Masamune Shirow's iconic manga "Ghost in the Shell" is getting a brand-new anime adaptation, "Ghost in the Shell THE GHOST IN THE SHELL," which premiered on the evening of July 7th. And the big news dropped on premiere day: the legendary role of protagonist Motoko Kusanagi will now be voiced by Maaya Sakamoto, stepping into the shoes of the esteemed veteran voice actress Atsuko Tanaka, who sadly passed away in 2024.
The production team has just released a heartfelt statement from Sakamoto herself, detailing her emotional journey from receiving the offer to her internal reflections on taking over a role from a senior she deeply admired.
Sakamoto, who previously voiced the full-body cyborg Motoko Kusanagi in the "Ghost in the Shell: Arise" series, is now officially taking the reins from the late Atsuko Tanaka. Sakamoto candidly shared her initial reaction:
"I've always felt a strong connection to 'Ghost in the Shell,' but taking on the role of Motoko Kusanagi this time around was completely unexpected. I had the honor of working with Atsuko Tanaka-san frequently since I was young, and she was someone I deeply respected and adored, both as a person and as an actress.
Motoko was a character she nurtured with immense care and cherished for a very long time. So, when I received the offer to voice Motoko Kusanagi for this new series, I honestly couldn't accept it right away. Stepping into a role previously held by such a respected senior, especially under these circumstances, brought about a mix of struggle and sadness that's hard to put into words."
She revealed that despite her initial reluctance, after engaging in discussions with the director and the production team, she was deeply moved by their passion for "Ghost in the Shell" and the genuine enthusiasm shown by a new generation of creators who grew up inspired by the series. This conviction ultimately led her to embrace the significant responsibility.
Sakamoto also let slip, "All the recording sessions are now complete. For me, this entire process of working on the series has also been a crucial time to re-experience my gratitude for Tanaka-san and to hold her memory close."
"This iteration of Motoko is more expressive and vibrant than ever before, with plenty of lighthearted and humorous moments. It was a completely fresh experience for me to see Motoko portrayed this way in an anime, and it felt incredibly new."
Sakamoto admitted, "Precisely because of this, it was exceptionally challenging to perform. I constantly pondered what hidden void Motoko carries within, and what unwavering strength propels her forward? I firmly believe that no matter how times change or how many years pass, the profound insights and critical questions 'Ghost in the Shell' poses to audiences worldwide will remain eternally relevant. To be involved in such a legendary work, one that continues to be loved and admired, is a profound honor and something I am truly grateful for," she concluded.
The biggest departure for this new series compared to previous adaptations is its direct faithfulness to Masamune Shirow's original manga. This sets it apart significantly from Mamoru Oshii's film series, especially in its accurate character designs and visual representation, alongside a plot that stays true to the source material.
While fans of other "Ghost in the Shell" iterations might find this version quite different, the manga's original portrayal indeed stands apart from past anime adaptations. With the series already underway, it's definitely worth diving into!
▼ Check out the recently released 6th promotional video, featuring the main characters' official voice acting for the first time!