Initial D Hakone Tour 2013.11.25

This post is to remind you that we are now about three months away from the release of Initial D Final Stage which is announced to be on sale in Spring 2014. The fans from Japan got together couple weeks ago with their replica... cars to show their support for the series.

The army of Initial D replicas cruised around Hakone including many popular spots shown in Fifth Stage. They have visited 長尾峠 (Nagao touge), 箱根ターンパイク (TOYO TIRES Turnpike), and 椿ライン (Tsubaki Line) The tour lasted for many hours. They finally disband when it started to rain. A total of five Fujiwara Tofu AE86, one AE86 Notchback (Shinji's 86), two FD3S (Fourth Stage and Fifth Stage version), one FC3S and one Impreza attended the meet. It was quite the sight.

Be sure to check out the links below if you want to see more pictures from the tour!

| Sources |
» Ｖｏｌ．１　イニシャルな箱根オフ | http://goo.gl/aH43ql
» Ｖｏｌ．２　イニシャルな箱根オフ（中編）| http://goo.gl/qmxz4X
» Ｖｏｌ．３　イニシャルな箱根オフ（後編）| http://goo.gl/aXFTTb
» イニシャルな箱根オフ２０１３ | http://jef-minato.com/2013.11.25hakone.d.htm
» 続・「イニシャルな箱根オフ」（三国峠編）| http://goo.gl/SQ7BAz
» 続・「イニシャルな箱根オフ」（長尾峠～箱根スカイライン編） | http://goo.gl/aF6r6k
»「イニシャルな箱根オフ」 | http://goo.gl/5ZVdKw


'https://idforums.net/images/initialdhakonetour20131125.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1300 x 1660. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Papa's Benz manga vs anime

Did you know that the Benz that "Papa" drove in Initial D is different between manga and anime? In the manga, Papa drives a black 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190E. The whole look gives a boss and mafia feel to it. In the anime,... Papa drives a silver 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E300. This one is more classy and luxurious looking, not to mention it's also more powerful.

One has to wonder, why did the First Stage animation crew decided to change the model of the Benz Papa drive? It's most likely because they wanted to show that AE86 is the oldest car in the show, strengthening the whole underdog feel. Another reason might be that the animation team considered the dialog between Papa and Natsuki. Remember how Natsuki mentioned that she gets 300,000 yen a month for meeting Papa only three times? That's not something a person driving a 1984 Benz can afford. Giving him a more modern Benz in the anime reinforce the fact that Papa is quite well off and can totally afford Natsuki.

It's things like that makes me realize many thoughts had went in to the making of First Stage. Trivia like that makes me appreciate the series as a whole even more.

| Sources |
» Screenshots from Initial D First Stage ACT.1 & 3; Initial D Manga Vol.1 pg 20, 21 & 172.
» 1998 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | http://goo.gl/ZYOY07
» Mercedes-Benz 190E (1984) | http://netcarshow.com/mercedes-benz/1984-190e/


'https://idforums.net/images/papabenzanimevsmangavsreallife.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1500 x 1329. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Initial B? Bicycle Drifting.

I can do that, hold my beer.

(laugh)

Joking aside, this actually looks pretty fun and dangerous... » https://youtube.com/watch?v=gNC-bALBztc... (Bicycle Drifting)

| Sources |
» Initial B? - Funny Drift Pictures | http://goo.gl/p7ApZD


'https://idforums.net/images/bikedrift2initialb.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1280 x 960. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

FD3S vs AE86 Fans Gathering 2008.5.2

There has been rumors going around that a Initial D Live Action 2 movie is going to be released in 2015. Of course, rumors are just that——baseless. But don't you think the Live Action movie is due for a... reboot?

Released in 2005, it has been eight whole years since the Live Action Initial D Movie first made its debut on the big silver screen. Jay Chou has been hinting all these years that he's directing the second installment of the Live Action franchise. So far, there has been zero evidence indicating that a second movie is coming.

There is something odd that the Live Action was missing. Ah, it's the bright yellow FD that Keisuke drives. Whatever happened to Keisuke in the Live Action movie? It was like his character was somehow "merged" with Nakazato. (Same thing happened with Itsuki's and Iketani's character.)

