On March 2, voice actor Akio Otsuka attended a talk event in Tokyo commemorating the simultaneous 4K remastered releases of Innocence and Ghost in the Shell. During the event, Otsuka shared heartfelt memories of Atsuko Tanaka, who passed away in August 2024 at the age of 61.

This special event marks the 20th anniversary of Innocence, the 2004 sequel set in 2032, three years after the events of Ghost in the Shell. Both films were directed by Mamoru Oshii, who also participated in the discussion alongside Otsuka, the voice of Batou.

Atsuko Tanaka played Motoko Kusanagi, and Otsuka fondly recalled how he had personally recommended her for the role when the staff was struggling with casting.

"She passed the audition brilliantly," Otsuka reminisced. "Looking back, I realize we've grown older together through this franchise." He then encouraged attendees to remember Tanaka as she was in her prime.

Director Oshii also shared his thoughts:
"From the moment she stood in front of the mic, she was Motoko. To me, she embodied the character completely."

Both films are adaptations of Masamune Shirow’s manga Ghost in the Shell, directed by Oshii. Innocence was originally released in theaters in 2004 and is now celebrating its 20th anniversary. This marks the first time the 4K remastered version is being screened.

GHOST IN THE SHELL is set in the year 2029, depicting the efforts of Public Security Section 9, an unofficial special operations force created to combat cybercrime and cyberterrorism in a highly networked society. Its sequel, Innocence, takes place in 2032 and focuses on Batou’s story.

Source : ORICON NEWS