The summer anime Koukaku Kidoutai THE GHOST IN THE SHELL aired its second episode, “SUPER SPARTAN ii + JUNK JUNGLE i,” on July 14, 2026. And true to the original manga, the infamous “slug mating” scene has sent social media into a frenzy.
Based on Shirow Masamune’s 1989 manga (published by Kodansha KC Deluxe), the new TV series is a complete reboot produced by Science SARU. It features a fresh cast: Sakamoto Maaya as Kusanagi Motoko, Yamaji Kazuhiro as Aramaki Daisuke, Yasumoto Hiroki as Batou, and Nakamura Yuuichi as Togusa. The director is Moto-chan, with series composition and script by science fiction author EnJoe Tou.
“A Big Success! Applause for the Staff and Cast”
Before the episode aired, veteran voice actors who had previously played key roles in the franchise shared their excitement. Otsuka Akio, who voiced Batou in the 1995 film and Stand Alone Complex, posted on his social media: “A big success! Applause for the staff and cast!” Yamadera Kouichi, the original Togusa, replied: “That’s cheating… Akio-san is too cool. I’m late but I agree! It was incredibly fun! I’m rooting for you!” The new lineup was warmly welcomed by longtime fans.
“Slug Mating” Trends Worldwide
In episode 2, three months after the formation of Section 9, Batou is staking out a jungle when Aramaki orders him to call Motoko, who is blissfully unaware on a beach vacation. The scene cuts to Motoko kissing a female friend on a boat, being groped, and moaning—all while Batou accidentally accesses her cyberspace session. Flustered, he blurts out: “You’re all slippery, are you a slug?!” The original manga line is “You’re all slippery, are you slug mating?!”
Fans erupted online. Comments included: “They actually did the slug thing!” “It was properly slimy lol” “I didn’t expect it to be this faithful to the original” “They managed to air it within broadcast limits!” “She was wearing a swimsuit, but they really pushed it for terrestrial TV.” The phrase “slug mating” even trended. Some noted the scene was toned down compared to the manga, but most were delighted: “Thank you to the production team and cast for animating the slug in Reiwa era” “They made a great all-ages version of the slug mating scene.”
“It Was Sato Setsuji?!”
Later in the episode, a suspicious garbage collector appears. In the 1995 film, this role was famously voiced by Chiba Shigeru. This time, the voice actor was Sato Setsuji (with Ueda Yoji as his partner). Viewers were surprised: “Wait, Sato Setsuji?!” “His voice sounds just like Chiba Shigeru!” “The garbage collector’s voice is a little too close—it’s funny.” After checking the credits, fans remarked: “I thought it was Chiba-san! Shocked it was Sato Setsuji—so similar!” “Was that a tribute to Oshii fans?”
The garbage truck speeds away, and Ishikawa and other veteran members give chase. Motoko and Togusa intercept, but Togusa wonders if it’s just a prank. The garbage collector had been ghost-hacking while on the job, trying to understand why his wife suddenly demanded a divorce. When he learns the police are onto him, he floors it—but Motoko catches up.
“Yes, This Is How the Manga Was”
One of the biggest talking points is how closely the new series follows the original manga in character design and story, compared to Oshii Mamoru’s 1995 film. After episode 2, viewers praised: “The new Koukaku Kidoutai has the right balance of deformation and gags, just like the manga” “Yes, this is how the manga was” “It’s amazing that an anime feels like reading the manga!” “It’s fun to watch because it’s faithful—I just reread the manga.”
Science SARU also shared a comment from episode director Hasuya Toworu, who handled storyboards and direction: “The key points are character design, color, and music. I hope viewers enjoy the character design by Handa Shuhei, which respects the original while adapting it for modern times. Please savor a Koukaku Kidoutai like never before.”
Koukaku Kidoutai THE GHOST IN THE SHELL airs every Tuesday at 23:00 on Kantele and Fuji TV’s national “Hi Anime!!” block, with additional broadcasts on KRY Yamaguchi and Animax. Streaming begins Tuesdays at 23:30 on Prime Video, followed by other platforms.
Staff
Original story: Shirow Masamune “Koukaku Kidoutai” (Kodansha KC Deluxe)
Director: Moto-chan
Series composition & script: EnJoe Tou
Character design & chief animation director: Handa Shuhei
Art director: Katanozaka Emi
Art supervisor: Masayama Osamu
Color design: Hashimoto Ken
Photography director: Ito Hikari
Editor: Hirose Kiyoshi
Sound director: Tange Yuuji
Sound effects: Yaso Shouta
Recording: Oota Yasuaki
Music director & music: Iwasaki Taisei
Music: Konishi Ryo, YUKI KANESAKA
Music production: FlyingDog
Opening theme: “GO GHOST” by King Gnu
Ending theme: “Blue” by MILLENNIUM PARADE feat. Saya Gray, Daniel Caesar
Animation production: Science SARU
Production: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE
Cast
Kusanagi Motoko: Sakamoto Maaya
Aramaki Daisuke: Yamaji Kazuhiro
Batou: Yasumoto Hiroki
Togusa: Nakamura Yuuichi
Ishikawa: Gotou Kousuke
Saito: Nara Tooru
Operator: Ooi Marie
Fuchikoma: Kaneta Tomoko
(C) 2026 Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA/THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE
