Takumi Fujiwara's story.

Don't worry! This article will guide you through the correct chronological watching order of the anime Initial D, complete with a brief synopsis for each part. Ready to drift with Takumi? Let's get started!

1. Initial D First Stage

Initial D First Stage: 26 episodes (1998). The first episode aired on Fuji TV on April 8, 1998.

This is the beginning of everything! We are introduced to Takumi Fujiwara, a high school student who works part-time at a gas station and delivers tofu for his father's shop every morning.

2. Initial D Second Stage

Poster Anime Initial D: Second Stage (Photo credit: Kyoto Animation)

Initial D Second Stage: 13 episodes (1999). The second series aired from October 14, 1999, to January 20, 2000.

After Takumi's surprising victory, his reputation as "Hachi-Roku Akina" spread widely. In Second Stage, Takumi and his AE86 face new challenges from the "Emperor" team.

3. Initial D Extra Stage

Initial D Extra Stage: 2-episode side OVA (2000). Released worldwide on May 21, 2001.

This OVA does not focus on Takumi, but rather on the female racing duo Mako Sato and Sayuki from the Impact Blue team. The story explores their personal lives and racing challenges.

4. Initial D Third Stage (Movie)

Initial D: Third Stage Anime Poster (Photo credit: Kyoto Animation)

Initial D Third Stage: a 104-minute film (2001). Released in Japan on January 13, 2001.

This film serves as an important bridge between Second Stage and Fourth Stage. Takumi receives an offer from Ryosuke Takahashi to join their new racing team.

5. Initial D Battle Stage (OVA)

Initial D Battle Stage: a 50-minute film (2002). Released on May 15, 2002.

Battle Stage is a compilation of all the main races from First Stage, Second Stage, and Third Stage. This OVA does not have a new plot, but serves as a summary of the racing action.

6. Initial D Fourth Stage

Anime Poster Initial D: Fourth Stage (Photo credit: Kyoto Animation)

Initial D Fourth Stage: 24 episodes (2004–2006). Aired on the pay-per-view service SkyPerfecTV!.

In Fourth Stage, Takumi joins Ryosuke and Keisuke Takahashi to form a new racing team called "Project D". They challenge the best racing teams outside of their prefecture.

7. Initial D Battle Stage 2 (OVA)

Initial D Battle Stage 2: a 1-hour film (2007).

This OVA is a compilation of races from the Fourth Stage, similar to the first Battle Stage. Additionally, it includes two extra races from the manga.

8. Initial D Extra Stage 2

Initial D Extra Stage 2: a 50-minute side OVA (2008). Vintage: 2008-10-03.

This OVA continues the story of Mako Sato and Koichiro Iketani. The story focuses on their relationship after Iketani misses the chance to meet Mako.

9. Initial D Fifth Stage

Anime Poster Initial D: Fifth Stage (Photo credit: Kyoto Animation)

Initial D Fifth Stage: 14 episodes (2012–2013). The first two episodes aired on November 9, 2012.

The Fifth Stage continues the journey of Project D as they face increasingly tough opponents in Kanagawa Prefecture. This is one of the final "Stages" featuring intense races.

10. Initial D Final Stage

Initial D Final Stage: 4 episodes (2014). The last two episodes aired on June 22, 2014.

This is the climax of the Initial D story. Project D faces their final challenge in Kanagawa, with Takumi facing a surprising opponent.

11. Initial D Battle Stage 3 (OVA)

Initial D Battle Stage 3: (2021). Featuring every race from Fifth Stage and Final Stage.

This OVA is a compilation of races from Fifth Stage and Final Stage, a great way to revisit all the intense racing action.

12. New Initial D the Movie: Legend Trilogy (Reboot)

New Initial D: is a Japanese anime film series from 2014–2016 based on the Initial D manga series.

This film trilogy is a retelling of the beginning of the Initial D story with new animation and character designs. You can watch it as an alternative or after finishing the main series.

Legend 1: Awakening: released on August 23, 2014.
Legend 2: Racer: released on May 23, 2015.
Legend 3: Dream: released on February 6, 2016.

With this guide, you can enjoy every turn and drift in the world of Initial D in order and better understand the storyline. Happy watching!

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