Countless cables hang from a 15-meter-high ceiling. The space, enveloped by projection mapping that spreads from a giant monitor across the venue walls, looks as if the “Sea of Information” has been made visible.
The exhibition begins with an installation reminiscent of the protagonist Motoko Kusanagi’s iconic “wired connection” scene from the film “GHOST IN THE SHELL.” This is the “Ghost in the Shell Exhibition: Ghost and the Shell,” held to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the series.
Taking place in Toranomon, Tokyo from January 30 to April 5, 2026, this exhibition is the largest ever, covering over 30 years of the series’ history, from the 1995 theatrical film to the latest works.
In addition to over 1,600 valuable production materials, the exhibition features interactive experiences such as AR-guided explanations of the Tachikoma that appear before your eyes, as well as talk shows and music events by past directors and renowned artists. The immersive structure allows visitors to dive deep into the world of Ghost in the Shell. There is already fierce competition for limited-edition merchandise, and the collaboration café menu features items inspired by characters like the Laughing Man. For fans, this is an exhibition you won’t want to miss—here’s a full on-site report from the venue.
😄If you want to review the basics of Ghost in the Shell, check out this article as well.
*All prices include tax.
[2 Main Highlights] The Key Word Is Immersion! “Cyberbrain VISION” and “Special Event Series”
The main feature of this exhibition is its interactive structure, which goes beyond simply “viewing.” Among the highlights are the interactive AR content “Cyberbrain VISION” and the “Special Event Series” held intermittently during the exhibition period. These two elements are what make this exhibition truly immersive.
Interactive AR Content: “Cyberbrain VISION”
This interactive content lets you wear the latest AR glasses and tour the original artwork displays while listening to explanations about the multi-legged tank “Tachikoma” that appears on the screen.
When you stand in front of the original artwork designated as an AR point, the explanation automatically begins. In addition to navigation by Tachikoma, the scene in which the artwork was used is also played in AR. This futuristic setup, where you can experience both the original still image and the completed animation scene at the same time, is a unique highlight of the exhibition!
There are a total of 28 AR experiences to enjoy. The final content is a special video inspired by the last episode of “Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045.” Among fans, it’s already being called “Motoko DIVE” and is generating a lot of buzz.
If you want to experience “Motoko DIVE,” it’s recommended to aim for a time when the night view of Tokyo spreads out beyond the windows. The combination of the cyberpunk cityscape and the presentation is truly worth seeing!
“Cyberbrain VISION” is paid content that requires advance reservation and an additional fee separate from the exhibition admission ticket.
😄TIPS: It seems that you may be able to experience “Cyberbrain VISION” even on the day of your visit. Even if you forget to reserve in advance, don’t give up—ask at the counter.
Special Event Series
Another key feature is the special event series held during the exhibition period.
Leading creators representing Japan, such as Kenji Kamiyama, director of "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex," novelist and comedian Naoki Matayoshi, and media artist Yoichi Ochiai, will take the stage. The talk session "DIALOGUE of Ghost and the Shell" delves into the philosophy and background of the works through dialogue.
In addition, the night museum event "REFLEX of Ghost and the Shell," where music and visuals merge, will also be held. The exhibition space transforms into a special nighttime setting.
At "REFLEX of Ghost and the Shell," which I experienced, the installation space took on the atmosphere of a club. As sounds inspired by the works played, visitors enjoyed the space, swaying to the music as they pleased.
Note that "DIALOGUE of Ghost and the Shell" is free of charge, while "REFLEX of Ghost and the Shell" requires advance reservation. For more details, please check the EVENT page on the official website.
😄TIPS: During night events, the GALLERY is open until 20:00, and the shop is open until 21:00. You can take your time and enjoy the exhibition more leisurely than usual.
GALLERY A: The Exhibition Begins at the "NODE (Junction of Thought)"
The venue consists of three areas: GALLERY A, B, and C (shop).
The first area you visit, GALLERY A, is themed "NODE (Junction of Thought)." This space is composed of two installations: the "Massive Cyberbrain Network Visualizer 'Nerve Net'" and the "'Ruins of Knowledge' 'World Tree: Ghost and the Shell'."
The space, created by countless hanging cables and large monitors, feels as if you have entered the interior of a massive neural network. This section serves as an introduction that presents the relationship between “people and networks,” depicted throughout the series, as a physical experience.
Massive Cyberbrain Network Visualizer "Nerve Net": Access All Information from the Series
This installation allows you to freely explore a vast amount of information from the 1995 theatrical film to the latest series by operating monitors set up in the venue.
Information organized around keywords such as “Motoko Kusanagi,” “Tachikoma,” and the “Laughing Man incident” unfolds one after another through touch-based interaction. Rather than a simple chronological display, each element is structured to be connected within a network, allowing visitors to reinterpret the world of the series from a cross-sectional perspective.
"Ruins of Knowledge" "World Tree: Ghost and the Shell": Wired Connections Become Reality
This “World Tree: Ghost and the Shell” is an installation that gives three-dimensional form to the image of the “wired connection” introduced earlier.
It is the symbol of the entire GALLERY A, and during special events, it transforms into a stage space.
There are moments when the exhibition exists quietly, and moments when it transforms into a live space where music and talks intersect. The way the venue itself changes its function to embody a “network” is a unique feature of this exhibition.
GALLERY B: An Exhibition Where You Can “DIG” Into the Appeal of the Works
After passing through GALLERY A, you’ll enter GALLERY B, the section where you can “dig” into the works. Here, in addition to more than 1,600 production materials, there is also a “Collaboration Artist Exhibition” featuring artists influenced by the works.
