‘Initial D’ successor anime ‘MF GHOST: Full-length ending theme song and music video out now!
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“Stereo Sunset” jacket cover
MF GHOST, the new anime series that is a successor to classic street racing series Initial D, began broadcasting on Sunday, October 1. Now, the full-length version of ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’, the ending theme to this long-awaited anime sung by Himika Akaneya from voice actor/idol hybrid unit i☆Ris, is finally available for download and streaming platforms.
The ending theme song is performed by Himika Akaneya, who is also a member of i☆Ris. In addition to her work as a voice actor, Akaneya is also active as an actor in movies and on stage, but this will be her debut performance as a solo artist. Akaneya’s song ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’ is based on city pop, a genre that is hugely popular both in Japan and overseas, and Akaneya was selected for her transparent singing voice that matches the vibe of the song, as well as her unique presence and awesome singing ability.
The track was produced by Japanese masked production duo AmPm, whose music is beloved by fans all over the world – indeed, 80% of their listeners are based outside of Japan. The track combines AmPm’s delicate production skills and comfortable beats with nostalgic lyrics by ARAKI, who regularly writes music for idols, artists and voice actors, to deliver a unique spin on the city pop sound. Akaneya’s gentle singing voice at times veers on spoken word, and the result is a medium-tempo song that is warm and comforting.
The music video for the track was also released today on YouTube.
The ending theme provides a contrast to the opening theme, Yu Serizawa’s ‘JUNGLE FIRE feat. MOTSU’, as well as the thrilling high-speed and tension of the street-race battles of the anime itself. It is a calming, chill track to help listeners cool down and process the excitement of the show, and the smooth textures of the costumes and pale blue visual tones of the music video echo this vibe perfectly. The music video also includes evocative footage of scenery from the Kamakura and Shonan area where MF GHOST is set, with seaside scenes that express the soothing sound of waves and gentle, refreshing breeze that matches Akaneya’s clear singing voice. If the opening theme is all about motion, the ending song is perfect stillness.
Himika Akaneya commented on ‘Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)’, saying, “The lyrics to this song reference imagery related to driving, such as the ‘stereo’ and ‘a neon heart reflected in the windows’, while the word ‘sunset’ melds perfectly into the song’s relaxing melody, putting the listener right there in the scene. I think you will be able to immerse yourself in the lingering afterglow at the end of each episode of the anime. This will be my first time to sing solo, and while I do feel a little nervous, I’m very happy to be involved with the music for MF GHOST, which is a series loved by many fans. I hope that as each episode ends, this song’s casual melody and poetic flow will touch your heart – even just a little. Please check it out.”
AmPm, who produced and arranged the music, and ARAKI, who wrote the lyrics, also commented.
AmPm said, “We are delighted to have worked on the ending theme song for MF GHOST. As the title of the song suggests, we created this song by imagining a sunset drive. We aimed to leave listeners with a sense of speed, allowing you to feel the shifting landscape in the afterglow of the day. We hope you will listen to Himika Akaneya’s singing voice and immerse yourself in the afterglow of each episode!”
ARAKI commented, “Back in the day, cafes and ramen shops would have rows of Initial D manga books that had been read until they were worn out. All these years later, it's an honor to be a part of this new story. I tried to find words that had a stylish retro sound and convey a sense of purity. I hope it will make you feel, ‘Oh yeah! Now THAT’s an anime ending song!”
