Cheap Initial D Gasoline?

Do you remember this scene from Initial D First Stage? It's right after the S14 downhill rain battle. Natsuki went to see Takumi at his work. Like the good friends they are, the gas station gang had to take a peep at... Takumi's girlfriend. But of course, they weren't being discreetly enough.

Did you notice the price on that sign the manager is holding? Yes, those price were indeed actual price at that time in Japan. Don't believe me? Check this out. The second item from the top is ハイオク (High-Octane gasoline) for 94 yen per liter. The third item from the top is 軽油 (Diesel) for 63 yen per liter. Cross reference this to the historical pump price for gasoline here: http://goo.gl/w7Tp5o You'll notice the average gasoline price was around $1.02 to $1.25 per liter in Japan from the year 1995 to 1998.

Then you have to take the exchange rate into consideration. US dollars to Japanese Yen was exchanging at 1 to 105 around 1995. So 94 yen was actually slightly cheaper than the average at that time in Japan. Considering they are in the Gunma Prefecture, it makes sense because gasoline price is generally more expensive in the big cities. Add on the fact that those prices were for カード会員 "Cardmember", it makes sense to be slightly cheaper than average.

There were many things that made First Stage a timeless classic. Subtle things like this contribute to the realistic aspect of the show. It makes you appreciate the show a little more. Though, it also shows its age. (coming to 20 years next year!)

| Sources |
» Historical Exchange Rates | http://oanda.com/currency/historical-rates/
» Pump price for gasoline (US$ per liter) | http://goo.gl/w7Tp5o
» Screenshots from Initial D First Stage ACT.23「雨のダウンヒルバトル!」"The Rainy Downhill"

| Credit |
» This post is inspired by this twitter post: https://twitter.com/au_schonwind/status/542312089365143554


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Initial D Print Cookies and Paper Craft

This is probably the most interesting Initial D merchandise we came across. That's right, the package reads 頭文字Dプリントクッキー "Initial D Print... Cookies" Wait.. what?!

The package contains 12 of these cookies, with each one having a different label that you can supposedly collect. It also includes a PROJECT.D sticker in the packaging. Currently selling for 2,160 Yen ($18.70), the Initial D set version also comes with these fold-up paper models (86, Sil-80 or FD) I guess the idea is you can eat while making paper craft AE86. That's brilliant.

So what's the weirdest Initial D merchandise you've seen? Speaking of merchandise, Initial D New Movie Trilogy One: Awakening is coming out on Blu-ray on December 26th, 2014. Check out the links below to pre-order it today! (No English subtitles.)

| Sources |
» マツザワ_開発部_森本 | http://goo.gl/4z9Cwi
» 頭文字Ｄお菓子新作 | http://goo.gl/y8RXoO
» 頭文字Dプリントクッキー | http://goo.gl/B52VZ5
» Initial D Paper Craft Candy | http://goo.gl/rs6st3

| Initial D New Movie Blu-ray Pre-Order |
» 新劇場版 頭文字[イニシャル]D Legend1 -覚醒- [初回限定版] [Blu-ray] | http://amazon.co.jp/dp/B00OB0PMM6


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Toyota Sprinter Trueno sketch

Reader 少年Ａ submitted this sketch that he drew a few days ago. We thought the style was very unique. It's sort of what I would expect to see in a spin-off. The artist runs a blog that feature his sketches... on a weekly basis. He recently started reading Initial D and love what he sees. So he decided to dedicate this week's drawing to Initial D. It's pretty neat.

Do you like drawing? Show us your work and we might feature it on our page!

| Editor's Note |
The Initial D hype has decreased considerably in the recent weeks. The new movie brought a lot of hype in the scene in a short time, but it went away just as quickly. The Blu-ray for the first part of the trilogy is slated for release on the day after Christmas (2014.12.26) We will cover that in the next post.

| Source |
» トヨタ　スプリンタートレノ　頭文字D仕様 | http://ameblo.jp/orehaakira2/entry-11938694450.html


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LEGO Ideas: Initial D

Greetings Initial D fans. Do you like LEGO? If you do, read on!

