Hold onto your racing helmets, MF Ghost fans! The high-octane anime is roaring back onto our screens, and the wait is almost over. Season 3 is officially set to premiere on January 4th, and a brand-new promo video just dropped, giving us a sneak peek at what’s to come. But here’s where it gets controversial… some fans are already debating whether the new theme songs live up to the iconic tunes of the previous seasons. What do you think?
The official website for the MF Ghost anime, based on the manga by the legendary Shuuichi Shigeno (the creator of Initial D!), made the big announcement. Mark your calendars: January 4th is the day we return to the thrilling world of next-generation racing. The series will initially air on Tokyo MX and BS NTV at 11:30 p.m. Japan Standard Time, followed by a later broadcast on RKB Mainichi Broadcasting. For those eager to catch it on other networks, it will also be available on TV Aichi (January 6th), YTV (January 8th), and Animax (January 23rd). This staggered release allows viewers across Japan to tune in at their convenience.
And the music? Get ready to rev your engines to the sound of the new theme songs! Yū Serizawa, known for her energetic performances, will be belting out the opening theme, “Timeless Power feat. MOTSU.” MOTSU, a veteran in the music scene, adds his signature flair to the track. On the flip side, Himika Akaneya will be handling the ending theme, “Yokan no Tochū Prod. Taku Takahashi (m-flo)” (translated as “En Route to a Hunch”). Taku Takahashi, a prominent figure in the Japanese electronic music scene and a member of the group m-flo, brings his unique production style to the ending theme. The promotional video already gives us a tantalizing taste of the opening theme, and it’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping!
Plus, the website also revealed a brand new visual for the upcoming season, offering another glimpse into the aesthetic and tone of the new episodes.
For those new to the series, MF Ghost is set in the 2020s, a time when self-driving cars are commonplace in Japan. The story revolves around Kanata Livington, a talented Japanese driver who returns to his homeland after acing a prestigious racing school in England. He’s not just back for a visit, though. He’s there to compete in the MFG, a high-stakes racing circuit held on public roads that’s capturing the world’s attention. It’s a blend of futuristic technology and classic racing thrills, creating a unique and exciting spectacle.
Let’s take a quick pit stop to recap the series’ journey so far. The first season premiered in October 2023, and it was a hit, airing on multiple channels, including Tokyo MX, BS11, and RKB Mainichi Broadcasting. It also found its way to Animax, TV Aichi, Shizuoka Broadcasting System, TV Setouchi, Tochigi TV, and YTV, ensuring widespread viewership. Crunchyroll streamed the series internationally, bringing the action to fans across the globe. The second season followed in October 2024, continuing the broadcast on Tokyo MX, BS11, and RKB Mainichi Broadcasting, along with YTV, TV Aichi, and Animax. In Japan, it was also available on Lemino and Prime Video. Crunchyroll continued to stream the anime, and even released an English dub for international audiences. This accessibility has helped the series build a dedicated fanbase.
The MF Ghost manga, the source material for this thrilling anime, has its own interesting story. Shuuichi Shigeno launched it in Kodansha’s Young Magazine back in September 2017. Kodansha USA Publishing is bringing the manga to English-speaking readers, allowing them to dive deeper into the world of MF Ghost. The manga experienced a few hiatuses due to Shigeno’s health, once in November 2022 and again in April 2023, but it always made a comeback, eventually reaching its “final battle” and concluding on February 17th. The 23rd and final volume was released in Japan in June. It’s a testament to Shigeno’s dedication and the passion of the fans that the series persevered through these challenges.
So, what are your thoughts on the upcoming season? Are you excited about the new theme songs, or do you prefer the classics? And most importantly, who do you think will win the MFG? Share your predictions and opinions in the comments below! Let’s get the discussion started!