The futuristic streets of 2029 are coming to life! "THE GHOST IN THE SHELL" has been captivating fans since its debut on July 7, 2026. This week, we've got something special from the front lines of Episode 3, titled "JUNK JUNGLE ii + MEGATECH MACHINE i + ii."
We’ve just received an exclusive comment from the legendary Akio Otsuka, who voices Colonel Malles in the latest episode. To top it off, we’re getting a look at the stunning new end card that closed out the chapter.
<The following content is quoted from the official announcement>
Special Comment from Akio Otsuka, the voice of Colonel Malles!
Colonel Malles (CV: Akio Otsuka)
■Comment from Akio Otsuka
"I am Akio Otsuka, and I had the pleasure of playing Colonel Malles in this latest installment of Ghost in the Shell franchise.
This production was created under the core concept of staying 'true to the flavor of the original manga.' I truly believe that long-time fans of the source material are going to be thrilled with what we’ve put together.
I love the world of Ghost in the Shell from the bottom of my heart. It’s incredible to see the world that Masamune Shirow-sensei first penned now beginning to overlap with our own reality. Everyone is surely thinking, 'Masamune Shirow is a visionary!'
This is the very world of Masamune Shirow that served as the foundation for the 'Ghost' animations later crafted by directors like Mamoru Oshii and Kenji Kamiyama. Everyone, let’s enjoy this together!!!"
Episode 3 End Card Released
Illustration: Kunio Okawara
(Note: Kunio Okawara is the legendary mechanical designer best known for his work on the "Mobile Suit Gundam" series.)
"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
