MF GHOST Ending Theme Receives TV Size Release & Teaser Video

MF GHOST, the new anime series that is a successor to the classic street racing anime Initial D, recently began broadcasting. A new anime release means new music releases, and a short version of the ending theme, "Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)", was released today. "Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)" is sung by Himika Akaneya from voice actor/idol hybrid unit i☆Ris, and you can read more about this release below!

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, with 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.

In addition to the TV size short version of the song becoming available, a teaser video was also released today on YouTube which can be seen below.

This teaser video offers a glimpse of the full version, which will be released at a later date, and was shot among the picturesque scenery of the Kamakura/Shonan area of Japan where the anime series MF GHOST is set.

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, commented: “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, who wrote the lyrics, 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!”

The full-length version of "Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)" will be released on CD on November 22.

"Stereo Sunset (Prod. AmPm)" Download & Streaming Links:
https://avex.lnk.to/StereoSunset_TVsize

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Himika Akaneya Profile:
Date of Birth: July 16, 1994
Himika Akaneya is a voice actor, actor and artist. As a voice actor, she has made memorable performances as heroines such as Laala Manaka in ‘Pretty Series’, Izetta in ‘Izetta: The Last Witch’ and Ritsuka Tachibana in ‘Dance with Devils’. In recent years, she has been challenging herself as an actor across various mediums, with roles such as Shiori Usami in the theater production ‘World Trigger: The Stage’ and the upcoming August 2023 movie ‘30S’ created and produced by 7ORDER member Yuma Sanada. She is also an active YouTuber who puts her body to the test with physical challenges beyond what you’d assume from her looks, tackling one project after another.

Official Website: https://iris.dive2ent.com/
X: https://twitter.com/iRis_a_himi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwCfG7UHT9jubtG1M5dH4Bw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/himika_akaneya_official/

AmPm Profile:
Japanese masked production duo AmPm debuted in 2017 with the single ‘Best Part of Us’, which became a hit around the world. Since then, they have worked with various global guest artists from the dance music scene and beyond, releasing over 40 tracks to date. AmPm are currently one of the most popular Japanese artists overseas, with 80% of their audience based outside of Japan.

Official Website: https://avex.jp/ampm/
X: https://twitter.com/ampm_tokyo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ampm.tokyo/
Music: https://ampm.lnk.to/ampm

ARAKI Profile:
ARAKI debuted in 2012 as a member of STOROBOY. After the band broke up, he went on to work on various songs as a composer, lyricist and arranger. Working as an artist producer, music director and songwriter, he has built up a reputation for creating old-school J-pop with a modern twist. He has written songs for i☆Ris including ‘Queens Bluff’, ‘12 Gatsu no Snowry’ and ‘Summer Dude’.

X: https://twitter.com/ARAKI__IKARA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/araki_ikara/