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The Best Episodes of Initial D Season 1

Every episode of Initial D Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Initial D Season 1!

Binge this in 10h 25m•Peaking at 8.6/10

Takumi’s job as a tofu delivery boy has turned him into one of the most formidable drivers around. Behind the wheel of his Eight-Six, he’s one with the road—and his life shifts into high gear

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Initial D Season 1 Episode 1 - The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift
    7.7/10(209 votes)

    #1 - The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift

    S1:E1

    High school kid Takumi works at a gas station with his buddy Itsuki. When the guys join their co-worker Iketani for a night of street racing action on Mt. Akina, Takumi’s life will never be the same.

    Director:Shin Misawa
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  2. Initial D Season 1 Episode 2 - Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo
    7.6/10(169 votes)

    #2 - Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo

    S1:E2

    When his boss reveals that the Eight-Six driver from Mt. Akina owns a tofu shop, Iketani begins to wonder if the legendary racer might have an intimate connection to Takumi.

    Director:Susumu Kudo
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  3. Initial D Season 1 Episode 3 - Downhill Specialist Arrives
    7.5/10(161 votes)

    #3 - Downhill Specialist Arrives

    S1:E3

    Iketani’s out of commission for the race against the RedSuns, so he tries to convince Bunta to take his place. Takumi’s working on a deal of his own - he need’s his dad’s car for a date with Natsuki.

    Director:Naoyuki Kuzuya
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  4. Initial D Season 1 Episode 4 - The Battle Begins
    8.4/10(162 votes)

    #4 - The Battle Begins

    S1:E4

    The match between the SpeedStars and the RedSuns is set to begin. Just as Iketani makes the desperate decision to put Kenji up against Keisuke, the Eight-Six appears - with Takumi behind the wheel.

    Director:Hiroshi Kotaki
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  5. Initial D Season 1 Episode 5 - Dogfight!
    8.0/10(153 votes)

    #5 - Dogfight!

    S1:E5

    When Takumi stuns everyone with his skills in the Eight-Six, Iketani and Itsuki start plotting a way to get the new hotshot to join the SpeedStars.

    Director:Mihiro Yamaguchi
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  6. Initial D Season 1 Episode 6 - A New Challenger
    7.4/10(141 votes)

    #6 - A New Challenger

    S1:E6

    Driving his new Three-Two, Takeshi goes head-to-head against Ryosuke on Mt. Akina. Meanwhile, Takumi offers Iketani a first-hand look at the thrill of riding in the Eight-Six.

    Director:Masami Hata
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  7. Initial D Season 1 Episode 7 - Pride of a Racer
    7.3/10(136 votes)

    #7 - Pride of a Racer

    S1:E7

    Takeshi is ready to take on the Eight-Six and he has every reason to believe that the car’s driver is game. When Takumi catches wind of the situation, he’s got to decide if the challenge is worth accepting.

    Director:Susumu Kudo
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  8. Initial D Season 1 Episode 8 - Time's Almost Up!
    7.3/10(135 votes)

    #8 - Time's Almost Up!

    S1:E8

    There’s a crowd waiting for a race to start on Mt. Akina, but the Eight-Six is nowhere to be seen. Itsuki’s in a tough spot - and Takumi’s the only one who can get him out of it.

    Director:Hiroshi Tsuruta
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  9. Initial D Season 1 Episode 9 - Battle To the Limit
    8.6/10(157 votes)

    #9 - Battle To the Limit

    S1:E9

    The race is underway with Takumi behind the wheel of the Eight-Six. His competition, Takeshi, drives the Three-Two with undeniable skill - but he can’t seem to pull away from Takumi!

    Director:Mihiro Yamaguchi
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  10. Initial D Season 1 Episode 10 - The Five Consecutive Hairpins
    8.4/10(141 votes)

    #10 - The Five Consecutive Hairpins

    S1:E10

    Takeshi and Takumi speed toward the finish line! Victory is at hand for the driver who can conquer the final challenges of the course - five treacherous hairpin curves.

    Director:Hiroshi Kotaki
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  11. Initial D Season 1 Episode 11 - Shingo Arrives
    7.7/10(133 votes)

    #11 - Shingo Arrives

    S1:E11

    Iketani’s putting his S-13 to the test now that it’s out of the shop, but a simple practice session turns into a dangerous situation when a reckless member of the NightKids - Shingo - arrives in a red EG-6.

    Director:Yukio Nishimoto
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  12. Initial D Season 1 Episode 12 - The FR Killer
    7.5/10(128 votes)

    #12 - The FR Killer

    S1:E12

    Shingo arrives with the NightKids and he’s calling Takumi and the gang out. His demands: A Duct Tape Death Match against the Eight-Six.

    Director:Masami Hata
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  13. Initial D Season 1 Episode 13 - First Date
    7.3/10(128 votes)

    #13 - First Date

    S1:E13

    Shingo’s itching to take on the Eight-Six in a dangerous race, but with nobody stepping up to accept the challenge, he takes drastic measures to get his way.