Denil Oh, an Initial D fans from Malaysia created this LEGOset and put it up on LEGO Ideas to celebrate Initial D's 20th anniversary next year.... (First volume of Initial D manga first published in 1995)

How does this LEGO Ideas work? Well, users like Denil can submit their own idea of what LEGO should make next and if the idea gather 10,000 supporters, then it will get put forward to the review board where they decide if it gets to become a reality.

Help a fellow Initial D fans to reach his dream today by supporting him here: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/77536 (Click on the big Support button on the right) As of this posting, there are only 197 supporters. Let's get the word out there! We have one year to gather 9,800 supporters. We can do it!!

| Additional Photos |
» http://goo.gl/odHaik
» http://goo.gl/cCFrFD
» http://goo.gl/KYs39x
» http://goo.gl/RdMUt3
» http://goo.gl/aEqdtE
» http://goo.gl/cIsMGg
» http://goo.gl/5ulFoY
» http://goo.gl/j3apaG
» http://goo.gl/Tza5qb

| Sources |
» LEGO Ideas Initial D 20th Anniversary | https://ideas.lego.com/projects/77536
» LEGO Ideas - How it works | https://ideas.lego.com/howitworks

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Drift Spirits (Mobile Game)

With the help of the hype surrounding the new Initial D movie, Bandai Namco recently released the Android version of their popular mobile game ドリフトスピリッツ (Drift... Spirits) The iOS version was available since last year, but just recently been attracting some attentions. (Check out the TV commercial below)

The game features an impressive lineup of cars from six different manufactures. (Yes, AE86 is featured in this game, along with many other cars seen in Initial D.) Players can do story mode or VS mode and other interactive online mode. The reason why this game wasn't that well known before is because it is exclusively available in Japanese. There is no language option, so many die-hard Initial D fans who are not well versed in Japanese were intimidated to try it, not to mention you have to change the country/region for your App Store account to Japan before you can even download it.

Besides the non-obligatory in-game token purchase, the game is completely free of charge for both iOS and Android. The graphics are unmatched by many other mobile racing games. The gameplay is however, entirely depend on your ability to understand Japanese. All the controls and on-screen instructions are in Japanese. I mean sure, you can whip out your dictionary and translate the meaning, but it takes the whole experience out of it.

| Official Site |
» ドリフトスピリッツ | バンダイナムコゲームス公式サイト | http://drispi.bngames.net/

| System Requirement |
» iOS 5.1 and up for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.
» Android 4.1 and up

| How to get it |
» For iOS device, there are two methods.
-- Download on iTune and sync | https://itunes.apple.com/jp/app/drift-spirits/id694480800
-- Click on this directly on your iOS device | http://wpp.jp/drispi_app/

» For Android users, simply click on the link below.
-- Download on Google play and sync it over to your device: http://goo.gl/D4r4mx

| TV commercial |
» 「ドリフトスピリッツ」プロモーション映像 | http://youtu.be/9XEb8ksTJjs

| Editor's Note |
I went through the troubles to change my iPhone's country/region to Japan to download this game. I was not disappointed. The layouts and gameplays are both superb. It is what you would expect for a game that's attention to details. The images in this post are ACTUAL gameplay screenshots. Happy drifting!

P.S. Here is a simple tutorial to change the region/country on your iOS, by yours truly - http://imgur.com/a/au9rv


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Initial D Legend 2 -Battle Run- News

The general consensus that we gather of the Legend 1 movie is positive overall. The only complaint that the fans have is the movie runtime being too short (60 minutes with 20 minutes behind-the-scene footage, making the actual... movie only 40 minutes)

Still, Initial D fans seem to be happy with this re-adaptation of Initial D First Stage AE86 vs FD3S. We all know the voice actors were completely changed, but according to the people that went to watch it in theaters, the change didn't take much away from enjoying the experience.

