A stunning fusion of cyberpunk culture and centuries-old Japanese craftsmanship is on the horizon. Japanese creative label U/M/A/A Inc. has announced the 2026 release of “TechnoByobu: TB-02 – The Ghost in the Shell,” a visually striking art piece that reimagines Masamune Shirow’s legendary Ghost in the Shell in the form of a traditional byōbu, or folding screen.
Licensed by ©Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA
What is TechnoByobu?
Rooted in the Greek word téchnē, TechnoByobu represents a convergence of art, technique, and technology. U/M/A/A’s concept brings together futuristic visual art, traditional Japanese craftsmanship (byōbu), and modern certification via digital technology. Each piece exists as both a collectible art object and a philosophical statement about the evolution of craft.
TechnoByobu x Ghost in the Shell
This marks the second installment in the TechnoByobu series, which fuses electronic aesthetics with traditional artistry using golden brass leaf—a foil technique refined over 500 years of Japanese craftsmanship. The announcement follows the success of the first TechnoByobu piece, “Electronic Fan Girl,” based on the iconic Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) album cover.
“TB-02” will feature Major Motoko Kusanagi and the Fuchikoma mecha unit from Shirow’s original 1991 manga, recreated in vibrant color on a brass-leaf folding screen. Blending cyberpunk visuals with traditional materials, the piece is crafted using a specialized multi-layered pigment transfer technique (Kasane Graphica) and archival pigment printing.
Artwork specs
- Title: The Ghost in the Shell
- Artist Name: Shirow Masamune
- Height: 59.05 inches (1,500 mm)
- Width: 55.12 inches (1,400 mm)
- Weight: 8.8 pounds (4kg)
- Material: Golden Brass Leaf
- Printing Method: Archival Pigment Print
- Technique: Kasane Graphica Multi-Layered Pigment Transfer Technique
The artwork will be a limited-edition release, complete with a serial number and digital certificate. Fans can register early interest via technobyobu.jp.
First Look At Design Shanghai 2025
The prototype for “TB-02” will make its global debut at Design Shanghai 2025, one of the world’s most prestigious design exhibitions. From June 4–7, visitors at the “Beyond Craft Japan” showcase (3F81, Hall 3) will be the first to experience the blend of cybernetic philosophy and traditional form in person.
Stay tuned to The Kitsune Network for more updates on this one-of-a-kind collaboration between anime heritage and high art.
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