Initial D Announces Official 30th Anniversary Mazda Collab Starring the Takahashi Brothers’ RX-7s
Mazda has announced its first-ever official merchandise collaboration with Initial D, starring the two iconic RX-7s driven by brothers Ryosuke and Keisuke Takahashi.
The “Initial D RX-7 (FC & FD) 1/64 Model Car 2-Car Set” recreates Ryosuke’s white FC3S Savanna RX-7 alongside Keisuke’s yellow FD3S Efini RX-7 as a pair of die-cast models produced directly for Mazda’s official merchandise range.
Created by Shuichi Shigeno, Initial D follows Takumi Fujiwara as his years of making tofu deliveries in his father’s Toyota AE86 unexpectedly turn him into one of Gunma’s most talented mountain pass racers.
The Takahashi brothers become two of the series’ most important rivals and later allies, initially leading the Akagi RedSuns before forming Project D and taking their racing ambitions beyond their home territory.
Both are closely associated with Mazda’s rotary-powered RX-7, with older brother Ryosuke driving the white second-generation FC3S and Keisuke piloting the bright yellow third-generation FD3S that becomes one of Initial D’s most recognizable cars.
Mazda has created the new set ahead of a major milestone for its rotary-engine history, as May 2027 will mark 60 years since the launch of the Cosmo Sport, the brand’s first mass-produced car powered by a rotary engine.
That connection makes the Takahashi brothers a particularly fitting choice for Mazda’s first official Initial D merchandise, as both of their signature cars represent later generations of the rotary technology that became one of the company’s defining engineering achievements.
Each RX-7 has been recreated at 1/64 scale using die-cast construction, with the two cars mounted at slightly different positions and angles inside the packaging to create the impression that they are racing through a mountain pass.
The display background continues that idea with artwork depicting a winding mountain road illuminated by the light of sunrise, allowing the complete package to function as a miniature Initial D scene without removing the cars.
Mazda has also incorporated details aimed specifically at longtime fans onto the rear of the package, including the signature of Initial D creator Shuichi Shigeno and a memorable Ryosuke Takahashi line discussing his admiration for the independent spirit of the rotary engine.
The inclusion of that line came from a Mazda employee who originally became interested in cars and rotary engines through Initial D before eventually joining the manufacturer, adding a direct connection between the manga’s influence and Mazda itself.
Keisuke’s yellow FD3S has remained particularly prominent across Initial D merchandise during 2026, recently inspiring a limited-edition Seiko chronograph with details based on the RX-7’s instrument cluster, rotary engine and Akagi RedSuns branding.
Both Takahashi brothers have also appeared together across Initial D’s wider 30th anniversary merchandise, including ANGEL CLOVER watches based separately on Ryosuke’s FC3S and Keisuke’s FD3S.
Their RX-7s have also appeared in previous miniature releases, including Tomica Premium models and collectible display sets based on cars from Initial D.
Sales of the “Initial D RX-7 (FC & FD) 1/64 Model Car 2-Car Set” will begin through the Mazda Online Shop and at Mazda Fan Festa 2026 at Fuji Speedway from October 3 at 9:00 AM JST, with Mazda dealerships across Japan also accepting orders from October 8.
The two-car package is priced at ¥11,000 (approximately $70 / £53) and measures approximately 17 cm wide, 7.5 cm tall and 6.2 cm deep, with both 1/64 models supplied together rather than being sold individually.
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