I still vividly remember 12 years ago today, after being introduced to Initial D for a year, I was eager to launch my own Initial D site. Back then, there were barely any Initial D websites. The only Initial D site back then was this site that offer First Stage OP and ED sound file with eye-blinding bright aqua color as background of the webpage. That is the only recollection I had of that site. I remember telling myself, we can do better than this. And the rest was history.
Somewhere in 2006, after Fourth Stage the anime ended, the forums were still filled with activities. It was when the Arcade Stage 4 came around and the arcade stage crowd started leaving the arcade scene that sent the forums into an activity drought. It went downhill slowly from there. I can't tell you how excited I was when I was informed that there will possibly a Fifth Stage in the making. For many years, so many Initial D fans had given up their hopes and left the scene. The forums just quietly went by without a hitch. Save for the occasional server downtime, we've maintained a relatively friendly environment here when the activity is slow. For that, I have to thank the Moderating Team for their hard work. I also have to thank those of you that stick around to keep the forums alive. I most certainly have to thank those who donated to the forums. Your donations are greatly appreciated here at Initial D World.
I guess what I am trying to say here is, I hope this Fifth Stage confirmation will bring the life back into the forums once again. I really miss seeing activities here. It makes me feel the place has a purpose and that is for Initial D fans to come together to share their thoughts. I hope IDW will continue to strive to provide a place for people with similar interests in Initial D to discuss and share information about the series. To that, I invite you to celebrate IDW's 12th anniversary today.
Happy 12th Birthday, Initial D World!
Here's to another dozen years!
And props to Perry and the mods for all their hard work in keeping the forums running! 