Well, you gotta strike while the iron is hot. エイベックス・グループ（avex group）just announced that the second installment in this trilogy is slated for release in Early Summer 2015. (Yes, a whole year to wait from now.)

Tentatively named Legend2 -闘走- "Battle Run", this second movie will be based on the AE86 vs R32 race and it's expected to also have the same runtime as the first movie. Now, we are not exactly sure why Avex is dragging this on for no apparent reason other than prolonging the Initial D legacy. Perhaps, they don't want to say good bye to Initial D like many of us. But still, a year to wait for a 40 minutes new footage is rather a drag. I am sure true Initial D fans won't mind the wait though.

Avex is holding a special event on October 4th, 2014 at 世田谷区民会館 (Setagaya Kumin Hall) It will feature most of the new voice actors for the movie in a Q&A panel. This move is mostly to get direct feedback from the fans. Check out the links below for details if you want to attend the event.

| Special Event Information |
新劇場版「頭文字D」スペシャルイベント～覚醒～
Date: Saturday 2014.10.04
Time: 14:00 & 17:30
Location: 世田谷区民会館 Setagaya Kumin Hall (4 Chome-21-27, Setagaya, Tokyo 154-0017, Japan)
Website: http://setagaya.co.jp/kuminkaikan/setagaya
Reservation: http://www.cnplayguide.com/asp/evt/evtlst.aspx?kcd=65404
Telephone: +81 3-5432-2837
Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/aBcd7

| Sources |
» 第2作「Legend2 -闘走-」2015年初夏公開 | http://animeanime.jp/article/2014/08/23/19917.html
» 新劇場版「頭文字D」公式サイト | http://initiald-movie.com/news/20140829.php


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Initial D Legend 1 -Awakening- Premiere

Did you go to the Initial D Legend 1 -Awakening- movie premiere yesterday? Here's a few things we heard according to some fans that went on the release date.

The movie is only 62 minutes long. The last 20 minutes are... extras footage that shows behind the scenes / in the making of the movie. The actual movie is only a little longer than 40 minutes and it ends after the Takumi vs Keisuke match. Basically they condensed the first five episodes of First Stage into a 40-minute OVA.

According to some of our members, the different voice actors didn't bother them that much, it's the length of the movie that made them feel cheated. The ticket price was roughly $13 USD, so they were expecting a little more. The quality of the movie was excellent though. The fans were satisfied with it mostly.

Initial D Legend 1 will most likely be making its way through South East Asia. So far, we've confirmed it will be available in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia. It will be available in more countries soon.

For those of us in the North American continent, we won't be so lucky. It will probably never made it to the silver screen here. So we'll most likely have to wait for proper DVD/Blu-ray release, which still doesn't have a confirmed release date. Stay tuned for more updates on Legend 1.

| Editor's Note |
The merchandise for Legend 1 is now available. Though, so far it is only available in Japan. »»» http://froovie.jp/shop/c/c26083 (Ships to Japan only) People will eventually be selling these on eBay or Yahoo! Auction. So for those of us that are not in Japan, that'll be the only way we get our hands on it. Be sure to follow our Official Thread on Legend 1: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=46...dpost&p=1301885

| Sources |
» 新劇場版「頭文字D」公式サイト | http://initiald-movie.com/
» 86決起祭り〜特別試写会〜 | http://goo.gl/DVnEcR
» 頭文字Ｄ、見てきました♪ | http://goo.gl/nsx09V
» 頭文字Ｄ映画公開記念！| http://goo.gl/KQ3QcN
» 藤原とうふ店仕様のハチロク展示＆イベント♪ | http://goo.gl/oW5xQF
» 新劇場版「頭文字D」制作陣の熱いメッセージ！| http://goo.gl/D8GT8a


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Initial D Second Stage Reboot

Initial D Second Stage reboot, confirmed!

