Initial D

In the thrilling world of street racing, Takumi Fujiwara, portrayed by the talented Jay Chou, finds himself at a pivotal moment after achieving victory in his first official competition. This victory serves as a catalyst, igniting a newfound passion for drift racing, a high-speed sport defined by skillful maneuvering and precision driving. Unbeknownst to Takumi, he has been honing his drifting abilities for years through his daily routine of delivering tofu from his father's small business. Behind the wheel of the iconic Toyota AE86, he has inadvertently become a master drifter, perfecting the art of controlling his car in the most challenging of scenarios while navigating the winding mountain roads of Gunma Prefecture.

As he embarks on this exhilarating journey into the realm of drift racing, Takumi encounters a vibrant cast of characters, each with their unique driving styles and motivations. One significant figure in his life is Natsuki Mogi, played by Anne Suzuki, whose charms and complexity provide both inspiration and distraction for Takumi. Their relationship adds an emotional layer to the story, as Takumi must balance his dedication to racing with the challenges that arise in his personal life. Natsuki becomes a significant influence, pushing him to embrace his talents and pursue his dreams, all while revealing the deeper connections between love and ambition within the high-stakes world of competitive racing.

As the narrative unfolds, viewers are not only treated to heart-pounding races against formidable opponents but also a deeper exploration of themes such as friendship, rivalry, and self-discovery. Takumi's transformation from a humble tofu delivery boy into a legendary drift racer captures the essence of the film, showcasing his growth both on and off the track. With breathtaking visuals and adrenaline-fueled scenes, 'Initial D' masterfully weaves together the excitement of street racing with poignant character development, making it a compelling story that resonates with audiences, leaving them on the edge of their seats.

Main Cast of Initial D

Jay Chou's portrayal of Takumi Fujiwara in the live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series 'Initial D' is widely regarded as a highlight of the film. As a singer-songwriter and musician with a passion for racing, Chou brought a unique blend of authenticity and star power to the role. He effectively captured the essence of Takumi—a stoic, unassuming tofu delivery boy who becomes an unlikely drifting prodigy on the mountain passes of Gunma Prefecture. Chou's performance was praised for its subtlety and depth, showcasing Takumi's internal struggles and growth as he navigates the competitive world of street racing. His on-screen charisma and dedication to the role, including his own drifting training, allowed audiences to fully invest in Takumi's journey from an inexperienced racer to a formidable opponent in the racing community. Chou's embodiment of Takumi not only resonated with fans of the original series but also introduced the character to a new generation, contributing to the film's success and cementing Chou's status as a versatile performer capable of transitioning from music to film with remarkable finesse.

Anne Suzuki delivered a compelling performance as Natsuki Mogi in the live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series "Initial D." As the enigmatic and mature love interest of the protagonist, Takumi Fujiwara, Suzuki brought depth and complexity to the character, expertly portraying Natsuki's duality as both a high school student and an experienced woman with a troubled past. Her interactions with the lead character, played by Jay Chou, are laced with a subtle intensity that captures the essence of young love intertwined with the thrill of underground street racing. Suzuki's nuanced acting, coupled with her ability to convey a sense of wisdom beyond her years, made Natsuki a memorable character and a standout performance in the film, contributing to the emotional resonance that complemented the high-octane driving sequences. Her portrayal added a layer of heart to the action-packed narrative, ensuring that audiences were invested not only in the adrenaline-fueled races but also in the blossoming romance at the film's core.

Jordan Chan Siu-Chun delivered a memorable performance as Kyouichi Sudou in the live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese manga and anime series 'Initial D'. As the charismatic and highly skilled drifter from the rival team, Sudou serves as a formidable opponent to the protagonist, Takumi Fujiwara. Chan's portrayal was both intense and nuanced, capturing the character's competitive spirit and underlying complexity. His on-screen presence was commanding, particularly during the high-octane racing sequences where his precision and control mirrored Sudou's expertise in the art of drifting. Chan's performance was not just about showcasing driving prowess; he also brought depth to the character's interactions, highlighting Sudou's respect for his opponents and his role as a mentor figure to his teammates. The actor's dedication to embodying the essence of Kyouichi Sudou contributed to the film's success and solidified his character as an unforgettable part of the 'Initial D' universe.

