THE GHOST IN THE SHELL Main Staff | Teaser Trailer #2 | 2nd Teaser Visual Revealed!
Today, the official title, key staff, teaser trailer, and visuals for the new TV anime series have been revealed. Previously announced in May 2024 as a new project from Science SARU, the series now has its official title: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL, keeping the same title as the original manga’s.
This marks the directorial debut of Mokochan, known for his work on DAN DA DAN and SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF. The script was written by acclaimed sci-fi author EnJoe Toh (Self-Reference ENGINE, Shadow.net). Character Design ＆ Executive Animation Directing are handled by Shuhei Handa (SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF, SPRIGGAN). Produced by Science SARU, known for INU-OH and Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, the anime is set to air in 2026.
The new teaser video showcases key animation and storyboards, offering a glimpse into the series’ unfolding drama. Also, the second teaser visual, illustrated by Shuhei Handa, features cyborg protagonist Motoko Kusanagi and the AI tank Fuchikoma, and evokes the spirit of Shirow’s original manga cover sketch.
Additionally, a comment from the original creator, Shirow Masamune, was also released today.
Main Staff
Director: Mokochan
Born in 1992 and joined Science SARU in 2015. Real name: Toma Kimura.
Studied under director Masaaki Yuasa as an assistant director along with Fuga Yamashiro. He worked as storyboarder and episode director on The Heike Story (2022), The Tatami Time Machine Blues (2022) and SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF (2023); he also storyboarded and directed the opening of SPTO. On DAN DA DAN (s1), he served as assistant director, in addition to storyboarding and directing both an episode and the ending animation. This animated TV series THE GHOST IN THE SHELL, set to air in 2026, marks his debut as director.
Script: EnJoe Toh
Born in Sapporo in 1972, he made his debut as a writer with 2007’s Self-Reference ENGINE, which went on to win a special citation at the Phillip K. Dick Awards. His writings have won many awards: Harlequin’s Butterfly won the Akutagawa Prize, The Empire of Corpses (co-written with Project Itoh) won the Nihon SF Taisho Special Award, Mojika won the Kawabata Yasunari Prize for Literature and Nihon SF Taisho Prize, and Code Buddha won the Yomiuri Prize for Literature. He handled scripts and SF advising on the animated series Godzilla Singular Point, and he also works as a translator. Some of his translations include Charles Yu’s How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe, Lafcadio Hearn’s Kwaidan (into Japanese), and Ugetsu Monogatari (into modern Japanese).
Character Design ＆ Executive Animation Director: Shuhei Handa
Born in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka in 1984. Originally an employee at Gainax, he is currently a freelance animator at TRIGGER. After participating in Little Witch Academia (2013, Anime Mirai version), KILL la KILL (2013~2014), One-Punch Man (2015), and Space Patrol Luluco (2016), he served as character designer and chief animation director on Little Witch Academia (2017, TV series). Continuing to further branch out, he served as character designer on SPRIGGAN (2022) and SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF (2023), but his battle continues…
Production Information: Science SARU Inc.
An animation studio dedicated to exploring new techniques and fostering young talent, producing works across TV, theatrical releases, and streaming platforms. Notable works include Lu Over the Wall (winner of the Cristal Award for Best Feature at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival), The Night Is Short, Walk on Girl, DEVILMAN crybaby, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, INU-OH, SCOTT PILGRIM TAKES OFF, The Colors Within, and DAN DA DAN.
Upcoming projects include:
・DAN DA DAN Season 2 (Japanese nationwide premiere on July, 2025).
・SANDA (2025)
・THE GHOST IN THE SHELL (2026)
New Teaser & Visuals
Teaser Trailer #2:
Composed of what appears to be key animation and storyboards from the upcoming production.
https://youtu.be/rk27MbUoBQ8
Exclusive Version:
Currently screening only at the exhibition venue.
Teaser Visual #2:
Features Motoko Kusanagi, a fully prosthetic cyborg, and the AI-powered combat tank Fuchikoma.
Illustrated by Shuhei Handa, the visual references the iconic rough cover concept from the original Ghost in the Shell manga.
Comment from the Original Creator: Shirow Masamune
Anime adaptation-wise, this new THE GHOST IN THE SHELL marks the fourth version following those by Oshii, Kamiyama, and Kise. Alternatively, if we separate GHOST IN THE SHELL and Innocence, categorize the S.A.C. series into Seasons 1, 2, and Solid State Society, divide ARISE into its own series along with The New Movie, and split SAC_2045 into Seasons 1 and 2, this would be the tenth adaptation overall.
Considering the shift in production staff, one could even consider this the first installment of a second generation. The original manga is quite old, so I ask for your understanding on that point (sorry!). That said, I sincerely hope this will once again be an enjoyable visual experience in some form.
Original Work Information: The Ghost in the Shell
In 1989, Shirow Masamune began serializing The Ghost in the Shell in Young Magazine Kaizokuban. The story follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, cyborg leader of Section 9, combating cyberterrorism. The series features cyberpunk elements and philosophical themes, and explores the fusion of humans and technology, identity, and consciousness. It has influenced creators worldwide and been adapted multiple times.
Follow for Updates
Ongoing updates will be shared via the official Ghost in the Shell global website and official social media channels.
Title: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL
Format: TV Animation
Original Work: Based on the manga “The Ghost in the Shell” by Shirow Masamune, originally serialized in YOUNG MAGAZINE published by KODANSHA Ltd.
Director: Mokochan
Script: EnJoe Toh
Character Design and Executive Animation Director: Shuhei Handa
Animation Production: Science SARU Inc.
Release Date: Scheduled for 2026
Website: https://theghostintheshell.jp
Teaser #2: https://youtu.be/rk27MbUoBQ8
Exhibition Overview
‘The Exhibition of The World of Shirow Masamune -“The Ghost in the Shell” and The Path of Creation-’
- Exhibition Period: April 12 (Sat) – August 17 (Sun), 2025
※ Closed on Mondays (open on public holidays, with closure on the following weekday) - Venue: Setagaya Literary Museum (1-10-10 Minamikarasuyama, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo)
- Organizers: Setagaya Cultural Foundation – Setagaya Literary Museum, Kodansha Ltd., and Parco Co., Ltd.
- Planning Cooperation: Seishinsha
- Special Cooperation: Shirow Masamune
- Support: Setagaya City and Setagaya City Board of Education
- Graphic Design: Kei Sakwaki, Hiroaki Hidaka
Where to Buy Tickets
e+ (Eplus): https://eplus.jp/setabun2025shirow-ex/
Information
Official Exhibition Website: https://www.shirow-masamune-ex.jp
Official X (Twitter): https://x.com/shirow_ex