...

Wait... What just happened...?

| Editor's Note |
From time to time, we stumble upon some really weird Initial D stuff. This is just one of them. But... seriously, we can't wrap our heads around this creation. Initial D, D for Dolly. Maybe? Anyways...

| Sources |
» evapen2 on Twitter | http://pic.twitter.com/Yym4lqXWHX


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More photos of Initial D 86 Super Summer Festival

More quality photos of the Initial D Super Summer Festival in Daiba have surfaced the Internet in the last 24 hours. As promised, we search high and low to bring you these quality images of the event. Check out the links below... to get a feeling of the event. (Fans are blogging about the event, it's a big plus if you can read Japanese.)

Only three more days until the release date of Initial D Legend 1 -Awakening-, some fans have told us that they are also having a same-day release over in Taiwan in selected theaters. Based in Taiwan, 頭文字D FB Stage, a fanpage like ours, has been keeping the fans updated on the latest Initial D movie news. Check them out if you want to know where to watch the new Initial D movie in Taiwan.

There has been no confirmation that the movie will get DVD/Blu-ray release. Please don't spread false information knowingly. Thank you!

| Sources |
» MEGA WEB × 頭文字D | http://goo.gl/fQPOJH
» 頭文字D Legend 1 公開記念 86 ”超” 夏祭り | http://goo.gl/D4lnf4
» 行ってきました頭文字D★ | http://goo.gl/otB1Op
» 頭文字Ｄ｜湘南プランニングのブログ | http://goo.gl/k2bDly
» イニシャルD | http://goo.gl/UmjlXJ
» そして、夏が終わる。コミックマーケット86 | http://goo.gl/ud9SyU
» dreamyラスト撮影会 | http://goo.gl/FWtmsi

| Google Images Search |
»「頭文字D 86超夏祭り」- Google Image Search | http://goo.gl/8J0ksi


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Initial D Official Guidebook: Challenge Chronicle

On 8/6 Day, 講談社 (Kodansha) published a 216-page book called「頭文字Dの軌跡 挑戦の記」"Initial D Official Guidebook: The Path of... Initial D, Chronicle of Challenges"

Within it, it contains a super detailed interview with the author Shuichi Shigeno that spans a whopping 64 pages, probably the longest interview Mr. Shigeno-san has ever done. In this interview, he talks about the experience and insight he gained from drawing the cars in Initial D. He talks about his inspiration, and how he got the idea from visiting 榛名山 (Mt. Haruna) in the very beginning, imagining himself as the protagonist Takumi Fujiwara.

Shigeno-san gave very detailed description on some of the scenes, almost like a play-by-play commentary. The book also contains lots of remarks and commentary from the senior development in the Japanese automotive industry, they went in-depth on why some cars like FD3S were chosen for the series.

The book also contains the Extra Edition: Impact Blue Sentimental White and promotional material, reviews of the Initial D New Movie Legend 1 -Awakening- that is coming out in theaters on August 23rd.

For ￥980 ($9.55 USD), this seems like a great deal all in itself. It is certainly something to collect if you are a die-hard Initial D fans. Order it now if you haven't already done so!

| Order Links |
» amazon.co.jp | http://amazon.co.jp/dp/4063770664 (Worldwide)
» cdjapan.co.jp | http://cdjapan.co.jp/product/NEOBK-1685491 (Worldwide)
» rakuten.co.jp | http://books.rakuten.co.jp/rb/12839133 (Ship to Japan only)

| Sources |
» 頭文字Dの軌跡 挑戦の記 | http://yanmaga.jp/spcontents/ini_d_challenge
»【頭文字D × レスポンス】| http://ameblo.jp/worldcarnews/entry-11911166845.html
» しげの秀一、語る | http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/199066/blog/33752221


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