43 Episode anime from 1999, based on a manga by Tooru Fujisawa. It actually is a sequel to the author’s previous work Shonan Junai Gumi!
Known as one of the best anime of all time, I think it’s one of the most inconsistent shows around. The good episodes tend to be really good, while the problematic ones are almost unwatchable. The show is particularly bad with ableism and how a disabled-coded character is treated in it. The opening remains nonetheless iconic.
The song is “Driver’s High” by the popular Japanese rock band L’Arc-en-Ciel. The album it was on, “Ark” topped the Japanese charts for two weeks in July 1999 and the song itself, released as a single with the B-Side song Cradle reached 2nd place in the singles chart.
It’s somewhat amusing to me how songs used in anime can be actually really successful on their own in Japan, such as the Cat’s Eye opening song or the opening to Full Metal Alchemist 2003.
One of my favorite series to read and watch growing up. Driver’s high is my go to karaoke jam!
