Toyota just answered a question every Initial D fan has asked at least once: can you actually drift an AE86 without spilling a cup of water? Per Anime News Network, Toyota driver Keizō Katō took an AE86 Corolla Levin (the sister car of Takumi's Sprinter Trueno) around a Toyota test course on October 2, the unofficial "Tofu Day" in Japan, and kept the water in the cup. The video splices in sound effects and panels from Shūichi Shigeno's manga, and it's the best excuse in years to go back to the series.
Quick answer
Initial D is a street-racing anime based on Shūichi Shigeno's manga, which ran in Weekly Young Magazine from 1995. The TV anime starts with Initial D First Stage (1998, 26 episodes, Studio Gallop) and continues through Second, Third (a film), Fourth, Fifth and Final Stage (2014), with OVAs in between and a 2014–2016 New Initial D film trilogy that retells the opening arc. The sequel, MF Ghost, has run since 2023. Crunchyroll holds the North American license (the old Funimation catalog), but which Stages stream depends on your region. According to SenpaiRanks, First Stage is the franchise's top-rated TV entry at 7.99, just ahead of Fourth Stage at 7.96.
The stunt, explained
In the story, tofu-shop owner Bunta Fujiwara puts a cup of water in the cup holder before his son Takumi's dawn delivery runs down Mount Akina. The rule is to get the tofu there without spilling a drop. That's how Takumi learns the smooth weight transfer that later beats everyone on the mountain passes. Toyota's demo recreates that test on a closed course, not on a public road.
Initial D First Stage — Studio Gallop
Initial D watch order
- Initial D First Stage (1998, TV) — 7.99
- Initial D Extra Stage (OVA, optional)
- Initial D Second Stage (1999, TV) — 7.94
- Initial D Third Stage (2001, film) — 7.76
- Battle Stage (recap OVA, optional)
- Initial D Fourth Stage (2004, TV) — 7.96
- Battle Stage 2 and Extra Stage 2 (optional)
- Initial D Fifth Stage (2012, TV) — 7.80
- Initial D Final Stage (2014, TV) — 7.87
The New Initial D films (Legend 1: Awakening and two sequels) are a modern retelling of the early arcs, not a continuation. They're a good starter if 1998-era CG cars are a dealbreaker for you.
Is it good?
Yes, with one caveat. The races are still some of the most tense in anime, and the eurobeat soundtrack is half the appeal. The early CG car models look rough by today's standards, while the drawn characters hold up fine. Our board agrees: every main Stage sits between 7.76 and 7.99, a steadier run than most long franchises manage. If you finish and want more, MF Ghost (Felix Film, 7.01) picks up years later with a new driver and links back to Takumi. MF Ghost 3rd Season sits at 7.07, and a final season is announced.
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Frequently asked questions
Q: What is the Initial D watch order?
A: First Stage, Second Stage, Third Stage (film), Fourth Stage, Fifth Stage and then Final Stage. The Extra Stage and Battle Stage OVAs are optional side stories and recaps.
Q: Where can I watch Initial D?
A: Crunchyroll holds the North American license from the former Funimation catalog, but which Stages are available varies by region.
Q: Is Initial D good?
A: Yes. SenpaiRanks tracks every main Stage between 7.76 and 7.99, and First Stage is the highest at 7.99.
Q: Did Toyota really drift an AE86 without spilling water?
A: Yes. Per Anime News Network, Toyota driver Keizō Katō did it in an AE86 Corolla Levin on a test course on October 2, 2026.
Q: Is there an Initial D sequel?
A: Yes. MF Ghost (2023–present) is set years later, and its final season has been announced.