Main cast revealed as new Ghost in the Shell anime premieres

The new TV anime THE GHOST IN THE SHELL began airing July 7 on Kansai TV and Fuji TV, with the main voice cast announced at the same time. Bandai Namco Filmworks also released a new promo video, a fourth key visual and an Episode 01 end card illustration as the cyberpunk series launches.

Why it matters: - The premiere marks a new TV anime entry in the Ghost in the Shell franchise, one of cyberpunk’s most recognized properties. - The simultaneous cast reveal and new promotional material give viewers the first full look at the series’ creative direction and tone. - The episode rollout also signals a broader launch push across broadcast and streaming.

What happened: - THE GHOST IN THE SHELL began broadcasting on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, on the nationwide Kansai TV / Fuji TV network. - The series airs every Tuesday at 11:00 PM in the “Ka-nival!!” programming block. - The main voice cast was announced alongside the broadcast premiere. - Maaya Sakamoto voices Motoko Kusanagi, reprising the character from Ghost in the Shell: Arise. - Kazuhiro Yamaji voices Daisuke Aramaki. - Hiroki Yasumoto voices Batou. - Yuichi Nakamura voices Togusa. - Kosuke Goto voices Ishikawa. - Toru Nara voices Saito. - Tomoko Kaneda voices Fuchikoma. - Marii Oi voices Operator. - Chafurin voices the Minister of Home Affairs.

The details: - The 6th promotional video is now available and features the newly announced cast. - The video includes the first-ever audio preview of Motoko Kusanagi and Public Security Section 9. - The footage is positioned as a look at the series’ creative direction and atmosphere. - The 4th key visual was illustrated by Shuhei Handa, who is the character designer and chief animation director. - The key visual brings together Motoko Kusanagi, Section 9, the hacker known as The Puppet Master and other characters. - Episode 01 includes a brand-new end card illustration by Yoji Shinkawa. - Shinkawa is known for character designs, mecha designs and background concept art for DEATH STRANDING. - Shinkawa is currently the art director at KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS. - Bandai Namco Filmworks said the new visuals and cast reveal celebrate the premiere episode. - The series is being broadcast and streamed. - The source includes official social channels for the anime on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X, plus the official site at theghostintheshell-anime.jp.

Between the lines: - The timing of the cast reveal suggests the launch is being used to build momentum around the series’ identity and fandom appeal. - Bringing in Maaya Sakamoto links the new anime to Ghost in the Shell: Arise, which may help anchor the reboot for long-time viewers. - The emphasis on Section 9, The Puppet Master and Shinkawa’s art points to a familiar cyberpunk aesthetic with updated presentation.

What's next: - New episodes will continue airing every Tuesday at 11:00 PM in the “Ka-nival!!” block. - Additional promotion is likely as the series moves beyond its premiere episode. - The official channels and website are positioned as the main sources for future updates.