If we do get a Live Action reboot or a sequel some time down the road, what would you like to see? A more faithful reinterpretation of the anime/manga storyline? More drifting actions regardless of the storyline? Or perhaps just show more about Bunta's past? Give us your wish list for Initial D 2! You never know who maybe keeping an eye out on this page. (wink)

Meanwhile, enjoy the Initial D fans gathering photos from 2008 at the starting line on Mt. Haruna. Click on the links below for more photos of the meet.

| Sources |
» AE86カツオ~港ミーティング シーズン１０其の⑧ | http://goo.gl/o9xSWt
» AE86カツオ~港ミーティング シーズン１０其の⑨ | http://goo.gl/tJGJvo
» AE86カツオ~港ミーティング シーズン１０其の⑩ | http://goo.gl/7Az2A5


'https://idforums.net/images/fd3svsae86fangathering.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1200 x 1606. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

AUTOart 1:18 Scale Project.D AE86

AUTOart, a very well-known name in the die-cast models community, is bringing the extremely popular PROJECT.D AE86 to outside of Japan. Yes, that means us overseas Initial D fans can finally get our hands on this beautiful work... of art.

For many years, the AUTOart 1:18 Scale Toyota AE86 was made only available in Japan and few selected South East Asian countries. Those of us who are stateside weren't so lucky and had to pay big bucks to get them from auction sites like eBay and Yahoo! Auction.

No more of that nonsense! AUTOart is bringing the tuned-up version of the AE86 to North America this coming January. For a price of $170 USD, it is such a bargain when you consider the details they put into this model. If you have a nice digital camera, you can literally take hi-res photos and fool your friends into thinking you own a real AE86 from Initial D.

Without further ado, check out the pre-order link below if you are interested in getting one. They also have the largest selection of 1:18 die-cast models, be sure to check out their showroom: http://autoartmodels.com/product.web.Showroom.do

| Pre-Order Link |
» TOYOTA SPRINTER TRUENO (AE86) INITIAL D | http://autoartmodels.com/web/product/en/2151
Available by January 2014. Pre-order now for $170 USD (Shipping not included: $15)

| Editor's Note |
Please refer to this page to see if your country is on their list. http://www.autoartmodels.com/web/en/aboutUs Thank you!


'https://idforums.net/images/autoartae86projectd.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: unknown. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Why would Keisuke want Takumi to join Project.D?

Keisuke tries to convince Takumi to join the expedition team his brother is starting in Third Stage. But why would Keisuke want Takumi to join Project.D? There are several reasons we can think of.

1.) Keisuke's... ultimate goal is to surpass Takumi. He knows that he can progress a lot faster by having Takumi in the team. And at the same time, he can observe Takumi from a close distance. When the time comes for an official re-match, he will be more confident and prepared in beating Takumi.

2.) Keisuke wants to complete his brother Ryousuke's dream. He knows that his brother has a one-year time limit. Having someone that has beaten both him and his brother will certainly help achieve that goal. Like Ryousuke said, he needs Takumi's techniques.

3.) Keisuke admires Takumi secretly. He truly believes that Takumi belongs to a bigger stage like Project.D can provide. He knows that Takumi will never settle for a small stage like Akina.

4.) Keisuke is a gentleman and he knows he will progress quickly under his brother's guidance in Project.D. He just wants Takumi to progress at the same time, so that the re-match will be fair in his reasoning.

If you can think of more, tell us in the comments below!

| Sources |
» Screenshot from Initial D Third Stage The Movie


'https://idforums.net/images/keisuketakumithirdstage.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1270 x 720. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Fujiwara Tofu Shop AE86 Delivery Fleet

You can only carry so much tofu in an AE86. What if the demand gets higher? What if everyone started eating tofu after watching Initial D? Surely, Takumi can't deliver all the tofu. Bunta is a smart businessman, he has... devised an AE86 delivery fleet for "door-to-door" tofu subscription service. So people will always get fresh tofu delivered to their home daily. Brilliant!!

All jokes aside, these pictures are an effort by the Japanese Initial D fans. They have gathered all the Fujiwara Tofu Shop AE86s in the Gunma Prefecture vicinity for this impressive meeting. It was the night of September 15th up in Mt. Haruna (Akina) The air was thick and it was starting to fog up. It didn't stop them from having a good time and taking lots of pictures of the "delivery fleet." (laugh)

| Sources |
» 9月15日夜10時秋名山 | http://goo.gl/ZF6pVK
» 空っ風jr.のページ | http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/1880211


'https://idforums.net/images/fujiwaratofushopdeliveryfleet.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1000 x 1321. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Latest Initial D News and Blu-ray BOX

Here are some latest Initial D news from Japan.

First off, Initial D FINALLY has its Official Page on Facebook!! Like and follow ... target='_blank'>頭文字 D（Initial D）Official Site today!! (The page is managed by Avex Entertainment, that means first-hand official information directly from Avex.)

LINE Japan, a very popular instant messaging app on smartphones, is releasing new set of Initial D characters "sticker" for use on their app. However, it is not free. At the cost of 200 yen, you can use a wide range of Initial D characters when you chat with your friends. These "stickers" are basically emoticons or smileys that we are all familiar with if you have ever used any instant message programs.

