Shuichi Shigeno Accelerates Franchise with New 'Subaru to Subaru' Manga Sequel

Shuichi Shigeno, the visionary behind the iconic street racing sagas Initial D and MF Ghost, is once again igniting excitement with the official launch of his latest manga, Subaru to Subaru. This highly anticipated sequel delves deeper into the thrilling world of Japanese street racing, shifting its focus squarely onto the revered Subaru marque. This will certainly be a treat for automotive enthusiasts and long-time fans alike.

Announced in June 2025 through prominent full-page advertisements in leading Japanese newspapers such as Asahi Shimbun and Yomiuri Shimbun, Subaru to Subaru introduces a captivating dual-protagonist dynamic. The narrative centers around two distinct individuals, both coincidentally named Subaru: a male character, Subaru Kudo, from Kanagawa Prefecture, and a formidable female racer, Subaru Sato, from Gunma Prefecture. Their intertwined journeys on the asphalt promise a fresh yet familiar thrill.

Adding layers of continuity and fan service, the series masterfully integrates beloved characters from Shigeno's previous works. Readers will encounter familiar faces from MF Ghost, including the astute shop owner Ogata and the skilled racer Aiba. There will also be nostalgic appearances from Initial D's Iketani and Itsuki, who react to Subaru Sato's ferocious driving of a ZD8 BRZ.

A particularly poignant moment arrives with the symbolic presence of Bunta Fujiwara alongside a VA Subaru WRX STI, signifying a powerful generational passing of the torch within the franchise. This launch is exceptionally timely, coinciding with Initial D's monumental 30th anniversary and the recent conclusion of MF Ghost's manga run after 23 volumes. This positions Subaru to Subaru as a vibrant new chapter poised to reinvigorate the JDM racing scene.

Officially debuting in the 34th issue of a major seinen magazine in mid-2025, Subaru to Subaru is poised to explore the evolving landscape of car culture and the intense rivalry dynamics inherent to Japan's touge racing. It champions the enduring legacy of fuel-powered vehicles in an era increasingly dominated by electric counterparts, a thematic thread thoughtfully introduced in MF Ghost. As the franchise expands its narrative universe, the launch fuels immense anticipation for potential anime adaptations or other multimedia projects, promising to bring these thrilling new storylines to life for a global audience of racing aficionados.