The first episode of the new TV anime series "Ghost in the Shell: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL," based on Masamune Shirow 'Maaya Sakamoto popular manga " Motoko Kusanagi ," titled "PROLOGUE + SUPER SPARTAN i," aired on July 7th in the Tuesday 11 PM anime slot "Ka-Ani-Bal!!" on Kansai TV and Fuji TV. It has been revealed that Motoko Kusanagi is also known for being voiced by Atsuko Tanaka, who passed away in 2024. Sakamoto also voiced Motoko Kusanagi in "Ghost in the Shell: ARISE" and "Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie," and as a teenager, she voiced the young Motoko Kusanagi in the 1995 animated film "GHOST IN THE SHELL," directed by Mamoru Oshii. Sakamoto spoke about her feelings towards "Ghost in the Shell" and Motoko Kusanagi.
Sakamoto said, "I've had connections with Ghost in the Shell before, but it was completely unexpected that I would be taking on the role of Motoko Kusanagi. I've had many opportunities to work with her since I was a child, and I've always respected Atsuko Tanaka as both a person and an actress. Motoko is a character that she has nurtured and loved for many years. When I was offered the role of Motoko in this film, I couldn't immediately accept it. But after meeting with the director and producers, and hearing that this is a work that creators of a generation who have admired and been influenced by Ghost in the Shell are taking on with respect, I was touched by Motoko Kusanagi enthusiasm and thought that if there was anything I could do, I would like to do it."
"All the episodes have already been recorded. Facing this project has been a precious time for me to reflect on my gratitude and sadness for Atsuko-san. This version of Motoko is expressive and energetic, and there are many comical scenes. It was the first time I'd seen this kind of Motoko in anime, and it was refreshing. That made it very difficult to play. I kept thinking about what the driving force was that allows Motoko to move forward despite the insuffering she secretly carries beneath her lightheartedness. No matter how much time passes and how times change, I believe that the inspiration and questions that Ghost in the Shell gives to people all over the world will be eternal. I am very grateful to have been involved in such a legendary work that will continue to be loved and admired forever," she commented.
It has also been revealed that Kazuhiro Yamaji will play Daisuke Aramaki, the commander of Public Security Section 9; Hiroki Yasumoto will play Batou, the second-in-command of the unit who has prosthetic eyes; Yuichi Nakamura will play Togusa, a rookie member who is a former detective; Kosuke Goto will play Ishikawa, a veteran member skilled in cyber warfare; Toru Nara will play Saito, a member who covers one eye with an eyepatch; Tomoko Kaneda will play Fuchikoma, an AI-equipped thinking tank; Marie Oi will play the female robot operator in charge of information control; and Chafurin will play the Minister of the Interior. The voice actors have also provided comments.
The new series will be directed by Moko-chan, who has worked on projects such as "Dandadan," "Scott Pilgrim Takes Off," and "The Heike Story." This will be Moko-chan's first time directing. Akutagawa Prize-winning author Toh Enjo will be in charge of series composition and scriptwriting, and Science SARU will be producing it.
"Ghost in the Shell" is a science fiction manga that began serialization in 1989 in "Young Magazine Pirate Edition," a special issue of the manga magazine "Young Magazine" (Kodansha). It depicts a unit led by Motoko Kusanagi with superior abilities in cyber warfare and hand-to-hand combat, as they confront increasingly complex and heinous crimes.
In addition to the theatrical anime films "Ghost in the Shell" and "Innocence," directed by Mamoru Oshii, other anime series such as "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (S,AC)" and "Ghost in the Shell: Arise" have been produced. The live-action Hollywood film adaptation starring Scarlett Johansson also garnered attention.
◇Comment from Kazuhiro Yamaji, who plays the role of Daisuke Aramaki
"Ghost in the Shell." This title brings back so many memories. This was the first theatrical anime I ever worked on. Atsuko Tanaka was in it. Iemasa Kayumi was in it. Both of them have passed away, but I remember it like it was yesterday, perhaps because I was extremely nervous at the time. I'm proud to have been involved again. And this time, meeting Aramaki, this dorky-cool old man, and being enveloped by the calm voice of Maaya Sakamoto, which she recorded earlier (though we couldn't record together), I felt an indescribable happiness. This work is irresistible.
◇Comment from Hiroki Yasumoto, who plays Batou
I've loved "Ghost in the Shell" ever since I was young. I never imagined I'd be able to be involved in that world. You never know what life will bring. I'll just do my absolute best. That's all I can say. Thank you for your support. Oh, that reminds me. I went to the Ghost in the Shell exhibition, but I didn't want to talk about it because I didn't want people to think I was hinting at something. That was the hardest part (laughs). By the way, the exhibition was amazing.
◇Comment from Yuichi Nakamura, who plays Togusa
To be a part of the latest installment of this series, which has been adapted into anime many times and each time has been full of charm, was a bolt from the blue for me, having watched the series for so long... I remember being incredibly surprised. After it was decided that I would be participating, recording started not long after, and I think I spent most of my time getting to know Togusa, or rather, Togusa-kun, in this work. Togusa-kun is not without experience, but he has some naivety when it comes to doing the work of "Section 9," so I think he will be a type that is a little different from the image we have of him so far, with a wide range of emotions. I would like to play him as a character that viewers can relate to. I think this work will be enjoyable not only for those who are experiencing this work for the first time, but also for those who have loved the series so far. In addition to the powerful visuals and action, there are many themes and questions that are relevant to modern times, so I hope you will take your time to enjoy it. Please look forward to the new "Ghost in the Shell."
◇Comment from Kosuke Goto, who plays Ishikawa
I first encountered "Ghost in the Shell" during my student days, and at the time, I didn't fully understand it, feeling it was a sophisticated and mature work. Now, as an adult, I've come to appreciate the appeal of "Ghost in the Shell," developed an admiration for it, and was able to work on this project as Ishikawa. If I were to describe Ishikawa using furniture, I personally feel he would be a sofa. I know that many people have various feelings about this work, and I am one of them. Taking all of that into consideration, I thought about it carefully and challenged myself to create something with a proactive attitude. So, please enjoy your journey into the cyber world.
◇Comment from Toru Nara, who plays the role of Saito
I'm excited about the TV anime "Ghost in the Shell," but at the same time, I feel an indescribable sense of tension. I wonder what the visuals will be like, and what kind of music will create the atmosphere of the work. Although I'm a cast member, I myself am looking forward to it. I will be playing the role of Saito. I feel truly honored. "Ghost in the Shell." I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to appear in it before (only once, though), but I never imagined that such a future awaited us in the Reiwa era. I wish I could tell my past self. Please enjoy "Ghost in the Shell."
◇Comment from Tomoko Kaneda, who voices Fuchikoma
Because my voice is easily recognizable (lol), I don't usually take on multiple roles, but I was incredibly fortunate enough to be given the role of voicing all of the many Fuchikoma characters! I was so happy! And I can't help but love each and every one of the Fuchikoma! However, I once had my voice examined by a professor who studies voices, and apparently it's the same as the sound waves that white-handed gibbons use when they feel threatened and call out to their companions. Since I've been voicing so many Fuchikoma, I might get a mysterious headache (lol). If that happens, be sure to go to an ENT doctor (lol). Anyway, it was so much fun! Fuchikoma are the best! If you'd like, try to find your favorite Fuchikoma (lol).
◇Comment from Mari Ooi, who plays the role of the operator
I never imagined the day would come when I'd be involved with "Ghost in the Shell"...it's a great honor! "Ghost in the Shell" has been adapted into many visual media, but this time, it's more in line with the original manga, and I think you'll also get to feel the pop and comical aspects. Operator Opeko is an android without a ghost, and she goes through some terrible things, but when I received the character design materials, the instructions said, "(Opeko) is cute. Just draw her thinking, 'Make her as cute as possible,'" and every single facial expression drawing had "cute" written on it, which I really felt the love for (laughs). Opeko is someone who watches over Section 9, so I want to watch this broadcast, filled with the thoughts and feelings of all the staff and cast, together with all the viewers!
◇Chafurin-san playing the role of the Minister of Home Affairs
I am overwhelmed with emotion to have been able to participate in the "Ghost in the Shell" series, which I have always admired. The story is ahead of its time, underpinned by a solid political structure, featuring a multitude of cool mechs, plenty of sexiness, and witty, tasteful humor. It was a great pleasure to play the Minister of the Interior, the political boss—arrogant, yet undeniably efficient, like a giant bulldog. Please enjoy this new "Ghost in the Shell"!
