Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 was held at Makuhari Messe in Chiba from January 9th to 11th, 2026. At the booth of BLITZ, a manufacturer of tuning parts for automobiles, a talk event was held for the currently airing TV anime series MF GHOST 3rd Season, where production anecdotes were introduced.
 
Here is a report from the first session on the 11th. The speakers were sound director Masafumi Mima, Daisuke Ono who plays Shun Aiba, Tasuku Hatanaka who plays Ogata, and Nanako Aizawa, a former race queen who plays Emma Green.
 
We immediately asked Mima to talk about her relationship with BLITZ. He told us that because of his obsession with acoustics, he believes that real sound cannot be recorded without real parts, so he himself purchased the 86 that the main character drives and modified it to the same specifications as in the anime. He also made the sound recording with upgraded specs to match the tuning in the movie. He says that the relationship with BLITZ was established because BLITZ was in charge of the modifications.
 
A behind-the-scenes video capturing the audio recording process was also shown at the venue. A professional driver was hired to drive the car for the high-speed runs on the circuit, while Mima himself drove the car for the low-speed runs and recorded the audio. Mima said that the reason for this commitment was that he did not want to disappoint fans of "Initial D "

They also talked about an episode where they took a photo in front of the studio during a break with Yuma Uchida, who plays Kanata Katagiri, and an 86, in the same composition as the cover of the original book; an episode where they took Uchida for a drive on a circuit in a car driven by former racing driver Tsuchiya Keiichi; and an episode from the racing team formed by Ono, Hatanaka, and Mima.The conversation gave a glimpse into the fact that the work is produced not just by actors, but by actors and staff who are also car lovers.
 
On the topic of anime, Ono, who visits the Auto Salon every year in his free time, introduced Shun Aiba and the GT-R that Aiba drives. He then said, "I want one too," which got the crowd excited. Then, Hatanaka introduced Ogata. However, his introduction was so lame that Mima told him, "We'll never hire you (laughs)," which made Hatanaka feel disheartened, causing the crowd to erupt in laughter. Next, Aizawa introduced Emma Green, who will be appearing in the third season, and the Aston Martin Vantage that Emma drives. He said he has driven an Aston Martin DB12, describing it as macho and saying, "It's gentlemanly, but the acceleration of a V8 is different."
 
Ono, who said he tried turning off the sound when watching anime, commented that there was a huge difference between having sound and not having it, and that it felt more real when sound was added. Mima, who prefaced his remarks by saying that this is something he can do as a sound director, said that he first looks at just the pictures and dialogue, and then watches with just the dialogue and sound effects.
 
Mima also mentioned that he made an unreasonable request to use the ending theme song "Rage your dream" from "Initial D" in the first episode. The staff worked hard to clear the rights and his wish was granted, and he expressed his gratitude to them. This story was met with applause from the audience.
 
Towards the end of the show, Tatsuki Kobe, who plays Yoji Tanaka (commentator), popped in to take the stage. He explained that during the recording, a separate commentary booth was set up for recording, separate from the racers and pit actors, so that only those in the pit could hear the commentary. Ono introduced Tanaka as "without a doubt the most talkative and passionate guy," to which Hatanaka replied, "His excited commentary and the sight of Kanata racing so earnestly brought me to tears with excitement and worry."
 
The talk event featured stories about each of their experiences with the car and filming, and concluded with a message for fans of the series.
 Ono
This series was created by people who love cars and let that passion explode. The actors also love cars and driving, and they put a lot of thought 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.
 
Hatanaka
The set of "MF GHOST" is extremely heated, and there is a sense of the importance of risking your life to drive at high speeds. That's why I think you need to actually get in the car and 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 delighted if it makes you want to get in the car. I hope you will continue to support "MF GHOST."
 
Aizawa
Before I was allowed to participate 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 earnestly, and not only the cast but everyone involved in production is also working hard, so I hope you will enjoy the 3rd Season.
 
Light Department
I think it's a work that's full of respect. I wanted to convey the passion that everyone feels for the fighters, and the actors playing the fighters told me, "It's all thanks to you that the show is so exciting." I do my best as a commentator to express the emotions that everyone feels. It's a wonderful work, so I'll continue to do my best to deliver it so that people can continue to enjoy it.
 
Sanma
Thank you for joining us today. The anime has only just started, but I hope you will continue to support us until the very end. Thank you.
 
Then all five of them bowed deeply to the audience and left the stage, all smiling and waving.