The large-scale exhibition “Ghost in the Shell Exhibition Ghost and the Shell,” which spans all anime series of Ghost in the Shell, is coming to Kansai. It will be held at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Gallery Building 3F, from July 17 to August 30, 2026.
It has been revealed that the exhibition will feature additional displays of the latest archives from the new anime Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL, which starts airing on July 7, as well as the first exhibition of the second collaboration statue with contemporary artist Hajime Sorayama, “Puppet Master” (人形使い). Additional collaboration merchandise has also been announced.
Ghost in the Shell began as a manga by Shirow Masamune in 1989 in Kodansha’s Young Magazine Kaizokuban. It follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg with exceptional abilities, and her team as they confront increasingly complex cybercrime. The series has been adapted by directors Mamoru Oshii, Kenji Kamiyama, Kazuya Kise, and Shinji Aramaki across different eras.
Following the Tokyo exhibition, which attracted approximately 80,000 visitors, the Kansai tour continues with over 1,600 real archives that offer a comprehensive view of the series. The exhibition will also expand with materials from the new anime, providing a place where longtime fans can connect memories and newcomers can experience the current state of Ghost in the Shell.
The new anime archive display will be updated during the exhibition period to match the TV broadcast. In Phase 1, starting July 17, materials from episodes 1 and 2, as well as pre-production materials for episode 3, will be shown. After the museum closes on August 6, the display will be renewed. Phase 2, from August 7, will feature materials from episodes 4 and 5, along with pre-broadcast production materials for episodes 6 and 7. Notably, the Phase 2 display will include several precious hand-drawn (analog) cels, offering a rare look at the blend of digital and traditional techniques used in modern anime production.
In Tokyo, the collaboration statue “Sexy Robot_The Ghost in the Shell type 1” based on Motoko Kusanagi was a major hit. For the Kansai tour, a new statue “Sexy Robot_The Ghost in the Shell type 2” based on the Puppet Master will be exhibited for the first time. Created by Hajime Sorayama, the piece reinterprets the Puppet Master with a “future body” concept. Made of aluminum, ABS resin, and silver mirror coating, the statue stands 280 cm tall on a stainless steel octagonal box, creating a striking contrast between organic form and inorganic structure.
New collaboration goods will be available at the venue, including apparel and art items. Some products from the Tokyo exhibition will also return. The lineup includes:
- HATRA: Hi-Ghost (26,400 yen, sizes 1,3), VJQN- The Ghost in the Shell 2026 (66,000 yen)
- Laserart: Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL Laserart TYPE-01 (550,000 yen), TYPE-01S (165,000 yen)
- TechnoByobu × _JULIUS: Mechanical Coat (495,000 yen, limited to 1 piece), Gas Mask Cargo Pants in BKG/BKO/BKP (198,000 yen each, limited to 1 per color), Graphic Over T Shirt in BLACK/OFF WHITE (24,200 yen), Graphic Hoodie (49,500 yen)
Note that the lineup differs from the Tokyo exhibition, and some items are made to order. Please check the official website for details.
Exhibition Overview
Exhibition Name: “Ghost in the Shell Exhibition Ghost and the Shell” Kansai Tour
Venue: Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, Gallery Building 3F
Dates: July 17 (Fri) – August 30 (Sun), 2026
Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entry 16:30)
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday)
Organizer: Ghost in the Shell Exhibition Ghost and the Shell Production Committee
Co-organizer: Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art
Tickets (tax included):
Advance: General 2,500 yen, High school/ Junior high 1,900 yen, Elementary 1,200 yen
At the door: General 2,700 yen, High school/ Junior high 1,900 yen, Elementary 1,200 yen
* No designated time slots. No re-entry. Free for preschoolers.
* Discounts require ID. One companion free for visitors with disability certificates.
* The “Dennou VISION” experience requires a separate ticket with a designated time slot.
Tickets available at Lawson Ticket, e-plus, Ticket Pia, Seven Ticket, and others.
(C) Shirow Masamune・Kodansha / Ghost in the Shell Exhibition Ghost and the Shell Production Committee
(C) Hajime Sorayama. Courtesy of NANZUKA
(C) Shirow Masamune / KODANSHA