    Director:Mihiro Yamaguchi
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  14. Initial D Season 1 Episode 14 - Evolving Drift
    8.2/10(136 votes)

    #14 - Evolving Drift

    S1:E14

    Takumi’s had enough of Shingo’s intimidation tactics. He agrees to take on the pushy NightKid in the most treacherous of races: A Duct Tape Death Match.

    Director:Hiroshi Tsuruta
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  15. Initial D Season 1 Episode 15 - Takumi's Fury
    8.4/10(136 votes)

    #15 - Takumi's Fury

    S1:E15

    Takumi and Iketani are having very different days: Takumi’s hand is taped to the Eight-Six’s steering wheel as Shingo bumps into him at high speeds. Iketani’s hanging out with a pretty girl.

    Director:Yukio Nishimoto
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  16. Initial D Season 1 Episode 16 - The Angel of Usui
    7.6/10(122 votes)

    #16 - The Angel of Usui

    S1:E16

    When Iketani takes Mako out for a good time, his friends decide to tail the duo and figure out what she’s all about. They soon discover her greatest talent: outdriving them all on Mt. Usui!

    Director:Hiroshi Kotaki
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  17. Initial D Season 1 Episode 17 - Sudden-Death Death Match
    7.7/10(121 votes)

    #17 - Sudden-Death Death Match

    S1:E17

    Takumi’s upcoming race at Usui is creating friction among his friends. One reason for the tension: he’s never driven the course. A bigger reason: his opponent is Mako.

    Director:Kazuyoshi Yokota
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  18. Initial D Season 1 Episode 18 - Hot Winds and Furious Driving
    8.3/10(124 votes)

    #18 - Hot Winds and Furious Driving

    S1:E18

    Mako and Sayuki are having their way with Takumi and the Eight-Six on Mt. Usui. As Takumi himself questions his ability to pull out a win, the racers approach the course’s toughest curve.

    Director:Masami Hata
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  19. Initial D Season 1 Episode 19 - Super Drift!
    8.0/10(125 votes)

    #19 - Super Drift!

    S1:E19

    The finish line is in sight on Mt. Usui! Mako and Sayuki know the course like the back of their hands; Takumi might need a miracle if he is to claim victory against the girls.

    Director:Susumu Kudo
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  20. Initial D Season 1 Episode 20 - The End of Summer
    7.5/10(120 votes)

    #20 - The End of Summer

    S1:E20

    When the gang heads out to a water park, Iketani sees signs that it could actually work out with Mako - until he finds photographic proof that her heart might belong to another guy.

    Director:Hiroshi Tsuruta
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  21. Initial D Season 1 Episode 21 - Challenge From the Superstar
    7.2/10(118 votes)

    #21 - Challenge From the Superstar

    S1:E21

    Takumi’s growing rep has attracted the attention of Ryosuke, who’s ready to face the Eight-Six on Mt. Akina. Takumi better get his head on straight - this will be his greatest challenge yet.

    Director:Kazuyoshi Yokota
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  22. Initial D Season 1 Episode 22 - Fierce Uphill Battle!
    7.8/10(117 votes)

    #22 - Fierce Uphill Battle!

    S1:E22

    At Itsuki’s behest, Takumi heads out to watch an uphill race between two of his former foes - Takeshi of the NightKids and the RedSuns’ Keisuke.

    Director:Hiroshi Kotaki
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  23. Initial D Season 1 Episode 23 - The Rainy Downhill
    7.8/10(120 votes)

    #23 - The Rainy Downhill

    S1:E23

    Kenta, a member of the RedSuns, challenges Takumi to a downhill race in the pouring rain. With the increasingly wet course conditions, neither driver is guaranteed victory.

    Director:Susumu Kudo
    Writer:Nobuaki Kishima

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  24. Initial D Season 1 Episode 24 - Akagi's White Comet
    7.9/10(122 votes)

    #24 - Akagi's White Comet

    S1:E24

    Ryosuke may already be a local legend, but he still drives like a man with something to prove. He’s determined to beat the very best racers Mt. Akina has to offer - and Takumi’s next on his list.

    Director:Masami Hata
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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  25. Initial D Season 1 Episode 25 - Last Great Battle
    8.2/10(125 votes)

    #25 - Last Great Battle

    S1:E25

    Veteran racer Ryosuke’s a mastermind behind the wheel, and he’ll be pulling no punches in the match against rising rookie Takumi. The drivers are ready and only one can be the best.

    Director:Kazunori Ikegami
    Writer:Hiroshi Toda

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Season 1 Ratings Summary

"The Ultimate Tofu Store Drift" is the best rated episode of "Initial D" season 1. It scored 7.7/10 based on 209 votes. Directed by Shin Misawa and written by Hiroshi Toda, it aired on 4/18/1998. This episode is rated 0.1 points higher than the second-best, "Revenge! The Rumbling Turbo".