Avex Entertainment has released more information regarding the highly anticipated Premium Blu-ray BOX sets which are slated for a February and March 2014 release. The BOX set contains two volumes. Pre-ordering is available and you will get something special as the First-Press edition contains a "Fujiwara Tofu Shop" mug for Vol.1 and a "PROJECT.D" mug for Vol.2. Avex has also lowered the price tag for this first-ever Initial D on Blu-ray BOX sets. The price has tentatively lowered from 42,000 yen ($411) to 31,227 yen ($305). Check out this post for details of what these BOX sets contain: http://facebook.com/747181341964200

We hope everyone is having a wonderful Happy Thanksgiving's Day!

| Pre-Order Links |
» Initial D Premium Blu-ray BOX Pit.1 | http://amazon.co.jp/dp/B00G93OE5Y
» Initial D Premium Blu-ray BOX Pit.2 | http://amazon.co.jp/dp/B00G93OE2W

| Sources |
» NEWS - 頭文字D | http://mv.avex.jp/initial/news_131126.html
» LINEキャラのXmas限定スタンプが登場！ | http://lineblog.naver.jp/archives/34437475.html
» line的头文字D贴图！！_头文字d吧_百度贴吧 | http://tieba.baidu.com/p/2730922510


'https://idforums.net/images/initialdlinestickerblurayboxnews.jpg'

Live Action Tribute - UK Stage EP.2

Five months ago, we shared a low-budget fan-made video made by 12 Star Studios, a group of enthusiastic Initial D fans led by ... href='https://idforums.net/index.php?showuser=38511' target='_top'>Kiran Kullar from the United Kingdom. Inspired by Initial D, the video is a tribute to the series that we love. We were very impressed by the quality of the video, it was anything but low-budget. The camera angles, the CG effects and the music just all fit together and really gives it an Initial D feel.

The group has recently released a second episode to the tribute due to overwhelming response of the first episode. We STRONGLY recommend you watch the first episode before watching the second one. It will make much more sense. So without further ado, here's the two episodes from Initial D Live Action Tribute - UK Stage. Watch the first episode first if you haven't already!

Episode 1: https://youtube.com/watch?v=69XQfJfRjBc
Episode 2: https://youtube.com/watch?v=V47lZaaJUQc (English closed captioning available)

Please leave in the comments below your critical and constructive feedback after you've watched both episodes. We honestly think they have a great thing here. It can only get better and better.

Subscribe to them and let them know you want to see more of this! Follow this thread for the latest updates on Live Action Tribute - UK Stage » https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=46459


'https://idforums.net/images/idliveactiontributeukstages1e2.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1220 x 1682. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

0 Likes | 0 Comments 206 Shares

Read More

Mt. Tsukuba Fruits Line Anime vs Real Life

Purple Shadow is probably the toughest opponent Project.D has ever faced. I feel that they are even stronger than all of the teams presented in the Kanagawa Prefecture. (Fifth Stage)

Based in Ibaraki, Purple Shadow is a... team led by "God Arm" Toshiya Joshima and "God Foot" Kozo Hoshino. Their home course is a short but very twisty route called the フルーツライン (Fruits Line) on 筑波山 (Mount Tsukuba) This windy path is merely 2.8 km (1.75 miles) in length. Going full speed down this path only takes about three minutes one way.

There are gutters visible on the inside and outside of each turn. But these gutters are different than the smooth inclined ones found in Mt. Haruna (Akina) The ones in Fruits Line are littered with small rocks and weeds, making it even more dangerous to do the gutter run here.

Due to the various complex back-to-back S curves here, it is possible to formulate many different racing lines here that will result in the same lap time. But like Ryousuke said, the fastest line is different from the rest and there can be only one as shown in the last two episodes from Initial D Fourth Stage.

Be sure to check out the Street View link below to explore this windy road.

| Sources |
» Google Maps | http://goo.gl/maps/fVmnU
» Street View | http://goo.gl/maps/eYfRv
» 頭文字D聖地巡礼～実は死にかけた茨城エリア編～| http://blog.livedoor.jp/pmfh/archives/51734788.html
» 頭文字D雑考 筑波フルーツライン – | http://echizenya.biz/initiald/?page_id=65
» 頭文字Ｄ　Ｆライン　S2000VSハチロク　ページ２ | http://jef-minato.com/dpsyadou.htm
» Screenshots from Initial D Fourth Stage ACT.19, 20, 21 & 23.


'https://idforums.net/images/tsukubafruitslinepurpleshadow.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1000 x 1574. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.