Okay, let's get something straight. We all love Initial D, right? Fast cars, tofu deliveries, and eurobeat anthems.
But is MF Ghost a proper sequel? That's the question that keeps me up at night (after watching too many drifting videos, of course).
The Obvious Connections
Let's start with the easy stuff. Kanata Livington, aka Kanata Katagiri, is basically Takumi's protégé.
He even drives an 86, albeit a newer, sexier one. The lineage is undeniable.
And then there's Ogata, the mechanic. Remember him? He used to work at the gas station with Takumi. He has a key part in the story, and now here he is again!
But… Isn't it Just a Reboot in Disguise?
Here's where my unpopular opinion comes in. I think MF Ghost is more of a spiritual successor. A remix, if you will.
Think about it. We've traded mountain passes for closed circuit races. Now we have high-tech simulations that bring new and exciting racing styles.
The cars? European powerhouses instead of Japanese classics. It's all different, yet...familiar.
It has all the tropes and a lot of similar events. Are we watching a continuation, or a retelling from a new perspective?
The "What If" Factor
Maybe MF Ghost is what Initial D would be like if it was set in a modern world. A world where EV's are a real thing, but petrol engines are still the kings!
Imagine Takumi in a Lamborghini. Okay, maybe not. But you get the idea.
It's taking the core elements and updating them. Sort of like a cover song, but with cooler camera work.
It begs the question, should this be seen as a spin-off? Are we meant to think this is just the same world, years later?
The Takumi Enigma
Of course, the biggest mystery is Takumi himself. He's mentioned, but largely absent. Is he training racers somewhere, like a Yoda of drifting?
Or did he just finally settle down with Natsuki and open a tofu shop empire?
His absence makes it feel less like a direct continuation. Like a world where Takumi’s legend is whispered, not seen. But it still begs the question of what happened!
There's an interesting easter egg, of sorts. A passing scene will show what appears to be Takumi racing a rally car in Europe!
My (Probably Wrong) Conclusion
So, is MF Ghost a sequel? I say...kind of. It's a sequel with an asterisk.
It shares DNA with Initial D. It has the same heart, same spirit, similar events. But it's also doing its own thing.
It's like a distant cousin who showed up to the family reunion driving a Ferrari.
Ultimately, who cares? Both shows are awesome. Let's just enjoy the racing and the eurobeat, okay?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go find a mountain road and practice my drifting (safely, of course).
And maybe blast some Initial D music while I'm at it.
