Summer anime Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL aired its third episode, “JUNK JUNGLE ii + MEGATECH MACHINE i + ii,” on July 21, 2026. The episode brought back a familiar voice that sent fans into a frenzy, alongside a lighter take on a classic interrogation scene and a surprise end card from legendary mecha designer Kunio Okawara.
Based on Masamune Shirow’s 1989 manga, the new series is produced by Science SARU with a refreshed cast. Motoko Kusanagi is voiced by Maaya Sakamoto, Daisuke Aramaki by Kazuhiro Yamaji, Batou by Hiroki Yasumoto, and Togusa by Yuuichi Nakamura. The director is Moko-chan, with series composition and script by SF author Tou Enjou.
※ The following contains spoilers for episode 3. Proceed with caution.
“Reiwa Motoko is Cute!”
The episode opens with the Tachikoma AI tanks in action, engaging in comedic banter with Motoko as they pursue a suspect. Unlike the more realistic 1995 Mamoru Oshii film, this version’s Motoko has a softer, more expressive design that fans are calling “cute.”
“Reiwa Motoko is cute!” “The Major’s constantly changing expressions are hilarious!” “I’m just happy to have an anime where the Major is cute.”
“Akio Otsuka’s Voice?!”
The scene shifts to a jungle stakeout with Aramaki and Batou. Inside a mansion, Colonel Maresa confronts the mysterious hacker “Puppet Master.” Fans immediately recognized the deep voice of Akio Otsuka, who famously voiced Batou in the 1995 film and subsequent works.
“I thought I heard the old Batou’s voice!” “Is Ootsuka Akio appearing?” “The CV for Colonel Maresa is Ootsuka Akio?!” “If so, I’m thrilled!” “Could it be that guest voice actors are previous cast members?” “Thank you for having the old Batou and new Batou in the same episode!”
“Famous Scene Gets a Lighter Touch”
The episode also adapts the iconic interrogation scene from the 1995 film, where a janitor is revealed to have been implanted with false memories. In this version, the tone is notably lighter. After being told his wife, children, divorce, and affair were all a dream, the janitor simply replies, “It’s gone!” when asked about his troubles.
“That’s the famous scene!” “The interrogation!” “In the movie it was quite serious.” “The original manga version is this light.” “Fans of the film might be confused, but this is how it was in the manga.”
Detailed Cyborg Making
The latter half features the Tachikoma discussing AI rights and a detailed look at cyborg construction. A friend of Motoko explains the process of making a female-type cyborg, from mass-production base models to custom orders. The sequence ends with a wink and “One cyborg, ready!”
“So this is how cyborgs are made!” “I never thought they’d animate the cyborg-making explanation.” “They even did the ‘Making of Cyborg’!” “The latter half was really interesting.”
End Card by Kunio Okawara
After the episode, viewers were surprised by the end card illustration drawn by Kunio Okawara, the pioneering mecha designer known for Mobile Suit Gundam. His rendition of the Tachikoma was met with awe.
“The end card is by Kunio Okawara?!” “Amazing!” “Okawara’s Tachikoma is incredible!” “What a luxurious treat!”
Following the broadcast, Science SARU released comments from staff. Bahi JD, who handled storyboard, direction, and animation direction for the avant title, said: “I wanted to show off the cool skills of the Major and Tachikoma. The long wires they use were especially fun to animate.” A・B part director Shunya Iwake commented: “The highlight is the Tachikoma’s action in the virtual space. I focused on their rich expressions and acting to convey their conflict.”
An event at Shinsaibashi PARCO in Osaka is also planned, including a free screening of the 1995 Oshii film and a talk event with director Moko-chan.
Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL airs every Tuesday at 23:00 on Kantele and Fuji TV’s “Hi Anime Bar!!” slot, with streaming on Prime Video from 23:30 on Tuesdays, followed by other services from Wednesday 23:30.
TV Anime Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL
| Staff | |
|---|---|
| Original | Masamune Shirow, “Ghost in the Shell” (Kodansha KC Deluxe) |
| Director | Moko-chan |
| Series Composition / Script | Tou Enjou |
| Character Design / Chief Animation Director | Shuuhei Handa |
| Art Director | Megumi Katanozaka |
| Art Supervisor | Osamu Masuyama |
| Color Design | Ken Hashimoto |
| Director of Photography | Hikari Itou |
| Editor | Kiyoshi Hirose |
| Sound Director | Yuuji Tange |
| Sound Effects | Shouta Yaso |
| Recording | Yasuaki Oota |
| Music Director / Music | Taisei Iwasaki |
| Music | Ryou Konishi, 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 | |
|---|---|
| Motoko Kusanagi | Maaya Sakamoto |
| Daisuke Aramaki | Kazuhiro Yamaji |
| Batou | Hiroki Yasumoto |
| Togusa | Yuuichi Nakamura |
| Ishikawa | Kousuke Gotou |
| Saitou | Tooru Nara |
| Operator | Maria Ooi |
| Tachikoma | Tomoko Kaneda |
(C) 2026 Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA/THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE
