Initial D Vol.46 Pre-Order

Initial D Manga Vol.46 is slated to be released on January 4th, 2013 for ¥580 ($6.87) You may pre-order it now in the links below. This volume centers around the final race in the Kanagawa area. Takumi will go against the... strongest enemy yet. It is unconventional genius vs natural genius. How will Takumi take on an opponent that defies all common sense in street racing?

2013.1.4. Don't miss it.

| Pre-Order |
» http://cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=NEOBK-1392644 (Ships to USA and other countries worldwide.)
» http://amazon.co.jp/dp/4063822567 (Ships to Japan only.)


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Annual Hachiroku Festival

There have been many events surrounding Initial D Fifth Stage lately. One of them being the annual "AE86祭" (Hachiroku Festival), which took place in Tsukuba Circuit on December 16th. It was basically an AE86... club meet where they compete for the fastest lap time on the famous Tsukuba Circuit. This year, the festival added many Initial D elements to spice things up.

They had the band m.o.v.e and CLUTCHO to perform on stage and they also had the AE86 and FD3S from Initial D Fifth Stage (!!) The event turned out to be a great success. We found a few video footage of this event. (youtube links below) If you know someone who attended this event, please share with us!

Editor's Note: We are in the hunt for the video footage of m.o.v.e and CLUTCHO's performance from this event. If you know where to find them, please message us! Thank you!

| YouTube links |
» N2 Open Class Final: http://youtu.be/Y2HW4t0syOo (7:17)
» A Class Final: http://youtu.be/Wk0MRaSqKKk (11:10)
» Drift Class: http://youtu.be/sbtBydVGqGs (16:45)

| Sources |
» http://www.procrews.co.jp/86/index.html
» http://ameblo.jp/fzero311/
» http://minkara.carview.co.jp/en/userid/1140240/
» http://minkara.carview.co.jp/en/userid/1328485/


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Fujiwara Tofu Shop is back!

As most of you know, the original Fujiwara Tofu Shop was demolished due to an urban redevelopment project back in year 2010. Many Initial D fans were saddened because a piece of history was forever gone.

Three months ago,... with the help of the shop owner's eldest daughter, the tofu shop reappears in its full glory in the Toy, Doll & Car Museum in Ikaho, Gunma. We Initial D fans can all rejoice now because a part of Initial D history will be forever preserved and displayed for all. If you happen to visit Gunma, make sure you visit the museum!

| Additional Images |
http://www.ikaho-omocha.jp/01museum/12_86/86.jpg
http://facebook.com/go2id/photos/296534863695519

| Back Story |
The tofu shop owner passed away three years ago. That's why the eldest daughter had to help the museum. And yes, the shop was originally a tofu shop! But it was Fujino Tofu Shop, not Fujiwara. The Initial D author Shigeno changed the name a little. When the Initial D Live Action production team found the shop, they had to change the original signage to Fujiwara Tofu Shop. After the filming, the store owner Fujino never changed it back, so the fans from all over Japan can gather and take pictures outside the shop, that's until 2010 when they had to demolish it... It's a happy ending now! Both the family of the shop and the fans are happy.

| Sources |
» Website: 伊香保おもちゃと人形自動車博物館 - http://www.ikaho-omocha.jp/01museum/12_86/index.html
» News Article: ハチロク＆藤原とうふ店再び 群馬の博物館に再現 - http://www.asahi.com/national/update/0919/...1209190130.html
» Address: 日本〒370-3606 群馬県北群馬郡吉岡町大字上野田２１４５( http://ikaho-omocha.jp/ )


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Please have a seat, Takumi.

"I am Chris Hansen from Dateline NBC. Why don't you have a seat over there, Takumi?"

(Source images: Fifth Stage Episode 4)


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Takumi, the evolving genius

As we are all waiting for the RAW for Fifth Stage Episode 3 & 4, someone brought up an interesting topic regarding Shingo. Shingo was Takumi's first FF opponent and challenged him for a "Gumtape Death Match."... Because of that, Takumi learned to steer less to clear corners much faster.

In a sense, Shingo's challenge helped Takumi to evolve his drifting style and that ultimately aids him in defeating the legendary Akagi's White Comet Ryousuke Takahashi.

It's plot like this that makes us love Initial D so much. We get to see the protagonist evolve in front of our eyes. Personally, that's the reason why I love First Stage so much. There were so much going on. I really wish that Fifth Stage will continue with that and shows us more on how Takumi evolve.

Well, Fifth Stage Episode 3 & 4 will be all about Takumi. Show us the new and evolved you, Takumi!

(Source Images: Initial D First Stage Episode 14「進化するドリフト天才!」)


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Favorite Initial D song by m.o.v.e survey

Four days ago, we ask you the fans the following question "Which one is your favorite Initial D song by m.o.v.e?" 5,970 people have seen the poll. Of which, 566 have voted in the poll.

