Shirow Masamune and the Legacy of ‘Ghost in the Shell’

A pioneer of science fiction manga and the mastermind behind Ghost in the Shell, Masamune Shirow has long been revered for expanding the boundaries of visual storytelling. Now, for the first time, a comprehensive exhibition tracing his creative evolution is being held at the Setagaya Literary Museum in Tokyo.

Titled The World of Shirow Masamune: ‘The Ghost in the Shell’ and the Path of Creation, the exhibition offers an unprecedented look into the inner workings of a genre-defining artist. On view are around 300 original manga pages—including never-before-seen works—not only from Ghost in the Shell but also from his other seminal series such as Appleseed, Dominion, Black Magic, and Orion. Together, they chart the progression of Shirow’s craft from analog to digital, highlighting his intricate mechanical drawings, deeply philosophical narratives, and cinematic composition.

In addition to the original artwork, the exhibition also showcases a treasure trove of production materials—ranging from character and world-building notes to design references—that illuminate the dense conceptual architecture behind his stories. The spatial design, overseen by the acclaimed architecture studio TORAFU Architects, offers a three-dimensional interpretation of Shirow’s unique relationship between information and environment. Graphic design contributions by Kei Sakawaki and Hiroaki Hidaka further enhance the immersive atmosphere, translating Shirow’s visionary world into the exhibition space.

Visitors can also enjoy exclusive collector’s items such as mini illustration cards—distributed on rotating weekdays—and limited-edition tote bags available with a special ticket package, making the experience all the more enticing for longtime fans.

More than just a tribute, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the visionary imagination that has reshaped manga and visual culture. For anyone intrigued by the future of storytelling, The World of Shirow Masamune promises a journey into a mind where cybernetics, philosophy, and aesthetics converge.