The future is calling, and it's looking more breathtaking than ever. The upcoming TV anime "Ghost in the Shell" is officially set to storm screens in July 2026. The series will begin streaming globally on Amazon Prime Video.
To celebrate the countdown, the production team has dropped a stunning third key visual and a high-octane third promotional video. Along with these visuals, we finally have a deep dive into the story, character bios, and the powerhouse staff bringing this vision to life.
▲ The newly released third key visual [Illustration: Naoto Naito]
Third Key Visual Unveiled!
The latest visual puts Major Motoko Kusanagi—the full-body cyborg protagonist—front and center. She is flanked by the iconic members of Public Security Section 9: Batou, Togusa, Ishikawa, Saito, Boma, and Pazu, alongside the AI-equipped "think tank," Fuchikoma. This gorgeous piece was specially illustrated by Naoto Naito, who serves as the co-chief animation director for the series alongside Shuhei Handa.
Third Promotional Video Now Live!
The new PV features fresh footage from the anime, showcasing the tactical prowess of Section 9 in action. It also teases a high-stakes drama revolving around the mysterious, legendary hacker known only as the "Puppet Master."
Character Intel Revealed
Motoko Kusanagi
A cyborg with a full-body prosthesis, possessing elite combat skills and "cyberbrain" hacking expertise. Following a military reorganization, she was scouted by Aramaki to join Public Security Section 9, where she now serves as the field commander.
Daisuke Aramaki
A member of the Ministry of Home Affairs' Public Security Bureau. He scouted Kusanagi and her team to establish Section 9 as an "offensive" unit. A master of political maneuvering, he is the strategic heart of the organization.
Batou
A former Ranger with cybernetic eyes. As the team’s second-in-command, he excels in both heavy combat and electronic warfare. He occasionally serves as an instructor at the training academy.
Togusa
A former detective and a new recruit scouted by Kusanagi. While he has a cyberbrain, his body is almost entirely organic. He is the only married man in the unit and famously favors a revolver.
Ishikawa
A veteran member specializing in information gathering, analysis, and cyber-warfare. A cool-headed tech expert, he serves as the backbone of the unit’s support operations.
Saito
A tactical specialist recognizable by the eyepatch covering his left eye.
Boma
A physically imposing, bald-headed member of the team. Like Batou, both of his eyes are cybernetic.
Pazu
A specialist characterized by his sharp, piercing eyes.
Operator
A gynoid (female-type robot) responsible for the unit’s information control and logistics. Her calm judgment and precise instructions act as the "nervous system" for the team.
Fuchikoma
An AI-equipped "thinking tank" utilized by the unit. It can be piloted by a member or operate autonomously. It comes equipped with thermo-optical camouflage and wire-launching pods.
Additional Staff Information!
We are excited to announce more of the creative team: Emi Katanosaka as Art Director, Osamu Masuyama as Art Consultant, Ken Hashimoto as Color Designer, Hikari Ito as Director of Photography, Kiyoshi Hirose as Editor, Yuji Tange as Sound Director, Shota Yaso as Sound Effects, and Yasuaki Ota handling the Sound Recording!
Comment from Director: Moko-chan
"I first encountered the original manga when I was in high school, and 'Ghost in the Shell' has been my creative foundation ever since. This series started with Masamune Shirow’s manga and has grown alongside many creators and fans over the years. Producing an anime within such a legendary history carries immense pressure, but the entire staff has poured their hearts into making something as many people as possible can enjoy. Whether you’re a fan of the original manga, the previous anime, or a total newcomer, I sincerely hope this reaches you in a meaningful way."
Comment from Series Composition/Script: Toh EnJoe
"Masamune Shirow's work contains mysteries that reveal different faces depending on the era in which they are read. In a sense, it’s a mirror reflecting what the reader knows; as our understanding of humanity evolves, so does our interpretation of his work. That power has not faded in the 21st century. I want to tell my middle-school self—who struggled to grasp what was being depicted—exactly what to research. Yet, even my current self doesn't fully 'get' it, and there is a sense of unease in the reflection. It’s like the feeling of facing nature; a small crack or distortion in the mirror becomes the key to a new understanding, revealing a new form."
Comment from Character Designer/Chief Animation Director: Shuhei Handa
"Since the 1995 film, 'Ghost in the Shell' has been animated many times and loved by fans for decades. I am one of those fans. I hope this new iteration will be loved for the next 10, 20, or 30 years, just like the works of my predecessors. I’m supporting this new 'Ghost in the Shell' from the visual side with that sentiment in mind. I never dreamed I’d actually participate in this franchise, but I feel it’s a stroke of 'En' (fate), and I’ve allowed myself to merge with it. I'm grateful to those who gave me this chance. I hope both old-school fans and those who know nothing about the series will enjoy it. Please look forward to it!"
Comment from Art Consultant: Osamu Masuyama
"In this new series, among the many adaptations that have come before, we are returning to the 'breathing' of the original manga to carefully harvest its charm. The atmosphere—futuristic yet retro, calm yet whimsical, intellectual yet pop—feels surprisingly fresh today. In a way, the world has finally caught up to the vision, making the old imagination feel realistic. This makes the lightheartedness and playfulness of the original manga stand out even more. In the background art, we’ve focused on the coexistence of inorganic coldness and familiarity. Our team worked as one to support the depth of this unique world."
