The new television anime series Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL has unveiled its main cast, along with a new promotional video and key visual. The series began airing on July 7, 2026, on Kantele and Fuji TV’s national network in the “Hi Anime Bar!!” timeslot on Tuesdays at 23:00.
Based on the original manga by Shirow Masamune, Ghost in the Shell is a landmark cyberpunk science fiction franchise set in a near future where information networks and cyborg technology are highly advanced. The story follows the special unit led by the full-body cyborg Kusanagi Motoko as they combat cyberbrain crime. The franchise has expanded into numerous anime, Hollywood live-action films, video games, and more, influencing creators and culture worldwide.
The latest anime is produced by Science SARU, the studio behind critically acclaimed works such as Inu-Oh (nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature), The Colors Within (winner of the Golden Goblet Award for Best Animated Film at the Shanghai International Film Festival), and Dandadan. The series is directed by Moko-chan, with series composition and script by Enjou Toh, character design and chief animation direction by Handa Shuhei, and music direction and composition by Iwasaki Taito.
Main Cast Revealed
The role of the protagonist, the full-body cyborg Kusanagi Motoko, is played by Sakamoto Maaya, who previously voiced the character in the Ghost in the Shell: Arise series. The cast also includes:
- Aramaki Daisuke (commander of Public Security Section 9): Yamaji Kazuhiro
- Batou (second-in-command with cybernetic eyes): Yasumoto Hiroki
- Togusa (former detective and new member): Nakamura Yuuichi
- Ishikawa (veteran member skilled in cyberbrain hacking): Gotou Kousuke
- Saito (member with an eye patch): Nara Tooru
- Fuchikoma (AI-equipped thinking tank): Kaneda Tomoko
- Operator (female-type robot for information control): Ooi Maria
- Minister of Internal Affairs: Chafuurin
Each cast member also provided comments, which are included below.
New Promotional Video and Key Visual
The sixth promotional video features dialogue from the main characters, building anticipation for the drama that unfolds. Additionally, the fourth key visual, drawn by character designer and chief animation director Handa Shuhei, brings together Section 9 and the mysterious hacker known as the “Puppet Master,” symbolizing the new generation of cyberpunk action.
End Card and Episode Visual
The end card for the first episode, “PROLOGUE + SUPER SPARTAN i,” was illustrated by Shinkawa Yoji, known for his art direction on the Death Stranding series at Kojima Productions. An alternative design poster called “Episode Visual” for the first episode has also been released.
Cast Comments
Sakamoto Maaya (Kusanagi Motoko)
“I have had connections with Ghost in the Shell before, but being asked to voice Motoko this time was unexpected. I have always respected Tanaka Atsuko-san, whom I have worked with since childhood, and she lovingly nurtured Motoko over many years. When I received the offer, I couldn’t accept it immediately. But after meeting the director and producers, I learned that this is a work by creators who grew up admiring Ghost in the Shell and are challenging it with respect. Their straightforward passion made me think that if there was anything I could do, I would. All episodes have been recorded. Facing this work became an important time for me to feel gratitude and loneliness toward Atsuko-san. This Motoko is expressive, energetic, and has many comedic scenes. It was very difficult to perform. I kept thinking about what drives Motoko forward despite her hidden voids. I am grateful to be part of a legendary work that will continue to inspire people worldwide.”
Yamaji Kazuhiro (Aramaki Daisuke)
“Ghost in the Shell — that title brings back memories. My first involvement in a theatrical anime was this work. Tanaka Atsuko was there, and Iemasa Kayumi was there. Both have passed away, but I remember it as if it were yesterday because I was so nervous. I am proud to be involved again. This time, I faced Aramaki, a cool old man. Although we didn’t record together, when I heard Sakamoto Maaya’s calm voice recorded earlier, I felt an indescribable happiness. This work is irresistible.”
Yasumoto Hiroki (Batou)
“I have loved Ghost in the Shell since I was young. I never thought I would be part of that world. Life is full of surprises. I will do my best. That’s all I can say. Oh, I went to the Ghost in the Shell exhibition, but I couldn’t talk about it because I didn’t want to be accused of bragging. That was the only hard part (laughs). The exhibition was amazing.”
