Doing one of those things, but not making a mistake, and also imagining a panda-colored Toyota AE86 drifting on a mountain road; you wouldn’t be the only person doing that. Initial D is an anime that has gone beyond the boundaries of the anime world and has not only shaped the car culture but the music scene as well. Its impact is still significant after more than two decades since the first airing, and it is still a place of pilgrimage for the fans of the genre and the mechanics all over the world.
The franchise began with a manga by Shuichi Shigeno in 1995, following tofu delivery boy Takumi Fujiwara and his modest AE86 as he conquers the mountain roads of Gunma. The manga was to be created in 2013, and it also gave a concept of an anime production, which was from 1998 to 2014, six “Stages” and two OVAs in terms of length. However, Initial D was never just a local story or a screen phenomenon—it impacted a worldwide fan base that was not only attracted to the Japanese cars but also to drifting as a highly skilled technique.
For some, JDM was the next step after Initial D. The show simply was about showcasing flashy rides—it had the audience hooked with the intricate details of the cars, drivers, and the strategy of each race. While Hollywood was heavy on spectacle, Initial D was all about accuracy, breaking down the technical side of things by using drifting over grip racing, turbos over superchargers, and the impact of aerodynamics on a light car as examples. Every duel was like playing chess at high speed, but with the commentary, you could almost feel like the co-driver analyzing each turn.
The characters in the show were as much the result of the writer’s conscious effort as the cars. It was clear that each driver had their own motivation to drive, and their traits added depth to the plot. Takumi’s underdog journey struck a chord with audiences—his AE86 wasn’t the fastest machine, but it became a symbol of skill, determination, and heart winning out over raw horsepower.
Moreover, the soundtrack is a unique thing. The Initial D and Eurobeat were like two sides of the same coin. Tracks such as “Deja Vu” and “Running in the 90s” were not only soundtracks of the races—they were the times. The tunes were so memorable that they remained alive longer than the series, thus becoming memes and cult anthems. Even now, there are shelves packed with Eurobeat records in car shops in Japan, and artists like Dave Rogers keep releasing new versions of the old songs for young people.
The series’ legacy goes beyond soundtracks and plotlines. Actual mountain passes in Gunma, appearing in the show, are now becoming destinations for supporters. Travel agencies lease cars for cruising along the celebrated routes, while Fujiwara Tofu Shop-inspired themed cafes offer panda curry and logo desserts. In cities such as Hong Kong, car clubs go to great efforts to replicate cars in the show, including the hard-to-find decals and mods.
The cultural imprint even spilled over into film. A live-action version featuring Jay Chou in 2005 introduced Initial D to a new generation. Although it made alterations that alienated long-time fans—such as combining characters and altering rivalries—it cemented the narrative’s position in Cantonese-speaking pop culture. Chou’s original soundtrack for the film remains popular to this day.
Moreover, the world of Initial D is still around. Shuichi Shigeno’s manga, MF Ghost, goes on to keep the heritage, acting as a prequel in the same universe with few references to the first one. To those who have been following the series for a long time, it is like a sign that the character of Takumi and the history of the AE86 have not become extinct.
Wherever you turn—from car meetups to internet memes—you can spot the influence of Initial D. Its longevity is more than nostalgia; it’s a living element of both anime and car culture. Whether it is watching a rerun or the first time, Initial D still conveys beyond its racing tale. It talks about pushing your limits, loving the underdog, and finding your pace with the ups and downs of life.