"Initial D - First Stage" centers on Takumi Fujiwara, an unassuming high school student who works part-time at his family's tofu shop. Unbeknownst to his peers, Takumi has honed exceptional driving skills by delivering tofu every morning in his father's aging Toyota AE86 Sprinter Trueno on the treacherous mountain roads of Mount Akina. His father, Bunta Fujiwara, a former street racing legend, subtly trains Takumi through these deliveries, though Takumi remains unaware of his father's intentions.

The story unfolds when the Akina Speed Stars, a local racing team, faces humiliation at the hands of the RedSuns, a formidable team from Mount Akagi led by the skilled Takahashi brothers, Ryosuke and Keisuke. The Speed Stars, desperate to restore their reputation, challenge the RedSuns to a rematch. During this time, Takumi's friend, Itsuki, discovers his driving prowess and convinces him to represent the Speed Stars. Reluctantly, Takumi agrees, and his natural talent and unorthodox techniques, such as the "gutter run," allow him to defeat Keisuke Takahashi in a downhill race, shocking the racing community.

As Takumi's reputation grows, he attracts the attention of other street racers and teams, leading to a series of challenges on various mountain passes. Each race tests his skills and forces him to confront his own motivations and relationship with driving. Meanwhile, Ryosuke Takahashi, the strategic and analytical leader of the RedSuns, becomes intrigued by Takumi's potential and begins to see him as a worthy rival. The narrative also explores the dynamics of street racing culture, including rivalries, teamwork, and the pursuit of personal growth.

The series balances intense racing sequences with character development, particularly focusing on Takumi's journey from a disinterested delivery driver to a passionate and respected racer. Supporting characters, such as the ambitious Itsuki, the experienced Bunta, and the enigmatic Ryosuke, add depth to the story, highlighting themes of mentorship, competition, and self-discovery. "Initial D - First Stage" sets the foundation for Takumi's evolution as a racer and establishes the high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled world of mountain pass racing.