TOKYOPOP to Work With Fans on Translation of Initial D

In a surprising and positive move, TOKYOPOP has confirmed that they will be using fan produced script translations of the Initial D animation as reference material in their translation of the series. In a show of support for the anime industry, fan translating group Central Anime ceased non-profit distribution of their Initial D fansubs when TOKYOPOP announced their official license. Central Anime offered their translations and extensive research and cultural and translation notes to TOKYOPOP, who graciously accepted the assistance.

According to Tokyopop’s Ken Lee, “We’re still early in our localization of Initial D and we’re still planning our releases and our translation efforts,” so it isn’t yet clear just how similar the final, licensed release will resemble the Central Anime fansub. However, the influence of good fansub translations should help generate a very credible TOKYOPOP translation. Because fansub scripts are produced as a labor of love from devoted fans, and do not need to be created for mainstream viewers with no knowledge of Japanese language or culture, fansub scripts are often very literal, direct translations of the original Japanese dialogue.

Source: Anime News Network