A major exhibition of the sci-fi anime "Ghost in the Shell" is being held at Toranomon Hills! Dive into the world of this globally renowned creator's work
The “Ghost in the Shell Exhibition: Ghost and the Shell,” currently on display at “TOKYO NODE,” the information hub at Toranomon Hills, is an exhibition that covers the entire animated series of “Ghost in the Shell,” known as a landmark work of science fiction. First created in 1989 by manga artist Masamune Shirow, “Ghost in the Shell” has been adapted into various media by numerous creators and has taken flight across the globe. This report covers an exhibition on a scale unprecedented in the series’ history, made possible through the full cooperation of Production I.G—which has handled animation production throughout the series—and Science SARU, the studio behind the highly anticipated new anime. We bring you the allure of “Ghost in the Shell” from Toranomon Hills in Minato Ward.
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The exhibition will be held at “TOKYO NODE,” located at the very top of the “Toranomon Hills Station Tower,” which opened in 2023. This glass-walled building, directly connected to Toranomon Hills Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line, perfectly complements the futuristic world of *Ghost in the Shell*.
The “Ghost in the Shell” anime franchise began with the 1995 theatrical release of the animated film *GHOST IN THE SHELL*, directed by Mamoru Oshii and based on the original manga by Masamune Shirow. Its meticulous animation and profound philosophy captivated a wide audience. This was followed by the sequel *Innocence*, the *Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (S.A.C.)* series directed by Kenji Kamiyama, and *Ghost in the Shell: Arise* directed by Kazuya Kise, and the full 3DCG animated film *Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045*, co-directed by Kenji Kamiyama and Shinji Aramaki.
I took the elevator up to the 45th floor and headed straight into the venue. “TOKYO NODE” features three distinctive galleries, and I started with “GALLERY A.” As soon as I stepped inside, a vast, dome-shaped space stretched out before me. Named “NODE” (a “node of thought”), this space is defined as “a gathering place for fans of *Ghost in the Shell*.” Iconic scenes from the series were projected onto the walls, making it feel as if I were standing in the midst of a torrent of information.
"Nerve Net," a massive cyber-network visualizer, is a unique installation in which visitors’ “thoughts” and “searches” become part of the exhibition itself. By operating eight dedicated terminals set up throughout the venue, visitors can search through every scene from all anime series to date, find their favorite moments, and display them on a giant screen.
Taking center stage in the dome is “World Tree: Ghost in the Shell—Ruins of Knowledge,” which serves as the symbol of this exhibition. From the darkness of the 15-meter-high ceiling, countless cables cascade down, connecting to monitors like bundles of nerves, depicting the activation of a massive cybernetic network.
"GALLERY A" plans to host a variety of events during the exhibition period. Featuring talk shows by creators and researchers inspired by the artwork, as well as live DJ sets that expand the world of *Ghost in the Shell*, the space will also serve as a community hub where fans can casually connect with one another.
As you pass through “GALLERY A” and walk down the hallway leading to the next area, “GALLERY B,” you’ll see posters of past works lined up, allowing you to trace the series’ evolution. Additionally, the exhibition titled “PATH A ‘STORY’” features the premiere of newly filmed interview videos with the four directors who have shaped *Ghost in the Shell*: Mamoru Oshii, Kenji Kamiyama, Kazuya Kise, and Shinji Aramaki.
Uncovering the Passion for Creativity Through Approximately 1,600 Artifacts
"GALLERY B," a vast space spanning approximately 1,000 square meters, serves as the centerpiece of this exhibition. Within the venue, over 1,600 production materials—including original artwork, setting materials, character designs, and storyboards—carefully selected from all previous series are on display, organized by title.
Many of the materials on display are rare and valuable, including some that have never been shown to the public. I hear that the entire collection was reviewed and reorganized specifically for this exhibition.
The exhibition begins with *GHOST IN THE SHELL*, released in 1995. From the meticulously drawn pencil lines to the directorial notes scribbled in the corners of the frames and the color specifications, the exhibition was imbued with the vivid presence of the creators from the pre-digital era.
The exhibition continues with *Innocence*, which epitomizes visual beauty; the *S.A.C.* series, which offers a sharp critique of social systems; *ARISE*, which presents a new interpretation; and *SAC_2045*, which pushes the boundaries of 3DCG expression.
While the style varies from work to work, the core essence of “Ghost in the Shell”—that which never changes—remains intact. Being able to view these works while comparing them across the entire collection is something unique to an exhibition of this scale.
The exhibition concludes with the latest materials from the new TV anime *Ghost in the Shell*, produced by Science SARU and scheduled to air in 2026. How will the history of *Ghost in the Shell*, built up over the years, be passed on to the next generation? You can be among the first in the world to witness the first signs of this transition.
Exploring the Blurred Line Between Reality and Fiction Through Interactive Exhibits
In addition to the exhibition of materials, “GALLERY B” featured a variety of interactive elements. One of these was “Digital DIG.” By operating the terminal in the center of the venue, visitors could freely browse a vast collection of digital materials, as if peeking into a folder on an animator’s desktop.
Another attraction is the hands-on “Analog DIG” (for a fee). Visitors can dig through “cut bags”—the actual bags used on anime production sets—and take home replicas of the original drawings found inside. The sensation of “unearthing” a piece of the work with their own hands is sure to be an irresistible experience for fans.
This exhibition also features a section where visitors can simulate the experience of the technology used in the series. The “Laughing Man Mirror” is a device that, when you step into a specific space, instantly replaces your face with the “Laughing Man” symbol. The Laughing Man is a hacker with advanced cyber hacking abilities who appeared in *S.A.C.*. Using the latest facial recognition technology, this exhibit recreates that iconic scene where the Laughing Man hacks into surveillance camera footage in real time and overwrites people’s faces with the “Laughing Man” symbol.
Fans can also experience “thermal camouflage”—something every fan has dreamed of trying at least once. A collaboration has been realized with the textile label “UNLABELED × NX7,” which develops camouflage technology as an antithesis to the AI-surveillance society. By wearing a T-shirt with a specific pattern and standing in front of a camera, you can experience a modern version of thermal optical camouflage, where image-recognition AI can no longer identify you as a “human.”
On display at the venue are intricate figurines of "Tachikoma" and "Logikoma," the series' mascots. They add a cute touch to the otherwise imposing exhibition.
Collaborations with Artists and Experiencing the World of Art Through AR
Another major highlight of this exhibition is the collaboration with contemporary artists. *Ghost in the Shell*, which has taken the world by storm, has also influenced numerous works of art. The new sculpture “Sexy Robot_The Ghost in the Shell type 1” by world-renowned contemporary artist Motoki Sorayama was created based on Motoko Kusanagi, the protagonist of *Ghost in the Shell*.
In addition, the exhibition delves into the world of “Ghost in the Shell” from multiple perspectives, featuring a timeline that compares the history of real-world technology with events in the series, as well as tribute works by up-and-coming artists.
To immerse yourself even deeper in the world of the exhibition, we also recommend “Cyber VISION,” a paid experience available by advance reservation. This experience involves touring the venue while wearing the latest AR glasses (in collaboration with XREAL and STYLY). When you put on the AR glasses, Tachikomas appear in your field of view and provide commentary on each exhibit via cyber communication. With digital information overlaid on the real-life original artwork on display, the experience of walking while conversing with the Tachikomas is the very essence of “cyberization.”
Over 100 spectacular items! Get your hands on original merchandise
After enjoying the exhibition, head to the “GALLERY C” shop area. Here, you’ll find over 100 types of exhibition-exclusive merchandise, as well as more than 80 collaborative items. The selection includes collaborative apparel with popular brands such as WACKO MARIA, BRAIN DEAD, and HATRA, as well as limited-edition items created by artists such as Motoki Sorayama, Mai Yoneyama, and Kosuke Kawamura.
The 1/1-scale statue of Motoko Kusanagi from the "S.A.C." series reigns as the shop's flagship item. Standing there with a dignified expression, she looks so lifelike that she seems ready to spring into action at any moment.
It has been 37 years since the series began in 1989. We are now just three years away from 2029—the year in which “Public Security Section 9,” the unit to which Motoko Kusanagi belongs in the story, is established. A world we once thought was a story set in the distant future is now becoming a reality at an astonishing pace. Perhaps now, more than ever, is the time to experience the work known as *Ghost in the Shell*. This exhibition traces the history of *Ghost in the Shell* while diving into a sea of information—in the form of production materials—in an attempt to explore the work’s themes and essence. During the exhibition, which runs through April 5, why not pay a visit to “TOKYO NODE” at Toranomon Hills and immerse yourself in this vast world of the series?