The cyberpunk franchise's newest entry, "THE GHOST IN THE SHELL" officially kicked off its broadcast on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. To celebrate the premiere, the series unveiled its creditless opening and ending theme videos. Additionally, producers announced the upcoming release of the official soundtrack, composed by Taisei Iwasaki, the Japan Academy Film Prize-winning music director behind "Belle."
<The following content is quoted from the official announcement>
Creditless Opening and Ending Theme Videos Released
Opening
Watch OP Video Here
Ending
Watch ED Video Here
Original Soundtrack Release!
The series features an impressive collaborative score composed by a trio of renowned musical talents, led by Taisei Iwasaki, who won the Japan Academy Film Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Music for "BELLE" and also handled the score for "TOKYO TAXI." Joining him are Ryo Konishi—the music director for the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan Opening Ceremony and a renowned producer for artists like Mrs. GREEN APPLE and Chara＋YUKI—and YUKI KANESAKA, a US-based composer known for his recent work on the hit anime series "Dr. STONE."
The soundtrack will be released in two formats: a 2-disc CD set and a 2-LP vinyl edition. The first press of the CD version will feature special deluxe packaging. Both versions will sport a brand-new cover illustration by tarou2 under the supervision of Science SARU. Stay tuned for the full tracklist and the jacket art reveal coming soon!
Product Details
CD Edition
Title: "THE GHOST IN THE SHELL" Original Soundtrack
Artists: Taisei Iwasaki, Ryo Konishi, YUKI KANESAKA
Release Date: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 (Japan)
Format: 2-Disc CD Album
Product Number: VTCL-60705–60706
Price: ¥3,960 (tax included)
Publisher: FlyingDog
Bonus: First-press limited edition features special packaging.
Artwork: Exclusive new jacket illustration by tarou2, supervised by Science SARU.
Vinyl Edition
Title: "THE GHOST IN THE SHELL" Original Soundtrack
Artists: Taisei Iwasaki, Ryo Konishi, YUKI KANESAKA
Release Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 (Japan)
Format: 2LP Vinyl Set
Product Number: VTJL-61–62
Price: ¥7,700 (tax included)
Publisher: FlyingDog
Artwork: Exclusive new jacket illustration by tarou2, supervised by Science SARU.
Streaming & Download Information
The original soundtrack will be available worldwide on major music streaming platforms and download services starting Wednesday, September 9, 2026!
Streaming Services: Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, LINE MUSIC, Deezer, AWA, Rakuten Music, KKBOX, Qobuz, etc.
Download Services: iTunes Store, RecoChoku, mora, and more.
Stream the Ghost in the Shell Series Discography here: https://flyingdog.lnk.to/SAC
Japan's Ministry of Education Partners with "THE GHOST IN THE SHELL" for New Tech Campaign
In a unique cultural crossover, Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has announced an official tie-in with the new "THE GHOST IN THE SHELL" anime.
To promote their 2026 Science, Technology, and Innovation White Paper—an official government annual report outlining the country’s tech research progress and future goals—the Ministry will distribute roughly 40,000 collaborative posters to schools across Japan.
Government officials noted that Ghost in the Shell’s legendary exploration of cybernetics, information networks, and the relationship between humanity and technology has historically inspired many real-world scientists and engineers. Through this campaign, MEXT hopes to encourage students to think about the future of society and modern technology.
Official White Paper Info (Japanese): MEXT Website
"THE GHOST IN THE SHELL" Series Information
Synopsis
A.D. 2029. In a near-future Japan, the corporate networks have covered the planet, and electrons and light dance through the void. Yet, the world is not so digitized that nations or ethnic groups have vanished. Motoko Kusanagi, a full-body cyborg, commands an elite team including the formidable Batou.
Amidst their missions, she envisions the creation of a specialized unit dedicated to preemptive strike crime prevention. Daisuke Aramaki of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, who shares a similar vision, scouts Kusanagi and her crew. Thus begins the activities of Public Security Section 9—an aggressive tactical organization known as "Ghost in the Shell."
As they confront cyber-crimes swirling in a vortex of international intrigue, the shadow of a mysterious hacker known only as the "Puppet Master" emerges on the horizon. What destiny awaits Kusanagi? And what is the Puppet Master’s true objective? The next generation of cyberpunk action begins now!!
Cast
Motoko Kusanagi: Maaya Sakamoto
Daisuke Aramaki: Kazuhiro Yamaji
Batou: Hiroki Yasumoto
Togusa: Yuichi Nakamura
Ishikawa: Kosuke Goto
Saito: Toru Nara
Operator: Marie Oi
Fuchikoma: Tomoko Kaneda
© 2026 Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA/THE GHOST IN THE SHELL COMMITTEE
© Animate Times
*Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
