2nd Page New TV Anime "THE GHOST IN THE SHELL" to Premiere July 7! 3rd Key Visual & PV Unveiled | ANIME NEWS

▼ Promotional Video Vol. 3

■ Staff Comments

▼ Director: Moko-chan
"Ghost in the Shell" has been my starting point ever since I encountered the original manga in high school. Starting from Mr. Shirow's manga, this work has existed alongside the time of many creators and fans. Producing an anime within such a legendary history brought pressure, but the entire staff has given their absolute best to ensure this work can be enjoyed by as many people as possible. To fans of the original, fans of the previous anime, and the new fans of the future—I sincerely hope you all find enjoyment in it in some way.

▼ Series Composition/Script: Toh EnJoe
There is a mystery in Masamune Shirow’s work, and it reveals a different form depending on the era in which it is read. In a sense, it is like a mirror that reflects what the reader knows; as our understanding of humanity progresses, our interpretation of Mr. Shirow’s work also advances. That power has not diminished even in the 21st century. I want to tell my middle-school self, who was struggling to understand what was depicted in Mr. Shirow’s work, what to research. However, that isn't to say that I properly understand it now; there is still a sense of incongruity in the reflection in the mirror. It is similar to the discomfort one feels when facing nature—a small chip or distortion in the mirror becomes the key to interpretation, and a new form emerges.

▼ Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Shuhei Handa
Starting with the 1995 theatrical version, "Ghost in the Shell" has been adapted into anime many times and has been loved by fans for many years. I am one of those who were captivated by it. I would be happy if this new "Ghost in the Shell" also becomes a work loved for 10, 20, or 30 years, just like the works of my predecessors.

With those thoughts in mind, I am supporting this new "Ghost in the Shell" from the visual side. I never dreamed that I would participate in "Ghost in the Shell," but I feel this is a certain kind of destiny, and I have allowed myself to merge with it. I am grateful to the people who gave me this opportunity. I hope it will be enjoyed not only by long-time fans but also by those who don't know "Ghost in the Shell" at all. Please look forward to it.

▼ Art Supervisor: Osamu Masuyama
Among the many adaptations of this series, this "Ghost in the Shell" seeks to return once more to the breath of the original manga and carefully scoop up its charm. The atmosphere—which feels futuristic yet retro, calm yet fanciful, and intellectual yet pop—feels surprisingly fresh when viewed today. In a sense, because the era has finally caught up, past imaginations have gained a sense of reality, and the lightness and playfulness of the original work may stand out even more. In the background art as well, we have worked as a team to cherish the coexistence of that inorganic quality and familiarity, supporting the depth of the world unique to this work. I hope you enjoy it.

▼ Color Design: Ken Hashimoto
I still remember the shock I felt when I encountered the original comic as a student, seeing the density of the screen, the detail of the setting, and a color approach I had never seen before. Even after I started working in the anime industry, "Ghost in the Shell" has been a series that provided much stimulation and influence, with its high-quality content that takes a different approach from the original in theatrical versions and series. I am full of gratitude, joy, and respect for the luck of being involved in a work that is both my starting point and one of my guiding principles. I deliver this to everyone who loves "Ghost in the Shell." There are many scenes that will resonate especially with fans of Masamune Shirow’s original comics (including myself), so I hope you enjoy it.

▼ 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 and cool woman like the Major, but I did become an anime director of photography. I am very happy to be involved in this title as a member of the staff. While creating the photographic processing with the original manga by my side, I often wonder, "Am I getting even a little closer to Mr. Shirow?" or "Do I truly understand 'Ghost in the Shell'?" There are those who have followed the series since the original manga, those who came to love it through anime and games, and those who will experience it for the first time now... I believe there are many different people. I have put my heart and soul into making this so that everyone can enjoy it. Please enjoy Moko-chan’s "Ghost in the Shell," a return to the roots for the Reiwa era!

▼ Editor: Kiyoshi Hirose
I feel very honored to be involved in "Ghost in the Shell." Even after reading the storyboards, I often can't fully grasp them in one go, so I frequently re-read the original manga and feel its depth every day. However, I think the fun of this work lies in how much room there is for thought, and one of its charms is making new discoveries when comparing notes with friends after watching. Including that experience, I hope you enjoy it to the very end.

▼ Sound Director: Yuji Tange
I am deeply honored to be involved in the historic world of "Ghost in the Shell." Now, as AI becomes a major topic worldwide, I feel in real-time that the era has finally caught up with the world of this work, and I have once again realized the profound depth of its world-building. While cherishing respect for previous works and all the staff, the sound staff is also working as one to challenge the creation of a work unique to this iteration. I hope it becomes a good "en" (connection) for everyone.

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