New Ghost in the Shell Anime Set for Global Launch on Amazon Prime Video
The new television adaptation of Ghost in the Shell has revealed its latest trailer, offering fans a fresh look at Science SARU’s upcoming take on the legendary cyberpunk franchise.
The series, titled “The Ghost in the Shell”, is the latest animated interpretation of the influential science-fiction franchise and will introduce the world of Section 9 to a new generation of viewers.
Originally launched as a manga by Masamune Shirow, Ghost in the Shell has become one of the most celebrated cyberpunk franchises in Japanese entertainment, inspiring multiple anime series, films, novels, video games, and live-action adaptations.
Set in a technologically advanced future where cybernetic enhancement is commonplace, the story explores themes of artificial intelligence, identity, surveillance, and the increasingly blurred boundary between humanity and technology.
At the center of the series is Major Motoko Kusanagi and the members of Public Security Section 9, an elite task force that investigates cybercrime, terrorism, and threats connected to advanced technology.
This new project will see the directorial debut of Mokochan, whose previous credits include storyboard and key animation work on acclaimed productions such as DAN DA DAN, The Heike Story, and Tatami Time Machine Blues.
Series composition and script supervision are being handled by Toh Enjoe, known for work on The Empire of Corpses, Space Dandy, and Godzilla Singular Point.
Character designs are being created by Shūhei Handa, whose previous projects include Little Witch Academia, Scott Pilgrim Takes Off, and Spriggan.
In addition to designing the cast, Handa is also serving as the production’s chief animation director.
The music team is led by Taisei Iwasaki, recognized for work on BELLE, who is joined by composers Ryō Konishi and Yuki Kanesaka.
Several additional staff members have also been confirmed for the production.
Emi Katanosaka is overseeing art direction, while Osamu Masuyama serves in an art supervision role.
Color design duties are being managed by Satoshi Hashimoto.
Hikari Itō is responsible for cinematography, while editing is being handled by Kiyoshi Hirose.
The audio department includes sound director Yuji Tange, sound effects specialist Shota Yaso, and recording engineer Yasuaki Ōta.
Music production for the series is being managed by Flying Dog.
The production committee behind the anime consists of Bandai Namco Filmworks, Kodansha, Science SARU, and Production I.G.
The project was first announced in May 2024, generating significant interest among longtime fans of the franchise.
The new adaptation also arrives following the passing of veteran voice actress Atsuko Tanaka in August 2024 at the age of 61.
Tanaka was widely known for portraying Motoko Kusanagi and remained one of the franchise’s most recognizable performers for decades.
Ahead of its television debut, the anime’s first two episodes are scheduled to receive a global premiere screening at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
The same two episodes will also be showcased at Anime Expo on July 4 during a screening event at the JW Diamond Hall.
Following the screening, attendees will be able to attend a panel discussion featuring director Mokochan, character designer and chief animation director Shūhei Handa, and members of the production team.
The Ghost in the Shell will make its television debut on July 7, 2026, as part of the new Ka-Anival!! anime programming block on Kansai TV and Fuji TV, airing at 11:00 p.m. local time.
Shortly after broadcast, the series will begin streaming on Prime Video Japan at 11:30 p.m. JST on the same day.
International viewers will also be able to watch the series through Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide beginning July 7, 2026, although availability will exclude mainland China, Russia, and Vietnam.
This post may contain affiliate links, and Essential Japan may earn a commission if you purchase through them.
