Ghost in the Shell episodes 4‑5 updates

Episode 4, “Robot Rondo,” aired on 28 July 2026, depicting disposable prototype robots turning on humans and prompting Section 9 operatives Batou and Togusa to investigate manufacturer Hakka Seiki. The investigation revealed a clandestine “ghost dubbing” process that copies a person’s digital ghost at the cost of the original’s life, using trafficked children as test subjects, and culminated in multiple killings, including the drowning of Hakka Seiki’s president. Production details noted the introduction of two new voice actors, the involvement of Science SARU, and creator Masamune Shirow’s comments on Batou’s role as a strong yet equal partner to the protagonist.

Episode 5, “Phantom Fund,” aired on 4 August 2026 as scheduled. The plot follows Major Motoko Kusanagi’s team as they travel to the northern “North End” to monitor the combat cyborg Coil Klassnoff and investigate alleged corruption tied to Sagawa Electronics’ underground factory expansion. Section 9 splits: Kusanagi heads to the corporate headquarters while Batou and others infiltrate the factory, confronting the cyborg. The episode features cameo appearances of the twin gynoid “Puma Sisters,” Annapuma and Unipuma, from Shirow’s *Dominion*, voiced by Aya Kuwahara and Niina Kumagaya. Reviewers highlighted an expanded role for the Fuchikoma drones and an intensified action sequence. Production remains with Science SARU, with series composition by novelist Enjo Tō, direction credited to “Moko‑chan,” and a visual poster designed by Daiya Tanabe. The broadcast was on Kantele‑Fuji TV and later streamed on Prime Video.