The new TV anime Ghost in the Shell: THE GHOST IN THE SHELL has revealed its Episode 3 cast addition — and it’s a big one. Veteran voice actor Otsuka Akio has been announced as Colonel Mares (マレス大佐), sending fans into an uproar of excitement on X (formerly Twitter).
A Franchise Born from Manga
Ghost in the Shell originates from the cyberpunk manga by Shirow Masamune, which began serialization in Kodansha’s Young Magazine Pirate Edition in 1989. The story follows the elite counter-cyberterrorism unit known as Public Security Section 9, led by the fully cybernetic Major Motoko Kusanagi, as they combat increasingly sophisticated and violent crimes. The franchise has since expanded into landmark animated films directed by Mamoru Oshii, multiple anime series, and a Hollywood live-action adaptation, influencing creators and audiences worldwide.
The New TV Anime
The latest TV anime adaptation began airing on July 7, 2026 on Kantele and Fuji TV in the Tuesday-night “火アニバル!!” slot at 23:00 JST. It is also streaming on Prime Video from 23:30 JST the same night, with other domestic streaming services following from July 8.
Episode 3, titled “JUNK JUNGLE ii + MEGATECH MACHINE i + ii,” introduces Otsuka Akio to the cast. The episode’s end card has also been released alongside the announcement.
Fans React
Otsuka Akio is beloved by Ghost in the Shell fans as the longtime voice of Batou in previous entries. His appearance here as a character being pursued by Batou added an extra layer of delight for viewers. Reactions on X poured in immediately:
- “I knew it from the very first line — it gave me chills.”
- “Two Batous! I’m so excited! This is great!”
- “I recognized his voice instantly. It made me emotional.”
- “Wait — it really IS him!? I’m losing my mind!”
- “This surprise genuinely made me so happy ♪”
Comment from Otsuka Akio
“I’m Otsuka Akio, playing Colonel Mares in this new Ghost in the Shell. This production was made under the concept of ‘staying true to the feel of the original,’ and I truly believe fans of the source manga will be pleased. I love Ghost in the Shell from the bottom of my heart. And now, the world that Shirow Masamune-sensei drew with his pen has begun to intersect with reality. Everyone must be thinking: ‘Shirow Masamune is terrifying!’ The world of Shirow Masamune — the foundation for the Ghost in the Shell anime created by Director Oshii Mamoru and Director Kamiyama Kenji — let’s all enjoy it together!!!”
Staff
- Original Work: Shirow Masamune, Ghost in the Shell (Kodansha KC Deluxe)
- Director: Moko-chan
- Series Composition / Screenplay: Enjo To
- Character Design / Chief Animation Director: Handa Shuhei
- Art Director: Katanozaka Emi
- Art Supervisor: Masuyama Osamu
- Color Design: Hashimoto Ken
- Photography Director: Ito Hikari
- Editor: Hirose Kiyoshi
- Sound Director: Tange Yuji
- Sound Effects: Yaso Shota
- Recording: Ota Yasuaki
- Music Director / Music: Iwasaki Taisei
- Music: Konishi Ryo, YUKI KANESAKA
- Music Production: Flying Dog
- Opening Theme: “GO GHOST” — King Gnu
- Ending Theme: “Blue” — MILLENNIUM PARADE
- Animation Production: Science SARU
- Title Logo Design: Sorayama Hajime
Cast
- Kusanagi Motoko: Sakamoto Maaya
- Aramaki Daisuke: Yamaji Kazuhiro
- Batou: Yasumoto Hirotaka
- Togusa: Nakamura Yuichi
- Ishikawa: Goto Kosuke
- Saito: Nara Toru
- Boma: Miyauchi Atsushi
- Operator: Oi Marie
- Fuchikoma: Kaneda Tomoko
- Colonel Mares: Otsuka Akio
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