A talk event for " MF Ghost MF Ghost Ghost," based on the successor to Shuichi Shigeno's popular manga "Initial D, " was held on January 11th at the BLITZ section of Tokyo Auto Salon 2026, held at Makuhari Messe (Mihama Ward, Chiba City). Sound director Masafumi Mima, Daisuke Ono(who voices Shun Aiba), Tasuku Hatanaka(who voices Ogata), and former race queen Nanako Aizawa (who voices Emma Green) appeared on stage. A behind-the-scenes video showing the sound recording revealed that a professional driver was hired to drive the car for the high-speed driving on the circuit, while Mima himself drove and recorded the low-speed driving sounds.
Ono said that he had tried turning off the sound when watching anime, and that there was a huge difference between having sound and not having it, and that it felt more real with sound on. Mima said that he had made an unreasonable request to use the ending theme of "Initial D," "Rage your dream," in the first episode, and that thanks to the efforts of the staff, the rights were cleared and his wish was granted.
Ono, who visits the Auto Salon every year in his private life, said, "I want the GT-R that Aiba drives." When Emma Green and the Aston Martin Vantage that she drives from the third season came up as a topic, Aizawa said that he has driven an Aston Martin DB12, describing the DB12 as "macho," explaining, "It's gentlemanly, but the acceleration and other aspects of a V8 are different."
Towards the end of the show, Mitsube Itsuki, who plays the commentator Tanaka Yoji, popped in. Ono introduced Tanaka as "without a doubt the most talkative and passionate guy," to which Hatanaka nodded, saying, "His excited commentary and the sight of Kanata running so earnestly brought me to tears with excitement and worry."
Finally, Ono commented, "This series is made by people who love cars and let that passion explode. The actors also love cars and love driving, and they put a lot of different feelings into the dubbing, such as the sense of speed and the excitement of being in a car, and I think that's reflected in the work. Above all, I think we are the biggest fans of ' MF Ghost'. Let's all get excited about the 3rd Season, thank you very much."
Hatanaka said, "The set of MF Ghost is very heated, and there is a sense of the importance of risking your life to drive at high speeds. That's why I think you have to actually get in the car to get a feel for it, and the set of MF Ghost has that rawness. I think the staff are also doing their part to create that kind of set. I hope that this passion will continue to reach everyone through the film, and I would be happy if it makes you want to get in the car. I hope you will continue to support MF Ghost."
Aizawa said, "Before I was involved in MF Ghost, I had many opportunities to meet fans of MF Ghost and Initial D in person, and because I felt their passion, I felt that I couldn't be embarrassed about the attitude I wanted to take during the dubbing. Everyone is supporting us so seriously, and not only the cast but everyone involved in production is also working hard, so I hope you will enjoy the 3rd Season."
Mitsube said enthusiastically, "I think it's a work full of respect. I wanted to convey the passionate feelings that everyone has for the fighters, and the actors playing the fighters told me, 'It's all thanks to you that the show is so exciting.' When I do commentary, I feel like I'm speaking on behalf of the emotions that everyone is feeling. It's a wonderful work, so I'll continue to do my best to deliver it so that people can continue to enjoy it."
Mima said, "Thank you for coming today. The anime has only just started, but I would be happy if you would support it until the end. Thank you very much."
"MF Ghost" was serialized in "Young Magazine" (Kodansha) from September 2017 to February 2025. Set in Japan in the year 202X, where self-driving cars have become widespread, the story follows Kanata Katagiri Katagiri, a British racing school graduate, who takes part in the race to achieve a certain goal as the road car race MFG gains popularity around the world. The manga has sold over 7 million copies in total. The first season of the TV anime aired from October to December 2023, and the second season from October to December 2024. The third season is currently airing on TOKYO MX and other channels.
