Detail on Initial D Name Changes

In an effort to increase the odds of the Initial D animation being picked up for American television broadcast, TOKYOPOP has confirmed that they have edited the series and manga. With at least the manga translation, beginning with volume 2 the series uses original Westernized character names instead of accurate translations of the character’s Japanese names. Anime News Network has published a list of the name changes and posted a link to an online fan petition urging TOKYOPOP to either revert the Initial D translation back to an accurate, literal translation or release multiple versions for mainstream and “die-hard fans.”