Here's the result. It... actually surprises me to say the least. The favorite Initial D song by m.o.v.e according to you guys is Dogfight from Fourth Stage OP1 with 180 votes. It won by a huge margin. In fact, you'd have to add the second place, third place AND the fourth place's votes together to beat Dogfight as the favorite m.o.v.e song from Initial D. Amazing! Anyways, the second place is Rage your dream with 67 votes. Third place is Raise Up from Fifth Stage OP with 59 votes which tie with Noizy Tribe from Fourth Stage OP2.

One thing that really surprise me is that the original OP from First Stage, around the world, only earned itself a mere sixth place in this poll. This concludes our survey on the favorite Initial D songs by m.o.v.e. Thank you for participating!

» The poll: http://facebook.com/questions/561697900512546/
» Review the songs here: http://goo.gl/3D0ub


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Next A-Class

To promote the new Mercedes-Benz that's coming out in January 2013, Mercedes-Benz Japan collaborate with Production I.G, an animation company, to produce this 6-minute thrill-filled animation. Remember to watch it with the... CC English Captions!

And if you are wondering how does this has to do with Initial D, watch 'til the end and you'll see why. Enjoy! 'html/emoticons/smile.gif'


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[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQq6Z4IowfY[/YOUTUBE]

Less Than Two Days From ACT.3 & 4

---------- WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILER, NAVIGATE AWAY NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE SPOILERS ----------


From the preview images released by Animax, it seems like we will see a Toyota MR-S going up against... Takumi's AE86. You guessed it, it's Takumi's old rival Kai Kogashiwa. He has changed his car from the MR2 to this MR-S S-Edition. The MR-S is much lighter than the MR2, in fact it's 400 lbs lighter to be precise. Its weight is about the same as the AE86. Weight distribution wise, the MR-S is closer to the ideal 50:50 than the AE86, which has a 53:47 front-to-rear weight distribution.

The added GT wing on the MR-S will make it corner even faster and more stable. This is going to be a tough battle with an opponent like Kai. It reminds me of those battles between Bunta and Ken.

Fifth Stage ACT 3 & 4 will broadcast in about 36 hours as of this posting. In this pair of episodes, Takumi will face two tough opponents in Kanagawa, the holy land of street racing. Will he beat both of them? Find out by following our forums on https://idforums.net/ as the RAW will hit the forums as soon as they become available. See you there!

(Photo Credit: Nachtmensch | http://nachtmensch.blogspot.com/ )


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Real life Haruna images

We have received some very beautiful images of Haruna ("Akina") from one of the fans the other day. It is absolutely stunning to see the locations in vivid imagery. We see images of that famous stone steps where Takumi... and Itsuki used to sit on and eat onsen buns. (First Stage Episode 5) We also see that phonebooth where Itsuki asked Saori out on a date (First Stage Episode 13)

And there are many more. We can't fit everything in one post, so we put all the images submitted here in a thread for you. Let see how many places you recognize from the pictures!

Thank you for your photo submission, Tim! We loved the images and hopefully you will take more in the future.

(Photo Credit: Tim Haruna L | http://fb.me/EpicTouge)


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[doHTML]<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="850">
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/iERHW1lqN9GAz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibkppRfRG265Zj.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/ibfuwfMcq61CCC.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibwpHS3SG6feuD.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/ibo7SHF2nO0Ell.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ib1cc1aMwPtnYm.jpg" border=0></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Stone Steps leading to Ikaho Onsen 3 (Itsuki and Takumi eat Taiyaki Jam buns here)</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Stone Steps leading to Ikaho Onsen 2 (Itsuki and Takumi eat Taiyaki Jam buns here)</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Stone Steps leading to Ikaho Onsen (Itsuki and Takumi eat Taiyaki Jam buns here)</font></td></tr>

<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/i90lai7cyE8Ri.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iBXhWcP4YugKF.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/i90PraIeghocL.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iFuuz1NexlFUp.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/iKIcbkzu75bQC.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/i5Y4G5K18Hwh2.jpg" border=0></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Sign (one of the many freeway signs we see on return trips to Ikaho - Shibukawa</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Shibukawa Train station (where Itsuki says goodbye to Kazumi Chan)</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Ryokan 2(Traditional Japanese Inn where Kazumi works)</font></td></tr>

<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/ibn0RbwfNX5pHn.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iuqk1b59UsJ3D.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/isk6SZNKtY6Aj.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibLle0DCY6G8t.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/iBV0h47K1m7nA.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ib1oYe4QeLbZnR.jpg" border=0></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Ryokan 1 (Traditional Japanese Inn where Kazumi works)</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Phone Booth 2 Also to the right is the AKINA LODGE which we see a shot of its roof in s5e2</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Phone Booth 1</font></td></tr>

<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/ibvSdSXDRclELN.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibjZnSGuIrJo80.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/iboJ9KwIxLmO8k.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibcR7eytLIM8i2.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/i9Z9gpb0BSyza.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibhG6Hl4YT8hhm.jpg" border=0></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Old Tower 2</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Old Tower 1</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">My MX5 rental cooling its heels by Haruna lake!</font></td></tr>

<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/i4AwVPBMHa7gV.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/i1HI1dxgKxOa9.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/i8U9z8bqqgOYC.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iQ7MPvc4GodiJ.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/ibyiYIq6fcy4sz.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iUip45ze52Z4r.jpg" border=0></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Mt Haruna (Akina) Lookout 3 (Ryosuke and Keisuke are seen in stage 1 here overlooking the touge) saying how weak the speedstars are lol</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Mt Haruna (Akina) Lookout 2 (Ryosuke and Keisuke are seen in stage 1 here overlooking the touge) saying how weak the speedstars are lol</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Mt Haruna (Akina) Lookout (Ryosuke and Keisuke are seen in stage 1 here overlooking the touge) saying how weak the speedstars are lol</font></td></tr>

<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/iQMRq66YU1zu2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iHyFgIirtY6yf.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/iwXwWLVXgTJdm.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibf2hrhRsNAaaT.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/ibyVJSXb9PfHHi.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibq6YPFeaiwRk4.jpg" border=0></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Mt Haruna (Akina) Lookout (Ryosuke and Keisuke are seen in stage 1 here overlooking the touge) saying how weak the speedstars are lol also is the start of the 5 hairpins</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Lake Haruna 4</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Lake Haruna 3</font></td></tr>

<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/idUZCGC0UdlpQ.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iPeCNzuFZuG9h.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/ibxzlvBYFTZcQh.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iFmEpqn3EGzHa.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/iKwtdyzjq3667.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ioeuysLeVswiE.jpg" border=0></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Lake Haruna 2</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Lake Haruna 1</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Ikaho Stone Steps Night</font></td></tr>

<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/i4JC3b93SjURM.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/iEqcmTlA7F1Ia.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/i90PraIeghocL.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibk9qenz9GSRsK.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/ibzfduHvFtWQ1E.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibuzNKtBTAIpDy.jpg" border=0></a></td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Haruna Lake Hotel</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">From here Ryosuke 'jumps starts' the race between takumi and nakazato</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Akina Start</font></td></tr>

<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><a href="http://i.minus.com/iSP11JvKI3XUU.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i.minus.com/ibgCXDx2cvYVic.jpg" border=0></a></td><td align="middle" width="33%"> </td><td align="middle" width="33%"> </td>
</tr>
<tr><td align="middle" width="33%"><font size="-2">Akina start 2 (at guardrails)</font></td><td align="middle" width="33%"></td><td align="middle" width="33%"></td></tr>

</table>
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What is your favorite Initial D song by m.o.v.e?

Since the news of m.o.v.e's decision to break up the group broke out yesterday, most of us are quite shaken by that. The old school Initial D fans all remember how they first got into Initial D. That's right, the intro... of the First Stage - around the world. Even today I still vividly remember every scene, lyrics and melody from that OP.

We want to dedicate this post to m.o.v.e's impact to Initial D and its fans. Let's review all the songs m.o.v.e ever done for Initial D and then have a vote on which one is your favorite! If you forget how one of the songs sound like, feel free to use the provided youtube link to listen to it again before casting your vote here: http://facebook.com/questions/561697900512546/


[ OPENING AND ENDING THEME ]

» around the world ( First Stage OP1 - http://youtu.be/MeWO45uongA )
» Rage your dream ( First Stage ED1 - http://youtu.be/-Vja6elpnsk )
» Break In2 The Nite ( First Stage OP2 - http://youtu.be/0Th5FnYaR_o )
» Blazin' Beat ( Second Stage OP - http://youtu.be/jMsrosj3fLg )
» Gamble Rumble ( Third Stage OP - http://youtu.be/KhTxlm4REQc )
» Dogfight ( Fourth Stage OP1 - http://youtu.be/GKURxNMi2xA )
» Blast My Desire ( Fourth Stage ED1 - http://youtu.be/CU5Pl8_KJhA )
» Noizy Tribe (Fourth Stage OP2 - http://youtu.be/xvs8trUlxZk )
» Nobody reason～ノアの方舟 (Fourth Stage ED2 - http://youtu.be/ewtRKEf30tQ )
» Raise Up (Fifth Stage OP - http://youtu.be/m3fanxxjHqI )


[ BACKGROUND MUSIC ]

» ROCK IT DOWN ( First Stage Episode 13 - http://youtu.be/rvr6HQo92a0 )
» See you, my best love ( First Stage Episode 15 Iketani meets Mako - http://youtu.be/dzYG90V7pg8 )
» over drive ( First Stage Episode 15 - http://youtu.be/Bk8k3_nBXWE )
» World of move ( First Stage Episode 15 )
» Wanna fly to be wild ( First Stage Episode 20 - http://youtu.be/7ARxCX9E1u0 )
» past days~追憶 ( First Stage Episode 23 Takumi cleaning 86 - http://youtu.be/OazwGOT3uQE )
» Bust the Future Wall ( First Stage Episode 24 )
» take me higher ( First Stage Episode 26 Takumi victory - http://youtu.be/N8GNjl5S_80 )
» Strike On ( Third Stage Takumi rushing to rescue Natsuki - http://youtu.be/k1_weTsnI7U )

If we missed any m.o.v.e songs from Initial D, feel free to add them in the comment below. Thanks!

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