I still remember the adrenaline rush I felt the first time I watched Initial D. The sound of squealing tires on mountain roads and the sight of that iconic AE86 taking on formidable rivals left an indelible mark on me. Now, with MF Ghost carrying the baton of near-future street-racing excitement, I’m back in the thick of it—wondering just how closely this new anime and manga connects to the beloved world of Initial D. Let’s delve deeper into MF Ghost, uncovering its intricate ties to Initial D and exploring new dimensions of racing that keep fans—myself included—on the edge of our seats.
Spoiler Alert: This article references key events from Quiztopia Manga Series.
What Is MF Ghost?
MF Ghost (エムエフゴースト) is a manga by Shuichi Shigeno that first hit the pages of Weekly Young Magazine in 2017, later adapted into an anime in 2023. Set in a period often referred to as “the near future,” the story envisions a world where fully autonomous vehicles dominate everyday roads, pushing traditional, gas-powered sports cars to the fringes. Intriguingly, though, real-life highways and mountain passes in Japan remain the backdrop for intense, high-speed street battles.
- The “MFG” circuit forms the core of the plot. Short for “Motorsports Future Grand,” MFG is a popular and globally streamed racing series that features gas-engine supercars—like Ferraris and Lamborghinis—dueling on public roads.
- The series has already surpassed the 5-million mark in total manga circulation (as noted around 2024), underscoring its growing popularity.
The Tangible Link to Initial D
The question most fans ask is simple: “Is MF Ghost truly related to Initial D?” The answer is a resounding yes.
- It’s set about 30 years after Initial D, effectively placing it in a timeline where Takumi Fujiwara’s legendary downhill exploits have become the stuff of racing lore.
- Familiar names pop up repeatedly. Characters like Takumi’s friends from the Akina Speedstars—Itsuki Takeuchi, Koichiro Iketani, and Kenji—make appearances or are mentioned, bridging the gap for longtime supporters of the original series.
Even more notably, it’s revealed that Takumi himself is the mentor of MF Ghost’s young protagonist, Kanata Katagiri (also known as Kanata Livington). While Takumi hasn’t physically shown up in the current manga chapters, references to him appear frequently, signalling that the once laid-back deliverer of tofu is now regarded as a legendary driver and instructor.
Key Volume & Chapter References
- Volume 1, Chapter 1 (MF Ghost): Introduces Kanata’s arrival in Japan and establishes MFG as the ultimate public-road racing league.
- Volume 2, Chapter 7: A pivotal race scenario that underscores Kanata’s capability, highlighting the Toyota 86 GT’s surprising performance.
- Volume 3, Chapter 5: Subtle nods to Takumi Fujiwara’s legacy surface, hinting at the “downhill specialist’s” continued influence.
- Volume 4, Chapter 10: Hints deepen about how Takumi’s AE86 drifting techniques inform Kanata’s driving style in the era of advanced automotive tech.
Revisiting the Legacy Characters
In the original Initial D, Takumi Fujiwara’s supporting cast helped shape the series’ camaraderie and tension. Some of these figures resurface in MF Ghost, drawing a direct continuum from old to new:
Itsuki Takeuchi (武内樹)
- Takumi’s best friend from the Akina Speedstars. Once a lighthearted teenager, he’s now older, working and balancing adult responsibilities. Despite put-on weight and a shift in priorities, his excitement for street racing remains intact.
- In MF Ghost (see around Volume 3, Chapter 6 references), he’s seen supporting up-and-coming racers like Kanata or discussing the possibility of Takumi’s student dethroning top MFG contenders, underscoring how nostalgia fuels modern-day races.
Koichiro Iketani (池谷浩一郎)
- The former “senpai” figure at the local gas station in Initial D—also a leader of the Akina Speedstars.
- In MF Ghost, Iketani manages a gas station (Volume 3, Chapter 6). Brief scenes follow how he’s kept his passion for performance cars alive, even if life’s burdens (like hair thinning!) have caught up with him.
Kenji (健二)
- The information hub, always up to date on the racing gossip. In MF Ghost’s storyline, Kenji appears as a more settled office worker but still can’t resist bridging local rumors with his old Akina racing buddies.
