EDIFICE Three-Way Collaboration with Both Initial D and MF GHOST Manga Series
Tokyo, October 17, 2022 — Casio Computer Co., Ltd. announced today the release of the latest addition to the EDIFICE line of timepieces based on the brand concept of “Speed and Intelligence.” The new ECB-2000MFG model is a collaboration between EDIFICE and two landmark works of motorsport-themed manga penned by Shuichi Shigeno, Initial D and MF GHOST.
Initial D, a motorsport-themed manga series featuring car races through steep mountain passes, originally ran from 1995 to 2013 in Weekly Young Magazine published by Kodansha Ltd. and sold more than 56 million copies. MF GHOST first appeared in Weekly Young Magazine in 2017 as a sequel to the previous work, featuring stories of car racing battles on actual Japanese roadways. An anime adaptation of this fan favorite for TV is set to premiere in 2023.
The ECB-2000MFG is a high-performance timepiece that expresses the motorsports worldview depicted in Initial D and MF GHOST. Its red and black design is based on the Toyota GT86 driven by MF GHOST protagonist Kanata Rivington. The base of the dial and the underside of the band are emblazoned with the characters ギャァア — Gyaaa!, the sound of tires screeching across the roadway — that cut across the pages of both Initial D and MF GHOST. The metal band loop sports a laser-engraved design representing the tire track of a drifting car, burning rubber. With the underside of the band also featuring “藤原とうふ店 (自家用)” — “Fujiwara Tofu Shop (Private Use),” the familiar lettering on the side of the Toyota AE86 driven by Takumi Fujiwara, the protagonist in Initial D — the watch is adorned with special features from both works.
The new watch is based on the ECB-2000, a high-performance chronograph with Mobile Link features that can be used when paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth® as well as the Tough Solar charging system which converts light from fluorescent lamps and other sources to power the watch. Functions include a stopwatch, world time setting, an alarm, and more. Another important feature is the configuration of the lugs that connect the bands to the case in a four-arm arrangement inspired by the double wishbone suspension used in formula race cars with pairs of upper and lower forked arms.
Initial D and MF GHOST fans are sure to be delighted by the range of iconic elements incorporated in the watch’s design in homage to the two manga.