Created by Masamune Shirow, the Ghost in the Shell manga returned with the new anime THE GHOST IN THE SHELL this July. Its faithful take on the original manga and stellar production by Science SARU have earned plenty of praise.
For longtime fans, however, the new series also carries a note of sadness. Atsuko Tanaka, the voice actor whose performance as Motoko Kusanagi became inseparable from the character for many viewers, passed away in 2024. On November 14, the official Ghost in the Shell X account marked Tanaka’s birthday with a heartfelt tribute, prompting fans to remember one of the voice-acting industry’s most celebrated talents.
The official account wrote, “Today, November 14, is the birthday of Atsuko Tanaka, the voice actor who portrayed Motoko Kusanagi throughout the Ghost in the Shell series.”
It continued, “The Motoko Kusanagi brought to life by Atsuko Tanaka—her calm yet resolute voice and every powerful line she delivered—still lives on in the hearts of so many fans.”
The account also invited fans to revisit Tanaka’s performance: “Why not take this opportunity to look back at the unforgettable scenes and remarkable performances she gave us as Motoko?” The post included a character visual of Motoko Kusanagi alongside a photograph of Tanaka wearing a gentle smile. An English version of the message was also published.
Tanaka began voicing Motoko Kusanagi in the 1995 film Ghost in the Shell. She went on to reprise the role across numerous installments, including Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, defining the Major with a performance that balanced quiet composure with commanding presence. Tanaka passed away on August 20, 2024, at the age of 61.
Tanaka also provided Japanese dubbing voices for Hollywood stars including Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Lopez. Her best-known anime roles included Caster, also known as Medea, in Fate/stay night; Konan in Naruto: Shippuden; Lisa Lisa in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure; Sister Outside the Domain, also known as Mary Sera, in Detective Conan; and Flamme in Frieren: Beyond Journey's End.
Fans flooded the official post with messages honoring Tanaka, including: “Her voice wasn’t just powerful—you could hear the intelligence in it,” “In my heart, you and the Major are both still alive,” and “Happy birthday.” The tribute offered fans another chance to share how deeply she is still missed.