Exploring MF GHOST with Yu Serizawa: Insights into Music, JUNGLE FIRE, MOTSU, and Beyond

Yu Serizawa, a celebrated voice actor and solo artist. Yu Serizawa is also part of unit i☆Ris and has marked her 5th anniversary last year. She is currently on her fourth solo live tour! Among Serizawa’s many roles, she brings life to the character Nozomi Kitahara in ‘MF GHOST’. MOTSU is a distinguished member of the Japanese group m.o.v.e. He is renowned for his work on all the opening theme songs for the iconic ‘Initial D’ anime series and films.

Yu Serizawa discusses her collaboration on the opening theme song for the anime series ‘MF GHOST. ‘MF GHOST’, the new anime series that is a successor to classic street racing series ‘Initial D’, began broadcasting in October. The show’s opening theme song, ‘JUNGLE FIRE feat. MOTSU’ by Yu Serizawa, is highly acclaimed by fans!

‘JUNGLE FIRE,’ the opening theme for ‘MF GHOST infuses with the kinetic energy required for high-speed car racing battles. The song is a fusion of Serizawa’s vocal prowess and MOTSU’s deep connection with ‘Initial D’. The result is an addictive Eurobeat track that is sure to rev your engine. This song made a surprise appearance when it was performed at Animelo Summer Live 2023 -AXEL-. The event was held at Saitama Super Arena in Japan this summer and had anime song fans hyped for its release.

A masterpiece worthy of a new generation of the high-speed street racing legend

It’s worth noting that Yu Serizawa’s solo live tour is currently underway. The last tour date is scheduled for December 24th. Let’s delve into her experiences, inspirations, and the making of ‘JUNGLE FIRE.’ Also, don’t miss ‘MF GHOST’. It’s an anime series that has earned its high position on the starting grid, and check out its awesome opening and closing theme songs.

INTERVIEW WITH YU SERIZAWA

Please introduce yourself to the HypnoticAsia readers.

I’m Yu Serizawa, a voice actor and idol. As a voice actor, I’ve voiced Yumemi Yumemite in the anime “Kakegurui.” As an idol, I’m in the group i☆Ris and also work as a solo artist!

Can you share the story behind singing “Jungle Fire” as the opening theme for ‘MF Ghost’? What were your impressions when getting involved in this project?

The producer was looking for a female vocalist who would bring a fresh feeling and wouldn’t disappoint those who think of m.o.v.e first when it comes to “Initial D.” Because MOTSU and I had great chemistry in “EVERYBODY!EVERYBODY/YOU YOU YOU” and we were close, they very kindly thought I was a good fit and asked me. 

I knew “Initial D” of course, and as much as I was really happy to be involved in the next project, I also felt pressure. I wanted to do what I could to make everyone who loves this anime accept me, so I got my driver’s license.

Were there any special efforts in the lyrics and melody of “Jungle Fire” to reflect the themes and atmosphere of ‘MF Ghost’?

MOTSU has been involved in music production since Initial D and created this track for us! This series is all about Eurobeat!! This Eurobeat track is spectacular as you can really feel like cars are speeding past you!

Tell us about your experience collaborating with MOTSU in singing this song. How did the collaboration with him unfold?

This is my second time collaborating with MOTSU and since he was more senior than me at avex, I was quite nervous. But MOTSU was friendly and talked to me a lot, and we even went fishing together!

I couldn’t catch even one fish, but we were able to talk about many things. Through this, we became closer, and now he’s like my favorite big brother.

If there are any notable moments in the production process of “Jungle Fire” or any special meaning you infused into the song, please share.

I had a feeling that this song would be a great theme song for “MF Ghost.”

So I wanted to make the song, visuals, CD jackets, and everything match MF Ghost. Nozomu Kitahara, the character I voice in the series, rides a red Alfa Romeo 4c. The main character, Kanata, also rides a bright red Toyota 86. That’s why I wore a bright red dress, thinking that red would be the best. 

I love it so much. MOTSU also wears a red jacket and you should also pay attention to his pecs!

How do you feel “Jungle Fire” aligns with the story and characters as the theme for ‘MF Ghost’?

The lyrics are wonderful and in the first part, many words are used to describe the passionate fighting spirits of Kanata and all of the racers in MFG. 

Some parts in the second part are about the love of “Ren” who has feelings towards Kanata. The car racing in MF Ghost is a must-see, but Kanata and Ren’s romance is another highlight, and I love that both of these elements are depicted in the series.

In the fusion of music and anime, what do you consider the most important element from your perspective?

When I watch various anime series, I tend to forget what kind of series I used to watch and like before.

But if you hear the music from that series, the fun and memories of the series come rushing back to you! Not only that, but you’ll think about yourself as you were when you were watching the series too.

In my case, I remember hating school or the type of music player I used. In other words, music can make the work last forever in a person’s heart. That’s really something. 

If there’s a message you would like to share with the fans of ‘MF Ghost’ regarding “Jungle Fire” and your vocals, what would it be?

Initial D is the work that has been loved around the world even now. m.o.v.e was in charge of most of the music, and they were also loved by many people.

I want to become a music artist and voice actor loved by many all over the world too. Sang with all my heart and passion. I hope you love the song!

As an artist, how does participating in the soundtrack of an anime contribute to expanding your artistic horizons?

An anime can’t be made with just one person. Many people come together as a team and that’s how it works. The director, illustrators, voice actors, etc.

Being able to create something with all of the other creators feels really amazing and is always inspiring. It can bring out something special in me that even I didn’t know about!

Are there any upcoming projects or roles that you are excited about and would like to share with your fans?

A video on i☆Ris, the idol group I’m part of, will be released in 2024. As a compilation of the 10^th anniversary project, there will be an animated feature film by i☆Ris for the fans, so please look forward to it!

Watch MF GHOST now!