Comment from Color Designer: Ken Hashimoto
"I still remember the shock I felt as a student when I first read the original comic—the visual density, the intricate settings, and a color approach I’d never seen before. Even after I started working in the anime industry, the films and series—each with a different approach from the manga—remained a source of great Stimulation and influence for me. I feel incredibly lucky to work on a title that is both my origin and my compass. With gratitude, joy, and respect, I deliver this to everyone who loves 'Ghost in the Shell.' Especially for fans of the Masamune Shirow manga (like myself), there are many scenes that will resonate deeply."
Comment from Director of Photography: Hikari Ito
"The Major has been my idol ever since I saw the 'Ghost in the Shell' anime as a child. I couldn't become a brilliant, cool woman like her, but I did become an anime Director of Photography! I’m so happy to be part of this title as a staff member. While developing the visual processing with the manga as my guide, I often wonder, 'Am I getting any closer to Mr. Shirow?' or 'Do I truly understand this world?' Whether you’ve followed the manga, the anime, the games, or are just starting your journey—we’ve put our souls into this for you. Please enjoy the 'Moko-chan version' of 'Ghost in the Shell'—a true return to roots for the Reiwa era!"
Comment from Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
"It is a great honor to be involved in 'Ghost in the Shell.' Even after reading the storyboards, I often have to revisit the original manga because the depth is so immense. However, that 'room for thought' is exactly what makes this work so interesting. Part of the charm is discussing it with friends afterward to cross-reference your answers and find new discoveries. I hope you enjoy that experience right until the very end."
Comment from Sound Director: Yuji Tange
"It is a profound honor to work within the historic world of 'Ghost in the Shell.' With AI becoming a major global topic, I feel in real-time that the world has finally caught up to this story. At the same time, I’m rediscovering the profound depth of its worldview. While maintaining deep respect for the previous works and the staff, our sound team is united in creating a unique experience for this version. May this be a good 'En' (connection) for everyone."
What is TV Anime "THE GHOST IN THE SHELL"
Introduction
Public Security Section 9: An offensive organization led by the full-body cyborg, Motoko Kusanagi.In a near future where information networks and cybernetic technology have evolved to the point where people connect their brains directly to the web, "Ghost in the Shell" stands as a monumental pillar of cyberpunk sci-fi. It follows an elite task force led by Motoko Kusanagi as they combat high-tech cybercrime.Starting with the 1989 manga by Masamune Shirow, the franchise has expanded into anime, Hollywood live-action, and video games. Its cutting-edge SF settings and unique visuals have left an immeasurable impact on creators and culture worldwide.This latest series is produced by Science SARU, the studio behind critically acclaimed hits like the Golden Globe-nominated "Inu-Oh," the Annecy-contender "The Colors Within" (Kimi no Iro), and the hit TV anime "DAN DA DAN."
Story
Wired bodies. Networked ghosts.The year is 2029. While corporate networks cover the planet and electrons and light dance across the globe, the world has not yet become so digitized that nations and ethnic groups have vanished.Motoko Kusanagi, a full-body cyborg, commands an elite team including Batou, while dreaming of establishing a specialized unit to prevent crimes before they happen. Daisuke Aramaki of the Ministry of Home Affairs, who had similar plans, scouts Kusanagi and her crew. Thus begins the activity of Public Security Section 9—the "Ghost in the Shell"—an offensive organization.As they face cybercrimes fueled by international conspiracies, the investigation leads them to a mysterious hacker known as the "Puppet Master." What fate awaits Kusanagi? And what is the Puppet Master’s true goal? A new era of cyberpunk action begins!!
Staff
Original Creator: Masamune Shirow "The Ghost in the Shell" (Published by Kodansha KC Deluxe)
Director: Moko-chan
Series Composition/Script: Toh EnJoe
Character Design/Chief Animation Director: Shuhei Handa
Art Director: Emi Katanosaka
Art Consultant: Osamu Masuyama
Color Design: Ken Hashimoto
Director of Photography: Hikari Ito
Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
Sound Director: Yuji Tange
Sound Effects: Shota Yaso
Recording: Yasuaki Ota
Music Director/Music: Taisei Iwasaki
Music: Ryo Konishi, YUKI KANESAKA
Music Production: FlyingDog
Animation Production: Science SARU
Production: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE
Original Work Info
The Ghost in the Shell
Original Creator: Masamune Shirow (Published by Kodansha KC Deluxe)
Based on the manga “The Ghost in the Shell” by Shirow Masamune originally serialized in YOUNG MAGAZINE published by KODANSHA Ltd.
First serialized in 1989 in the "Young Magazine Pirate Edition" (a supplement to the youth magazine "Young Magazine"), this sci-fi masterpiece introduced the world to Motoko Kusanagi.
A full-body cyborg with elite combat and hacking skills, Kusanagi—known as the "Major"—leads Section 9 in tackling complex, brutal crimes in a high-tech society.With its incredibly detailed art and exploration of cyberpunk and philosophical themes, the manga delves deep into the fusion of humans and technology and the nature of individual identity. It has influenced countless creators globally.
The franchise has seen legendary adaptations, including Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 film "GHOST IN THE SHELL," Kenji Kamiyama’s 2002 TV series "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex," Kazuya Kise’s 2013 "Ghost in the Shell: Arise," the 2017 Hollywood live-action film, and the 2020 3DCG series "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045" directed by Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki.
While the franchise spans movies, TV, and games, each iteration offers a unique story, interpretation, and expression distinct from the original manga.
(C)2026 Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA/THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
