What if Takumi never raced Keisuke?

Initial D portrays Takumi in such a way (especially in later chapters) that sometimes we forget he's just an 18-year-old boy. Remember how it all started? When the RedSuns challenged the Akina's local race team... SpeedStars, Iketani wanted Bunta to help him to race the RedSuns because he heard from the Gas Station owner that Bunta is the fastest, not knowing Takumi has been doing the tofu delivery all these years.

When Takumi step out of the AE86 and raced Keisuke downhill that night, the rest was history. There would be no Initial D if Takumi did not race the RedSuns that night. Even though Bunta had to use a full tank of gas to lure him into racing. Deep inside Takumi wanted to see what it was all about even without that promise of full gas tank by Bunta. The spirit to become faster and faster was in Takumi all along. In this respect, the entire First Stage and Second Stage could be seen as a stepping stone for Takumi.

Still, it is entertaining to think about the what-if. What if it was Kenji the one who raced Keisuke that night because Takumi never showed up? SpeedStars will get destroyed and RedSuns will move on and Ryousuke will continue his "Fastest in Kanto Project" with his brother. There would be no Project D. There would be no Initial D.


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Initial D Fifth Stage Fansubs?

As the countdown of Fifth Stage Episode 1 is only eight days away, it is a little worrying that we don't hear any fansub groups stepping up to announce their interests in subbing Initial D Fifth Stage. So far, the only... fansub group said they will be subbing Initial D Fifth Stage, that group goes by the name of SAGE.

They have done fansubbing on many popular series such as Gundam AGE, Bakuman Season 2, Lupin the Third, etc. This will be their first time subbing automotive-related anime, so we'll have to wait and see how good they are. They have only announced their intention as a tentative decision. They might not sub the entire Fifth Stage.

Conservatively speaking, the RAW files will hit the net within 12 to 24 hours after the initial airing and the subs will be released within 3 to 7 days. So at the latest, we will be watching fansubbed Fifth Stage here (North America) by November 12th.

Visit SAGE's official site to show your support! - http://www.sagesubs.com/


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The power of the Fujiwara tofu sticker

This is a fun update. kou yuuzhen, one of the very few female members on our forums randomly found this "replica" in some back alley in... Malaysia. Now, now, please hold your laughter. It makes one wonder though, why people would put the tofu sticker on a car that doesn't even remotely resembles the AE86 from Initial D.

So why? Personally, I think it is a way to show that they love the show. It doesn't necessarily mean they think they are God-like in driving for putting the sticker on their car. Far from it, I think they know they will never be like Takumi, but in some very far-fetched fantasy they imagine themselves to be like the main protagonist from Initial D. It is a sense of belonging and acknowledgement to the series.

With that said, what is the craziest place you've ever seen stickers from Initial D? For me, it was the tofu sticker on a flatbed truck. No kidding. 'html/emoticons/laugh2.gif'

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Tofu Delivery Route

Starting at the age of 13, Takumi had to wake up at 3:45am every day to make the tofu delivery for his father's business. A forum user by the name of "... target='_top'>Banken" has done some interesting and detailed analysis regarding said tofu delivery route.

In the manga, it is said that Takumi lives in "City S," which is conveniently located near "Mt. Akina." In real life, that is Shibukawa in Gunma Prefecture. Assuming Takumi lives in point B and delivers the fresh tofu to the hotels near Lake Akina (point A) The round trip is about 40 kilometers (~25 miles) Let say Bunta and Takumi used the 86 to deliver tofu every day for 15 years, that's 219,000 km (~136,000 miles !!)

Why 15 years you ask? Because the 86 came out in year 1983 and the story time in First Stage is around 1998, hence 15 years. So what does these all mean? Remember Takumi said he always try to rush home to catch one more hour of sleep before waking up again for school? Well, he floors it all the way down when he drives down the mountain pass. It is a miracle that the 86 only needed one engine change after all these years. (And that's after Takumi went mad and lost his senses in Second Stage after seeing Natsuki with "Papa.") Bunta must take very good care of the 86 all these years. 'html/emoticons/smile.gif'

To see the tofu delivery route on Google Map, please click here: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=28...dpost&p=1251266

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Fifth Stage ED theme Flyleaf performed by CLUTCHO

By now we all know that the opening theme of Fifth Stage is "Raise Up" and will be performed by m.o.v.e, but what about the ending theme? Perfect Choice announced yesterday about the ending theme for Fifth Stage. It is... called "Flyleaf" and will be performed by a new unknown band called CLUTCHO.

Wait a minute, who is this CLUTCHO band? According to their official site, they are a Japanese rock band (J-rock) that was formed in 2002. The band consists of three people: Yuto (Vocal Guitar), Shinichi (Bass Chorus) and Shingo (Drums) They have only released a few albums through the years. They are not that well known in Japan. It is interesting how Animax picked them to perform the ending theme.

We don't have a sample of how "Flyleaf" sounds like yet. If you want to take a listen to their other songs, you are welcome to check out the CLUTCHO thread we have on the forums: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=44849

Personally I like their "I Believe In All". I can certainly see how it fits well for a Initial D ending theme. What do you think of this band? Give them a listen!


Sources:
CLUTCHO discussion thread: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=44849
CLUTCHO official web site: http://www.clutcho.com
CLUTCHO Fifth Stage news: http://clutcho.com/news/0/4632/


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86 and the Fujiwara Tofu Shop

Since Project D started its expedition, Takumi seldom goes home, let alone making the tofu delivery. So this task is left to Bunta once again. It makes one wonder though, how come Bunta is not putting the famous "Fujiwara... Tofu Shop" vinyl sticker on the Impreza? He did say that the Impreza will be his daily car from now on. Perhaps, he still plan to use the 86 for the tofu delivery after Project D's expedition is over?

And what about when the challengers see the sticker on the side of the 86? What would they think? I suppose it's part of the 86 now and that some people have already hear about the "legend of the Akina AE86" It would feel weird to see our beloved 86 without the Fujiwara Tofu Shop writing on the side, don't you agree?

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Ryousuke's Monologue --- A foreshadowing?

At the very end of Fourth Stage when Takumi had the opportunity to sit in the passenger seat of God Arm's S2000. Ryousuke had the following monologue.. "D's battles will continue... burn the image of it into your... eyes, for the sake of the more difficult battles that lie ahead. Completely absorb anything that's necessary. You'll find it useful someday."

The emphasis is on the last part --- that experience will help Takumi some day. One can't help but wonder if this is the author's way to lay the ground work for a secret technique that has yet to be seen thus far. If so, that'd be a great way to connect the series, making it a little more coherent.

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Takumi's Mother?

There is this age-old question that has come up at least once in every Initial D fans' mind --- Where is Takumi's mother?? It was never mentioned in the entire anime series except for the one-line mention from Takumi in... Third Stage when he was talking with Natsuki. According to Takumi, his mom left them when he was very young. It didn't get into the detail at all, though.

We don't know if she passed away or left Bunta (divorce) Even the manga did not talk about it. So it's one of those mysteries that might never get resolved. We have a popular topic on the forums regarding theories as to where and who Takumi's mom might be.

The most creative / original theory thus far is offered by an user named "pepsi." The theory is that Takumi's mother is the wife of a famous doctor in a city hospital. Bunta had an affair with her and they had Takumi. After Takumi was born, she went back to her husband and her other two sons. (Hint: they are brothers and they street race!!)

Tell us your theory either by replying to this post or in the topic: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=2548 We'd love to hear your idea!

(Image courtesy: Urashima Haruka from Love Hina)


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A brief history of Shuichi Shigeno

We all love Initial D. So today we are going to learn more about the author. His name is Shuichi Shigeno (しげの秀一). Born on March 8, 1958 in Tokamachi Niigata. Shigeno-san is currently 54 years... old. Before Initial D, he has created Bari Bari Densetsu, Dopkan, and Tunnel Nuketara Sky Blue ("First Love in Summer") He received the Kodansha Mange Award for shōnen for Bari Bari Densetsu in 1985.

Interestingly enough, Tunnel Nuketara Sky Blue is a manga that also features an AE86 with a 18-year-old boy. But if you are thinking it's anything like Initial D where there are lots of car race scenes, then you'll be disappointed. It is about a guy that has to deal with his attraction to two girls. It is actually a romance novel. If you want to know why there are so many failed relationships in Initial D, it is strongly recommended that you pick this one up and give it a read. It'll give you some insights to Shigeno-san's younger days.

And as some of you know, Shigeno-san owns two cars in real life --- a Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 and a Subaru Impreza WRX STi (The same exact one in Initial D) Surprise, surprise.

Although it has been widely speculated that the conclusion of Project D will be the end of Initial D, Shuichi Shigeno has not made any comment regarding the end of Initial D yet. It is possible that Fifth Stage will animate the majority of the storyline after Fourth Stage and leave enough for another season, which could either be a OVA or a short season.

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Takumi and Akina SpeedStars

It was never clear whether or not Takumi is part of Akina Speedstars. In Initial D First Stage, Takumi did represent Speedstars to battle challengers on numerous occasions though. Regardless, Takumi will always find comfort in... driving on Mount Akina for that's where it all started and that's his root. However, the root is just the root. One does not always go back to its root, that's why we didn't see much of these supporting cast (Iketani, Kenji and Itsuki) in Fourth Stage.

Most of the time when we see them in later stages, it would just be them talking about the past or thinking about how Takumi is racing for Project D. That's part of growing. You do not always get to be with your friends. One who is comfortable with staying in their root will not make it far in their dream.

Initial D taught us about dare to dream and not be complacent with what you've done so far. Like the saying goes, it is not about what you've done, it is about what you are doing and will be doing. Takumi has become such a legend because he truly followed his heart. Initial D inspired us through its simple and clear message that resonated throughout the series --- go confidently in the direction of your dream and live the life you've imagined.

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