Takumi got pulled over by police?

Initial D has undoubtedly fascinated millions of young people with its realism and heart-pounding actions. How does this enthusiasm translate into real life, you ask? How about making replicas that look exactly like the ones in... the series? It is a passionate display from the truly die-hard fans. Occasionally, we fans tend to get a little hotheaded and forget that there is a thin line between reality and the fictional world. After all, Initial D is a fictional series about a boy who wants to go faster than the fastest. So it's understandable that the fans do speed on the road sometimes, thinking about Takumi's insane driving techniques. The AE86 in the image below belongs to David Masakuni, who appears to have gotten pulled over by the police. The origin of the image still remains unknown after all these years. It first surfaced on the web around 2003 or 2004. All we know is that it was taken somewhere in Hong Kong. Share your interesting Initial D pictures with us! Check here for the original thread: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=25262

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Real Life Fujiwara Tofu Shop

Much of Initial D's realism is in part due to depiction of actual locations in the series as previously mentioned. The famous "Fujiwara Tofu Shop" (藤原とうふ店) was an actual... shop that sold tofu in Shibukawa, Gunma. (Referred to as the "City S" in the manga) The owner of the shop is named Fujino (藤野). The original name of the shop is Fujino Tofu Shop. The shop was renamed because the Initial D Live Action movie crew had to find a shop that resemble the tofu shop shown in the manga. So they picked Fujino's shop for filming. However, due to recent urban redevelopment and road construction, Fujino's tofu shop was demolished in 2010. 'html/emoticons/sad.gif' Well, at least the Fujiwara Tofu Shop in Initial D will forever live in our collective memories. (Image Credit: “AE86 Ryuji”)


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D for Delightful?

Before Takumi made his decision to join the Project D team, he wanted to race Ryosuke on his home course Mt. Akagi. The point wasn't to win or to prove something. It was simply a run to go as fast as he could. Perhaps he had... many doubts on joining. After the initiation race, it seems Takumi had gotten over himself and totally refreshed his mind. I believe idea like this from Initial D truly shines. Not very often do you see two people going all out and pushing it to the edge on a mountain pass just for fun. Indeed, driving should be a delightful thing. Initial Delight? Maybe. 'html/emoticons/laugh.gif'

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Kaori: Ryosuke.. what's your dream?

The Fifth Stage plot has many interesting side stories, such as Ryosuke's past love interest. We get a peek into his young self and what he wanted to do with his life. Details such as why he choose to follow his father's... footstep to become a doctor will hopefully be answered in Fifth Stage. And most importantly, the meaning of "D" might finally be revealed. (Image: Kaori; Editor's note: Kaori is probably one of the better drawn characters in Initial D. Her charisma is certainly at the same level if not surpass that of Ryosuke's.)

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Shigeno's way of dealing with relationships

Initial D Third Stage is a chapter in which it shows character development, resolution and future. Natsuki redeemed herself and confronted Takumi. In return, Takumi also expressed his true feeling for her. Takumi has evolved... from the emotionless shell to someone capable of confessing his true feelings. And with that, the conflict between the two was resolved. However, they had to go separate way. It is unclear whether Shigeno will bring these two back together in the future. Although, if you've been following the manga, you'll know it seems unlikely these two will ever meet again. Chalk another one up for Shigeno's cruel way of dealing with relationships in Initial D.

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What has Initial D taught you?

Initial D taught us many lessons of life. When Takumi pushed the 86 to its absolute limit and consequently blew the engine in Second Stage, Bunta told him it was impossible to fix it, it was just beyond repair. Takumi refused to... accept the reality by saying if the 86 received a new engine, it won't be the same. If we apply that same analogy to real life situations, it is clear to see that the author is trying to convey the message of letting go. Sometimes we mature through letting go. If Takumi never let go of that mentality, he would never grow out from that. The rest was history.

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The best couple in Initial D

There are very few successful relationships in Initial D. The only couple that is depicted as stable and decent has to be Tohru (Seven Star Leaf) and Nao. In Fourth Stage episode one, we've seen a very brief conversation... between the two. Nao cares deeply about Tohru and doesn't approve of his racing, plus he is always poor due to racing. If Shigeno ever writes about these two again, I'd imagine it would be about Nao leaving Tohru simply to reaffirm the "lonely driver: racers don't need girlfriend" theme. That seems to resonate throughout the entire series. At times, it is very cruel and depressing to watch. Can anyone say Mako and Iketani? 'html/emoticons/sad.gif'

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AE86 Replica

Have you seen a 86 replica this clean? This is Takumi_Trueno (former administrator)'s AE86. He spent years of effort in perfecting it. I had the honor of riding in it. I did not scream like Itsuki did in Initial D First... Stage! (laugh) To learn more about his AE86, please visit here: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=23013

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Initial D World Wiki Revival

Welcome to the Project W presented by Initial D World. This is our attempt to build a collaborative source of knowledge about all aspects of Initial D. Project W is a collaborative effort by Initial D World to create a... comprehensive knowledge base of all things related to Initial D and Initial D World Forums. All members of IDW are encouraged to contribute to the many pages of this wiki. Project W needs your help to grow! Thank you and enjoy!

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Real Life Mt. Irohazaka

Remember the spectacular jump in Third Stage? Ken and Takumi went head to head in Mt. Irohazaka where slopes are steep and corners are sharp. It is an understatement to say Shigeno gets inspiration from real life mountain... passes. In reality, a lot of locations and specific places in Initial D do actually exist! For example, the first jump made by Ken's MR2 is specifically the corner pictured on the right. However, it seems they have added guardrails in recent years. 'html/emoticons/laugh.gif'

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