- References show them discussing how unstoppable new entrants like Kanata might be—especially when trained by a certain “downhill master.”
Seeing these characters older, grappling with real-life changes (jobs, families, or hairlines!) while maintaining a passion for racing is uplifting for longtime readers who identify with the passage of time.
The Protagonist: Kanata Katagiri
Kanata stands at the center of MF Ghost’s narrative. Fresh out of a British racing academy, he crosses the ocean to join Japan’s MFG circuit with a modest Toyota 86 GT (Volume 1, Chapter 2). Fans of Initial D can’t help but draw comparisons between Kanata’s smaller-engine vehicle and Takumi’s iconic AE86—both underdogs that outmaneuver high-powered competition.
- Driving Philosophy: Kanata’s maneuvers echo special drifting and weight-transfer techniques reminiscent of Takumi’s approach.
- Personality: Much like Takumi, Kanata appears low-key, polite, and sometimes underestimates his own ability—but once behind the wheel, he reveals remarkable skill.
- Mentorship: The series indicates that Kanata’s British mentor was none other than Takumi Fujiwara, broadening Takumi’s influence beyond Japan’s borders.
Racing in a “Future Japan”
Following the global shift toward electric and hydrogen-powered cars, internal-combustion cars in MF Ghost are scarce symbols of a bygone era. This futuristic twist breathes fresh energy into the storyline:
- MFG Format: Highly publicized road races, streamed online for a massive worldwide audience. Fans root for gas-guzzling Ferraris and Lamborghinis that the general public can’t drive anymore, creating a unique “legendary machine” aura.
- New Rules & Tech: Unlike Initial D’s private, late-night “touge” duels, MFG events involve official standings, personal sponsors, and advanced telemetry data. The old-school spirit, however, remains strong—especially whenever we see a rookie 86 outrunning top-tier supercars.
Deeper Connections & Easter Eggs
For the eagle-eyed viewer, MF Ghost is loaded with nods to Initial D:
- Mentions of the Takahashi Brothers: Ryosuke and Keisuke Takahashi, once leading the RedSuns and Project D, are alluded to in scattered references, reflecting how their reputations linger even decades later.
- The “86” Factor: Takumi’s AE86 is iconic to an entire generation. Kanata’s modern Toyota 86 GT draws direct parallels, symbolizing how the older car’s legacy has evolved.
- Unresolved Questions: Many fans wonder if Takumi will make a cameo. Will he race once more, or is his teaching role the final phase of his story? Currently, the manga teases possibilities but offers no definitive answers.
Why the Relationship Between the Two Matters
1. A Continuous Motorsport World
MF Ghost cements Shuichi Shigeno’s vision of a shared universe. While Initial D centered on the mid-1990s to early 2000s, MF Ghost depicts a natural evolution of that street-racing culture into the 2020s and beyond.
2. Fan Nostalgia Meets New Horizons
Fans who watched or read Initial D in college (like I did) now find themselves relating to older versions of Iketani or Itsuki. Meanwhile, new or younger readers can jump into MF Ghost with zero prior knowledge and still enjoy the battles.
3. Reinventing Street Racing
Though the environment and cars have changed, the passion for speed and skillful cornering hasn’t. MF Ghost proves that the core themes of rivalry, friendship, and self-improvement are timeless.
FINAL THOUGHT
When I first picked up MF Ghost, I was eager to spot how it might recapture the spirit we felt in those late-night races on Akina. It quickly became clear that while the story moves into a futuristic realm, the essence of “underdog battles” and “drifting mastery” stays alive. As a longtime fan, I’m thrilled by the cameos, the potential for Takumi’s return, and the evolution of street racing in a world shaped by advanced technology.
MF Ghost, in essence, extends the lineage of Initial D into a future brimming with autonomous cars and high-stakes MFG competitions. Its strong ties to Takumi Fujiwara, the reappearance of old friends from Akina, and the homage to iconic racing techniques help unite past and present. While the hallowed AE86 may not be the star anymore, the Toyota 86 GT and other once-legendary machines prove that the driving spirit is still alive and kicking.
Reference
- Wikipedia MF GHOST
- https://mixch.tv/article/recommend/498
