TOKYOPOP Addresses Initial D Editing

Anime on DVD has reprinted TOKYOPOP’s official public response to the recent confirmation that the American release of Initial D in both animation and manga, would be “Americanized” through the use of altered character names. The press release suggests that the alterations are a necessary evil, and fans should be grateful that the changes are not more extensive. While the press release obviously tries to be coy, fans seem to be interpreting the statement as patronizing and insulting. Anime News Network has published a brief editorial in response to TOKYOPOP’s statement that politely summarizes what seems to be consensus fan opinion.