Over 1,600 Production Materials on Display. Large Cel Artworks Are a Highlight Unique to This Exhibition!
An impressive archive covering everything from the 1995 theatrical film “GHOST IN THE SHELL” to the latest TV animation “THE GHOST IN THE SHELL.”
The display of large-scale cel artworks is powerful, allowing you to appreciate the brushwork and color design details that are easy to miss when watching the animation.
In the center of the venue, computer terminals are set up so you can also browse the materials as a digital archive.
At the back of the venue, original drawings from the highly anticipated TV animation “THE GHOST IN THE SHELL,” produced by Science SARU, are also on display. The style seems to feature stronger deformation than in previous works. I’m already looking forward to seeing what kind of show it will become!
Collaboration Artist Exhibition: Sexy Robot_The Ghost in the Shell type 1
This is a new sculpture of Motoko Kusanagi, created especially for this exhibition as part of contemporary artist Hajime Sorayama’s “Sexy Robot” series.
Hajime Sorayama has reinterpreted the existence of Motoko Kusanagi as a “body of the future” in his own unique way. The work beautifully presents both the beauty and the inorganic nature of the cyborg concept.
Collaboration Artist Exhibition: Laughing Man Mirror
An interactive exhibit where the “Laughing Man” logo is superimposed on your own face.
The moment when the iconic logo of the fictional hacker, the Laughing Man, links with your real self, you can’t help but feel as if you’ve been hacked too. It’s a conceptual feature that goes beyond just being a photo spot.
😄TIPS: A campaign linked with X was being held at the venue. Why not join in as a memento of your visit?
Collaboration Artist Exhibition: Camouflage in the AI Surveillance Society
When you hold the displayed T-shirt in front of your body, your image on the monitor gradually blends into the background and disappears. This intuitive setup allows you to experience firsthand the world of optical camouflage and information control depicted throughout the series.
😄TIPS: The T-shirts used in the exhibition are available for purchase at the merchandise area. Rather than typical anime goods, these T-shirts feature stylish designs that stand out on their own.
Take Home a Replica Illustration with "Analog Dig"
"Analog Dig" is a paid activity where you can "excavate" and purchase your favorite replica illustrations.
Which illustration you get depends entirely on what you find at the venue. The experience of taking home a physical "paper" illustration, rather than just data, perfectly matches the "DIG" theme.
- Price: 2,000 yen per bag
*Sold inside the venue after admission
*Limited quantities
[Pro Tip] How to Get the Goods You Want: A Look at the Most Popular Exhibition-Exclusive Merchandise
This exhibition features the largest selection of goods ever! With over 100 original items spanning the entire series, the lineup includes apparel, miscellaneous goods, art pieces, and craft items.
The variety of T-shirts is especially impressive.
There are also many playful items, such as collaboration items with well-known brands and folding screens that sync with your smartphone.
Many items are sold out, but here’s a pro tip!
The official X (formerly Twitter) account posts restock information in real time. If you check the restock timing in advance and visit accordingly, your chances of getting what you want increase significantly.
👉Click here for the official X account (Japanese only)
Tachikoma and the Laughing Man on the Café Menu! A Report on the Limited-Time Collaboration Menu
If you’re visiting the exhibition, be sure to stop by the limited-time collaboration menu at "TOKYO NODE CAFE" on the 8th floor of Toranomon Hills Station Tower. This is another must-see spot for fans.
Fuchikoma Red Burger 2,500 yen
This authentic gourmet burger features a Japanese beef patty. The spicy sauce and juicy meat flavor make it a highly satisfying dish.
The onion ring sandwiched in the burger also added a nice accent.
😄TIPS: The flavor is the same as the "Uchikoma Green Burger." We recommend choosing based on your favorite character.
Tachikoma Float 1,500 yen
A blue-colored drink inspired by Tachikoma.
The flavor is a soda based on “apple,” which made a memorable appearance in Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd GIG. Layers of yogurt and ramune sherbet come together to create a refreshing taste, just as the appearance suggests.
The Laughing Man Latte 850 yen
A café latte printed with The Laughing Man. The cup features a quote from “The Catcher in the Rye,” which is sure to delight fans—so much so that I found myself applauding in my mind, thinking, “They really get it.”
H3: Be Sure to Check Out the Interior Decorations and Limited-Edition Bonuses
During the event, the background music inside the café is also Ghost in the Shell-themed.
The interior features a giant Tachikoma and a special exhibition of “HERALBONY Project meets Tachikoma,” which is usually displayed at Kodansha.
Some menu items come with original bonuses. In addition, limited-edition stickers from “HERALBONY Project meets Tachikoma” are also distributed, making it a great opportunity for collectors.
All of these are available in limited quantities and for a limited time only, so we recommend visiting early.
An Immersive, Hands-On Exhibition Experience in the World of Ghost in the Shell
The “Ghost in the Shell Exhibition: Ghost and the Shell” is more than just a display of original artwork and materials. Starting with a massive installation, the event features the AR experience “Cyberbrain VISION,” talk events, exclusive merchandise, and a collaboration café, offering a multi-faceted immersion into the world of the series.
Are you ready to dive into the sea of cybernetics? The exhibition runs until April 5, 2026—don’t miss it!
H2: “Ghost in the Shell Exhibition: Ghost and the Shell” Event Overview
- Dates: January 30, 2026 – April 5, 2026
- Venue: TOKYO NODE (Toranomon Hills Station Tower 45F)
- Tickets: Advance reservation with designated date and time (purchase in advance via the official website is recommended)
- AR Experience & Special Events: Separate reservation and additional fees required
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