The anime adaptation of Shirow Masamune’s Ghost in the Shell manga, titled Ghost in the Shell: The Ghost in the Shell, aired its final episode (episode 10) on September 8, 2026. The series, which ran in the summer season, was celebrated for its faithful approach to the original manga, drawing in both longtime fans and newcomers who appreciated its brisk pacing, comedic character acting, and nostalgic animation style.
Directed by Moco-chan and produced by Science SARU, the series featured series composition and scripts by SF author Enjo Toh, with Sakamoto Maaya voicing Kusanagi Motoko. From episode 1 through 9, the show delighted viewers with special “end cards” created by an impressive roster of artists. Here is a complete rundown of those illustrations.
Episode 1 – Shinkawa Yoji
The end card for “PROLOGUE + SUPER SPARTAN i” was drawn by Shinkawa Yoji, the art director at Kojima Productions known for the Metal Gear series and Death Stranding. His rendition of Motoko, Batou, and the Fuchikoma sparked excitement, with fans commenting on how perfectly the world was brought to life. One tweet read, “The world of Ghost in the Shell is perfectly revived!” and another said, “So this combination existed!”
Episode 2 – Ilya Kuvshinov
For “SUPER SPARTAN ii + JUNK JUNGLE i,” Russian illustrator Ilya Kuvshinov, who served as character designer for Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045, provided the end card. Since that series featured a different hairstyle for Motoko, fans found this depiction refreshing. Kuvshinov has said he first fell in love with anime after seeing Ghost in the Shell at age six.
Episode 3 – Okawara Kunio
The end card for “JUNK JUNGLE ii + MEGATECH MACHINE i + ii” was a shock to many, as it was drawn by Okawara Kunio, the legendary mecha designer behind Mobile Suit Gundam, Armored Trooper Votoms, and other classics. His highly detailed, weighty Fuchikoma drew immediate cheers online. Enthusiastic comments included, “I can’t believe we got a Fuchikoma from the great Okawara Kunio!” and “This end card is too lavish!”
Episode 4 – Nishio Tetsuya
Nishio Tetsuya, known for his character design work on Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG and sub-character design for Innocence, delivered a school parody featuring a sukeban Motoko. The illustration also included a phys-ed-teacher-style Aramaki waving a bamboo sword, and the title was given a kanji makeover as “紅赫鬼撞颱.” Fans were delighted, with comments like “It’s Ghost in the Shell Academy!” and “Sukeban Motoko suits her perfectly.”
Episode 5 – Maeda Mahiro
Maeda Mahiro, whose credits include concept art for Mad Max: Fury Road, directing and concept work on Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time, and design work on Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX, provided a group illustration for “PHANTOM FUND.” Even Paz, who has limited screen time in the anime, was carefully drawn, prompting fans to note, “It’s nice to see him properly illustrated” and “Paz is way too cool.”
Episode 6 – Moriyama Hiroshi
For “DUMB BARTER,” Moriyama Hiroshi, director of Megalo Box, captured a dynamic moment with a close-up of Motoko’s prosthetic body. The detailed rendering of the cybernetic limbs and scattering parts conveyed drama, and even in monochrome, Motoko’s eyes remained striking.
Episode 7 – Sorayama Hajime
The artwork for “BYE BYE CLAY” came from Sorayama Hajime, the illustrator who designed the series’ title logo and is renowned for his “sexy robot” series. Sorayama also recently created the sculpture “Sexy Robot_The Ghost in the Shell type 1” in 2026, which was exhibited at the popular Ghost in the Shell: Ghost and the Shell exhibition in Tokyo and Hyogo. The silver-toned imagery fits the series’ aesthetic perfectly.
View the tweet | Exhibition post
Episode 8 – Natsume Shingo
For “INTERMISSION + BRAIN DRAIN i,” Natsume Shingo—who is set to direct and write the original animated film ghost／夜の果て opening on February 11, 2027—delivered a cute illustration of a Fuchikoma drinking from a baby bottle. Is it natural oil, or something else? The expression of Batou reflected in the Fuchikoma’s camera eye, and a visibly irritated Motoko behind him, are details worth checking.
Episode 9 – Kise Kazuchika
The end card for “BRAIN DRAIN ii” was handled by Kise Kazuchika, the general director of the Ghost in the Shell: ARISE series and a chief animation director on the original Ghost in the Shell and Innocence. His depiction of the characters stays close to Shirow’s original designs, earning praise from fans. Comments included, “I love that they respect the original feel!” and “It’s really great to see Kise, the IG veteran, on the end card.”
Final Countdown Illustrations
The final episode (“BRAIN DRAIN ⅲ + GHOST COAST + EPILOGUE”) did not include an end card, but Science SARU released a series of countdown illustrations just before the finale. Two days before the broadcast, animation producer Shindo Takahiro shared an illustration; one day before, color script artist Li Xiaofei (Sophie Li) posted hers; and on the final day, storyboard and episode director Kan Haotian provided the last one. Each carries a distinct personality and clear love for the project.
Shindo’s post | Li’s post | Kan’s post
Ghost in the Shell: The Ghost in the Shell aired every Tuesday at 23:00 from July 7, 2026, on the Kansai TV / Fuji TV network’s “Hi Anime” slot, with additional broadcasts on KRY Yamaguchi from July 14 and Animax from July 25. Streaming began first on Prime Video, followed by other platforms.
Staff & Cast
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original | Shirow Masamune, “Ghost in the Shell” (Kodansha KC Deluxe) |
| Director | Moco-chan |
| Series Composition & Script | Enjo Toh |
| Character Design & Chief Animation Director | Handa Shuhei |
| Art Director | Kataosaka Emi |
| Art Supervision | Masuyama Osamu |
| Color Design | Hashimoto Ken |
| Director of Photography | Ito Hikari |
| Editor | Hirose Kiyoshi |
| Sound Director | Tange Yuji |
| Sound Effects | Yasoshima Shota |
| Recording | Ota Yasuhiro |
| Music Director & Music | Iwasaki Taisuke |
| Music | Konishi Ryo, YUKI KANESAKA |
| Music Production | Flying Dog |
| 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 |
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Kusanagi Motoko | Sakamoto Maaya |
| Aramaki Daisuke | Yamaji Kazuhiro |
| Batou | Yasumoto Hiroki |
| Togusa | Nakamura Yuichi |
| Ishikawa | Goto Kosuke |
| Saito | Nara Toru |
| Operator | Oi Mari |
| Fuchikoma | Kaneda Tomoko |
| Puppeteer | Inoue Kikuko |
(C) 2026 Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA/THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE
