Two Experienced Voice Actors Join New Ghost in the Shell Anime
The cult science fiction classic Ghost in the Shell has added two more important names to its new anime series. According to Anime News Network, veteran voice actors Kenichi Ogata and Masashi Ebara made their debut in the series' fourth episode, which aired on July 29, 2026, greeting fans with their first performances.
The new Ghost in the Shell project was first announced in April 2026 and generated great excitement with the claim that it would be the most faithful adaptation of the original manga. The production, adapted from Masamune Shirow's manga of the same name, is being prepared by Production I.G studio. The series follows Major Motoko Kusanagi, a member of Public Security Section 9, and her team as they pursue new threats in a world of cyberbrains and artificial intelligence.
Kenichi Ogata (age 92) and Masashi Ebara (age 85), with careers spanning over half a century, are among the living legends of the Japanese voice acting world. Ogata is known for roles such as Dr. Kureha in One Piece and Hiruzen Sarutobi in Naruto, while Ebara has brought to life memorable characters like Dozle Zabi in Mobile Suit Gundam and Isaac Netero in Hunter x Hunter. The inclusion of these two names in the Ghost in the Shell universe demonstrates how solid a foundation the production's voice cast is built on.
The new series had previously made headlines with a new voice actor replacing Atsuko Tanaka (Motoko Kusanagi) in the main cast. Tanaka passed away in 2024. The production's ability to maintain quality despite this change had created both curiosity and concern among fans. Now, with the addition of Ogata and Ebara, it seems the series will gain significant depth in character and atmosphere.
The Ghost in the Shell series became a global phenomenon with its first film directed by Mamoru Oshii in 1995, and continued with different adaptations such as Stand Alone Complex and Arise. The new anime, like the original manga, tackles heavy themes such as cybercrime, identity, and the philosophy of consciousness, while also making references to modern technological developments.
It has not yet been officially revealed which characters Ogata and Ebara will portray in the upcoming episodes of the series. However, given the duo's experience, these roles are expected to be key to the story. New episodes are available every week on Crunchyroll and Netflix. Fans eagerly await the new dimension these two legendary voices will bring to the Ghost in the Shell world in the coming weeks.