Nakamura Yuuichi (Togusa)
“This series has been adapted many times, each full of charm. Joining the latest work was a bolt from the blue for me. Recording started soon after I was cast, and I spent most of my time focusing on Togusa — I want to call him Togusa-kun in this work. He is not inexperienced, but he has a soft side when it comes to Section 9’s work, so he is more emotional and a bit different from previous images. I want to act as a character that viewers can relate to. I hope both newcomers and long-time fans enjoy this work. It includes not only powerful visuals and action but also many themes and questions relevant to today. Please savor it.”
Gotou Kousuke (Ishikawa)
“I first encountered Ghost in the Shell as a student. I didn’t understand much then, but I felt it was a cool, mature work. Now as an adult, I appreciate its appeal and had the honor of playing Ishikawa. If I were to compare Ishikawa to furniture, I’d say he’s a sofa. I know many people have various feelings about this work. I share those feelings. I approached the production with care, thought, and an aggressive attitude. Now, welcome to the cyberbrain world.”
Nara Tooru (Saito)
“I am both excited and nervous about the TV anime Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL. I wonder what the visuals and music will be like. As a cast member, I look forward to it. I am honored to play Saito. I have appeared in Ghost in the Shell before (only once), but I never imagined such a future in the Reiwa era. I want to tell my past self. Please enjoy Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL.”
Kaneda Tomoko (Fuchikoma)
“My voice is easy to recognize, so I laughed. I rarely play multiple roles, but I was grateful to voice all the many Fuchikomas! I was so happy! Each Fuchikoma is adorable. However, a voice researcher once told me that my voice is similar to the sound waves a siamang gibbon makes when calling its group in crisis. So maybe my many Fuchikoma voices might cause mysterious headaches (laughs). If that happens, please go to an otolaryngologist. Anyway, it was fun! Fuchikoma is the best! Please find your favorite Fuchikoma.”
Ooi Maria (Operator)
“I never thought I would be involved in Ghost in the Shell. I am deeply honored! This adaptation follows the original manga, so you can feel more pop and comedic elements. The Operator, or Operako-san, is an android without a ghost and suffers some hardships, but when I received the setting materials, the instructions said, ‘She is cute. Please draw her with the intention of making her cute.’ Every expression sheet had ‘cute’ written on it. I felt the love. The Operator watches over Section 9, so I want to watch this work, filled with the feelings of all staff and cast, together with the viewers.”
Chafuurin (Minister of Internal Affairs)
“I am overwhelmed to participate in the Ghost in the Shell I have admired. The story anticipates the future, with a solid political structure, cool mecha, sexiness, and witty humor. Playing the Minister of Internal Affairs, a bulldog-like figure who is arrogant but not sloppy in his work, was a joy. Please enjoy this new Ghost in the Shell!”
Staff and Cast
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Creator | Shirow Masamune |
| Director | Moko-chan |
| Series Composition / Script | Enjou Toh |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Handa Shuhei |
| Art Director | Katanosaka Emi |
| Art Supervisor | Masuyama Osamu |
| Color Design | Hashimoto Ken |
| Director of Photography | Ito Hikari |
| Editor | Hirose Kiyoshi |
| Sound Director | Tange Yuuji |
| Sound Effects | Yasoshita Shouta |
| Recording | Oota Yasushi |
| Music Director / Music | Iwasaki Taito |
| Music | Konishi Ryo, YUKI KANESAKA |
| Music Production | FlyingDog |
| Opening Theme | “GO GHOST” by King Gnu |
| Ending Theme | “Blue” by MILLENNIUM PARADE |
| Animation Production | Science SARU |
| Production | THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE |
| Title Logo Design | Kongyama Hajime |
Cast: Kusanagi Motoko: Sakamoto Maaya / Aramaki Daisuke: Yamaji Kazuhiro / Batou: Yasumoto Hiroki / Togusa: Nakamura Yuuichi / Ishikawa: Gotou Kousuke / Saito: Nara Tooru / Operator: Ooi Maria / Fuchikoma: Kaneda Tomoko
(C) 2026 Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA/THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE
