Unlike his friends, Takumi Fujiwara is not particularly interested in cars, with little to no knowledge about the world of car enthusiasts and street racers. The son of a tofu shop owner, he is tasked to deliver tofu every morning without fail, driving along the mountain of Akina. Thus, conversations regarding cars or driving in general would only remind Takumi of the tiring daily routine forced upon him.
One night, the Akagi Red Suns, an infamous team of street racers, visit the town of Akina to challenge the local mountain pass. Led by their two aces, Ryousuke and Keisuke Takahashi, the Red Suns plan to conquer every racing course in Kanto, establishing themselves as the fastest crew in the region. However, much to their disbelief, one of their aces is overtaken by an old Toyota AE86 during a drive back home from Akina. After the incident, the Takahashi brothers are cautious of a mysterious driver geared with remarkable technique and experience in the local roads—the AE86 of Mount Akina.
When you start talking about anime classics, you absolutely cannot overlook ‘Initial D First Stage’. What makes this series truly unique is its delicate balance between engaging character development, gripping storyline, and exhilarating car races.
The story unravels in the non-descript town of Gunma, where our protagonist, Takumi Fujiwara, operates a tofu delivery car called “the Eight-Six”. Unbeknownst to Takumi, his regular late-night tofu deliveries have inadvertently made him an underground street racing sensation. He doesn’t even realize it until he is sucked into the thrilling world of illegal street racing.
If you’re looking for top-notch 90’s animation blended with edge-of-your-seat drama and top-tier car races, Initial D First Stage is the anime to watch. Despite being more than two decades old, it has managed to stay enjoyable, offering a refreshing break from the overabundance of the same-styled animes. They just don’t make them like this anymore!
The character development throughout the series is superb. It’s amazing how the creators manage to make us emotionally invest in a group of hooligan street racers. Each character brings something unique to the table, making the interaction between them a treat to watch.
Vital to any anime involving high-speed races is the soundtrack and Initial D First Stage nails this aspect. With classic 90’s Eurobeat tracks, the music coincides perfectly with each fast-paced hairpin turn, injecting life into the car races and elevating the viewing experience.
Though the animation might feel a bit dated to some, it adds a nostalgic charm to the overall anime. The pacing of the action sequences is flawless and the detail with which each car is designed is commendable. A special mention goes to the racing scenes which manage to not only keep you hooked but also communicate the intensity and thrill of each race.
Making a recommendation on whether to rent, buy, or stream Initial D First Stage depends on what kind of fan you are. If you’re a hard-core anime enthusiast and collector, adding the Initial D First Stage to your collection would be a great choice. However, if you’re just beginning your journey into the anime world, streaming it would be the best way to know if it’s for you. As for renting, it’s always a good choice if you want to have an initial taste before deciding to purchase or stream.
Overall, Initial D First Stage is a classic that every anime fan should experience. It is not just a street racing anime but also a saga of growth, sportsmanship, and friendship.
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