by The highly anticipated Ghost in the Shell Exhibition has officially begun its Kansai tour, bringing one of Japan’s most celebrated anime franchises to Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. Following a successful run in Tokyo, the large-scale exhibition opened on July 17, 2026, at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art, featuring updated displays, exclusive production materials from the latest anime, and the immersive Cyber VISION augmented reality (AR) experience powered by XREAL AR glasses.
Designed for both longtime fans and newcomers, the exhibition celebrates the evolution of the Ghost in the Shell franchise, showcasing its history from the original manga to its latest television adaptation while introducing interactive experiences that recreate the cyberpunk world of the series.
A Complete Celebration of the Ghost in the Shell Franchise
The Kansai exhibition expands upon the popular Tokyo event with refreshed content inspired by the newest Ghost in the Shell TV anime, which premiered on July 7, 2026.
Visitors can explore an extensive collection of materials covering the franchise’s history, including concept artwork, production documents, character designs, animation materials, and behind-the-scenes archives from multiple adaptations.
The exhibition has also been updated to reflect the progress of the currently airing anime, giving returning visitors new content to enjoy throughout the event.
Exclusive New Anime Materials from Science SARU
One of the biggest attractions at the Kansai venue is the inclusion of new production materials from the latest Ghost in the Shell television series produced by Science SARU.
As the anime continues its weekly broadcast, exhibition displays will be updated to match the story’s progression.
During the second half of the exhibition, visitors will also have the rare opportunity to view original hand-drawn animation artwork (genga) from Episodes 6 and 7, even before those episodes air on television.
Displaying production artwork ahead of broadcast is an uncommon opportunity, making this a special event for animation enthusiasts interested in the creative process behind modern anime production.
Experience Cyberspace with XREAL’s “Cyber VISION”
Among the exhibition’s most talked-about attractions is Cyber VISION, an immersive augmented reality experience created using XREAL AR glasses.
The experience blends the real world with digital visuals, allowing visitors to feel as though they are entering the cybernetic world made famous by Ghost in the Shell. The AR presentation recreates the sensation of a cyberspace dive, one of the franchise’s defining concepts.
While wearing the AR glasses, guests can enjoy:
- Interactive visual effects inspired by the anime.
- Exclusive audio and video presentations.
- Original exhibition-only content.
- Guided storytelling based on the world of Ghost in the Shell.
This immersive attraction helps visitors experience the futuristic atmosphere of the series in an entirely new way.
Tachikoma Returns as Your AR Guide
Adding even more charm to the AR experience is the return of Tachikoma, the beloved AI support robot from Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex.
For the exhibition, the original voice actors have recorded a large collection of brand-new dialogue, humorous conversations, and exclusive skits created specifically for Cyber VISION.
These newly recorded performances are available only at the exhibition, making the AR experience a unique attraction that cannot be experienced elsewhere.
About the New Ghost in the Shell Anime
The latest Ghost in the Shell television series is one of the franchise’s most anticipated projects in recent years.
The anime is:
- Directed by: Moko-chan
- Series Composition & Script: Tow Ubukata Enjoe (Toh Enjo)
- Animation Studio: Science SARU
- Based on: Masamune Shirow’s original manga
Rather than directly continuing previous adaptations, the new anime returns to Shirow’s original manga for inspiration while presenting the story through a fresh visual style. This approach offers a new perspective for longtime fans while remaining accessible to audiences discovering the franchise for the first time.
Why the Exhibition Is Worth Visiting
The Kansai exhibition offers far more than a traditional anime display. It combines historical archives, modern animation materials, interactive technology, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content into a single experience.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Rare production artwork from across the franchise.
- Updated displays reflecting the newest TV anime.
- Exclusive original animation drawings.
- Interactive AR experiences.
- Newly recorded Tachikoma dialogue.
- A deeper look into the evolution of one of anime’s most influential cyberpunk series.
Whether you’re a dedicated fan of Ghost in the Shell or simply interested in Japanese animation and science fiction, the exhibition provides an engaging introduction to the series’ rich legacy.
Exhibition Dates and Venue
Event: Ghost in the Shell Exhibition (Kansai Tour)
Venue: Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art – Gallery Building, 3rd Floor Gallery
Location: Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Dates: July 17 – August 30, 2026
Ticket Prices
Exhibition Admission
- Adults: ¥2,500 (Advance) / ¥2,700 (Same-day)
- High School & Junior High Students: ¥1,900
- Elementary School Students: ¥1,200
Cyber VISION AR Experience
The Cyber VISION attraction requires a separate ticket in addition to exhibition admission.
- Advance Ticket: ¥1,500 (tax included)
- Same-day Ticket: ¥1,700 (tax included)
AR experience tickets are sold in limited quantities using a reserved time-slot system, so reservations are recommended.
Important Visitor Information
While the exhibition continues through August 30, 2026, the Cyber VISION AR experience will only be available until August 20, 2026.
Visitors planning to enjoy the immersive AR attraction should schedule their visit before that date, as the experience will close ten days before the exhibition ends.
A Must-See Event for Ghost in the Shell Fans
The Kansai edition of the Ghost in the Shell Exhibition successfully combines classic artwork, modern anime production, and cutting-edge AR technology into one unforgettable event.
With exclusive original drawings, continuously updated exhibits tied to the latest TV anime, and the unique Cyber VISION experience featuring Tachikoma, the exhibition offers fans an exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in one of anime’s most iconic cyberpunk worlds.
Whether you’re revisiting the franchise or exploring it for the first time, the exhibition provides a fascinating journey through the past, present, and future of Ghost in the Shell.
