by To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of “Innocence,” it has been announced that two works, “Innocence 4K Remaster Edition” and “Ghost in the Shell 4K Remaster Edition,” a monumental sci-fi feature-length anime film based on Masamune Shirow’s manga and directed by Mamoru Oshii, will be released simultaneously for two weeks only at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other theaters from February 28, 2025.
The latest trailer using 4K remastered footage was unveiled along with the announcement. A comment was also received from Akio Otsuka, who played Batou, looking back on the 20th anniversary.
The two works are based on the sci-fi manga “Ghost in the Shell” by Masamune Shirow and have been made into anime films by director Mamoru Oshii. “Ghost in the Shell” is set in the year 2029 and focuses on the exploits of Motoko Kusanagi and Batou, members of the unofficial extra-legal special forces “Public Security Section 9,” which was formed to combat computer crimes and cyber terrorism that occur frequently in a highly developed networked society.
The sequel, “Innocence,” is set in 2032, three years after “Ghost in the Shell,” and focuses on Batou of Public Security Section 9. With the 20th anniversary of the release of “Innocence” and the reborn 4K remastered version being shown on the big screen, Akio Otsuka, who played Batou, commented, “I remember that Atsuko Tanaka, who played the role of Kusanagi Motoko, said, ‘I wish I could be made into a prosthetic body…’, though she has passed away.
The decline in performance caused by the deterioration of the body due to aging is a fear for the performer, but it seems that a prosthetic body is still impossible… I will continue to hone my skills while taking care of myself! Please enjoy Innocence on the big screen.” He looked back on the 20th anniversary, quoting the words of Atsuko Tanaka, the voice actress of Kusanagi Motoko, who supported the series together with the series and who passed away in August last year.
The latest unveiled trailer uses 4K remastered footage to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the release of “Innocence.” When the words “20th Anniversary of Innocence” appear from behind Batou, the beautiful world of the film, which was selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s Competition Section, unfolds along with the soundtrack created by Kenji Kawai. Kawai has worked on many of Oshii Mamoru’s films and is also involved in the Hong Kong film “Twilight Warriors: Battle! Kowloon Walled City,” which is currently in theaters.
At the end, the film concludes with a “reunion scene” between Batou and Major, also known as Kusanagi Motoko, the protagonist of “Ghost in the Shell,” who says, “It’s been a long time, Major,” and “You haven’t changed at all.” The film has left even those who have not seen it wondering, “Is Motoko going to appear?” and “What is that figure?” as the story unfolds. Anticipation is building for the first screening of the 4K remastered version on a screen.
In addition, there will be a giveaway event where people who watch the two films, “Innocence 4K Remastered Edition” and “Ghost in the Shell 4K Remastered Edition,” will be entered into a lottery to win autographed goods by Director Mamoru Oshii. For details, please check the official website. “Innocence 4K Remastered Edition” and “Ghost in the Shell 4K Remastered Edition” will be released simultaneously for two weeks only at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other locations from February 28, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to experience Director Mamoru Oshii’s two masterpieces.
They have helped the world realize the power of Japanese animation on a high-spec theater screen with high-quality audio and video. Voice cast / Batou role Akio Otsuka Innocence released. When I think that 20 years have passed since then, I realize how short life is. I was 45 years old at the time. I am now 65 years old after many events and twists and turns.
I am stunned at how much my life has changed. I remember Tanaka Atsuko, who played the role of Kusanagi Motoko, muttering, “I wish I could be made into a prosthetic body…” though she has passed away. The decline in performance caused by physical deterioration due to aging is a fear for any performer, but the prosthetic body will not be realized yet.
I will continue to hone my skills while taking care of myself! Please enjoy Innocence on the big screen. Released for a limited two-week period from Friday, February 28 at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya and other theaters. [Film Summary] Innocence 4K Remastered Edition Running time: 99 minutes Original story: Shirow Masamune (Ghost in the Shell, published by Kodansha) Director/Screenplay: Mamoru Oshii Produced by: Production IG Distributed by: TOHO NEXT GHOST IN THE SHELL 4K Remastered Edition Running time: 85 minutes Original story: Shirow Masamune (Ghost in the Shell, published by Kodansha) Director/Screenplay: Mamoru Oshii Produced by: Production IG Distributed by: TOHO NEXT (C) 2004 Shirow Masamune/Kodansha, IG, ITNDDTD (C) 1995 Shirow Masamune/Kodansha, Bandai Visual, MANGA ENTERTAINMENT
