The Initial D manga series, created by Shuichi Shigeno, began serialization in the Young Magazine in 1995, marking the start of the franchise.
The first anime adaptation of Initial D aired, bringing the manga's street racing stories to the television audience and greatly increasing the series' popularity.
SEGA released the Initial D Arcade Stage video game, expanding the franchise into the arcade gaming market and allowing fans to experience racing in Initial D's style interactively.
The live-action film adaptation of Initial D was released, featuring Jay Chou as Takumi Fujiwara, introducing the franchise to a broader audience beyond manga and anime fans.
The concluding volume of the Initial D manga was published, officially ending the long-running street racing saga begun in 1995.
Takumi Fujiwara begins delivering tofu for his father's shop every morning, practicing downhill driving on Mount Akina without realizing it.
Takumi, driving his Toyota AE86, challenges and defeats Keisuke Takahashi, one of the top racers of the Akagi Red Suns, establishing his reputation.
Takumi faces Ryosuke Takahashi in a downhill race on Mount Akagi, marking a pivotal moment in his development as a street racer.
Takumi officially joins his local team, the Akina Speed Stars, as their ace racer.
Takumi races against Team Myogi on Mount Myogi and secures a victory, expanding his racing reputation beyond Akina.
Takumi challenges and wins against the powerful Team Emperor on Mount Akagi, elevating his status in the street racing world.
Takumi and his mechanic Bunta Fujiwara make significant performance upgrades to the AE86, further enhancing his racing capabilities.
Takumi faces Takeshi Nakazato of the NightKids on Mount Akagi, winning the intense race and proving his prowess.
Ryosuke Takahashi recruits Takumi to join Project D, a professional racing team aiming to defeat top street racers across Japan.
During Project D's racing tour, Takumi defeats Kyoichi Sudo on Akagi, solidifying his increasing skill and confidence.
Takumi races and defeats Seiji Iwaki of Team Gori on the Usui Pass, a critical step in Project D's mission.
Takumi's Project D team competes against Team Akagi in a high-stakes race, further testing their limits.
Takumi competes against Kenta Nakamura of Team Impact Blue on Mount Akina, emerging victorious and enhancing his reputation.
Takumi faces off against Ryosuke in a return match on Akagi, showing significant improvement though Ryosuke retains a narrow edge.
Takumi finishes his high school education, preparing for potential future endeavors beyond street racing.