Shawn Yue Man-Lok delivered a compelling performance as Takeshi Nakazato in the high-octane film 'Initial D', effortlessly embodying the cool, composed, and highly skilled rival to the film's protagonist, Takumi Fujiwara. Yue's portrayal of Nakazato, the leader of the Myogi NightKids, captures the essence of a seasoned street racer with an intense passion for the sport. His presence on screen is commanding, exuding an air of confidence and a touch of arrogance that defines his character's aggressive driving style. Yue's performance is not just about the adrenaline-fueled racing scenes; he also brings depth to Nakazato's character, showcasing the respect and sportsmanship that underpins his rivalry with Takumi. His ability to convey the focused determination and the underlying honor code among street racers adds a layer of complexity to the character, making Nakazato a memorable and iconic figure in the live-action adaptation of the beloved manga and anime series. Yue's portrayal is a testament to his range as an actor, as he navigates the fine line between antagonist and antihero, resonating with the audience and leaving a lasting impression in the world of racing cinema.

Anthony Wong Chau-Sang delivered a compelling performance as Bunta Fujiwara in the live-action adaptation of the popular manga and anime series 'Initial D'. As the enigmatic and skilled street racer, Wong brought depth and a sense of gravitas to the character, portraying Bunta as a quietly authoritative figure with a hidden passion for racing. His nuanced portrayal captured the complexity of Bunta's relationship with his son, Takumi, played by Jay Chou, seamlessly transitioning between the roles of a stern, aloof father and a mentor harboring a wealth of knowledge about racing. Wong's performance was praised for its authenticity and the emotional layers he brought to the character, showcasing Bunta's subtle influence on Takumi's growth as a driver and as a young man. His on-screen presence was a highlight of the film, providing a captivating blend of dramatic intensity and heartfelt moments that resonated with fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

Kenny Bee delivered a nuanced performance as Yuuichi Tachibana in the live-action adaptation of the popular Japanese street racing manga and anime series "Initial D." As the elder owner of a tofu shop and a former street racing legend known as the "Ghost of Akina," Bee brought depth and warmth to the character, portraying Tachibana as a mentor figure to the protagonist, Takumi Fujiwara. His performance was underscored by a sense of wisdom and a restrained charisma that hinted at his character's storied past. Bee's portrayal captured the essence of Tachibana's struggle with the shadows of his former glory, while also conveying his passion for racing and his genuine desire to see Takumi surpass his own legendary status. Kenny Bee's acting resonated with fans, providing a human touch to the high-octane world of drift racing depicted in the film.

Secondary Cast of Initial D

Kazuo Yashiro

SpeedStars Member

Mika Kuroiwa

Natsuki Mogi's Classmate

Megumi Seitone

Natsuki Mogi's Classmate

Sayaka Takizawa

Natsuki Mogi's Classmate

Daiichiro Yuyama

NightKids Member

Kenzo Sakai

NightKids Member

Iijima So

NightKids Member

Akira Yasuda

RedSuns Member

Takahiro Hirano

RedSuns Member

Eiichi Kato

RedSuns Member

Shintaro Nemoto

RedSuns Member

Kenji Harada

RedSuns Member

Masato Kato

RedSuns Member

Shinichiro Nagano

RedSuns Member

Shota Mituki

RedSuns Member

Takenori Ishii

RedSuns Member

Chizuru Iguchi

Karaoke's Lady

Ran Fukuda

Karaoke's Lady

Kanako Ishiyama

Karaoke's Lady

Chinatsu Kanada

Karaoke's Lady

Akiko Matsushita

RedSuns Team's Girlfriend

Kahori Oba

RedSuns Team's Girlfriend

Dasubi Tamura

RedSuns Team's Girlfriend

Kôtarô Kano

Emperor Member

Yûya Nakahara

Emperor Member

Kazuhide Kobayashi

Emperor Member

Yusuke Naoi

Emperor Member

Hiroyuki Nakai

Emperor Member

Rin Aki

Emperor Team's Girlfriend

Eri Asanuma

Emperor Team's Girlfriend

Yuka Yanase

Emperor Team's Girlfriend

Tomomi Koizumi

Emperor Team's Girlfriend

Katushi Norimine

Truck Driver

Yusuke Nakayama

Truck Driver

Masashi Niijima

Truck Driver

Tsunesuke Shimizu

Truck Driver

Kazunori Kawamura

NightKids Team's Crowd

Norimasa Matumoto

NightKids Team's Crowd

Minako Yokoyama

Takumi Fujiwara's Fan

Maako Yoshikawa

Takumi Fujiwara's Fan

Seira Ogura

Takumi Fujiwara's Fan

Chikako Murata

Takumi Fujiwara's Fan

Hiroko Watabe

Ryousuke Takahashi's Fan

Yumi Murakami

Ryousuke Takahashi's Fan

Serina Kurobe

Ryousuke Takahashi's Fan

Crew of Initial D