Noh stage that recreates virtual reality space without VR glasses, the main visual of VR Noh "Ghost in the Shell

The visual of the VR Noh "Ghost in the Shell," scheduled to run from August 22 (Sat.) to 23 (Sun.), 2020, has been unveiled.

The "Ghost in the Shell" series was originally published by Masamune Shirow in "Young Magazine Kaizokuban" (Kodansha) in 1989, and has since been developed in various media, including animation and live-action Hollywood movies. The "Ghost in the Shell" series will be performed as a VR Noh play.

VR Noh is the world's first Noh stage that uses various cutting-edge technologies to reproduce a virtual reality space without VR glasses.

The production will be directed by Shutaro Oku, a film director who has successfully completed numerous projects that seemed impossible to realize, including the "Persona" stage series, the stage version of "Ghost in the Shell: ARISE," and the AKB version of "Battle without Honor and Humanity.

The screenplay will be written by Junichi Fujisaki, known for his scripts for "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" and the "BLOOD" series, etc. The visual technology will be provided by Kentaro Fukuchi, a professor at Meiji University, who has developed Japan's first 3D images on stage with the stage version of "Ghost in the Shell ARISE" and the 3D Noh series, etc. VR technology is provided by Masahiko Inami, a professor at the University of Tokyo and a leading figure in VR research in Japan.

In addition, this production will feature performances by Takanobu Sakaguchi, Kohei Kawaguchi, Kengo Tanimoto, and other Noh performers of the Kanze school who are leading the current Noh scene in terms of both ability and name recognition.

The visual released this time shows the main character, Motoko Kusanagi, in the center. She is dressed in a luxurious and gorgeous Noh costume, wearing a purple karori (a kimono with a kimono overcoat) and holding a fan in her right hand, which contrasts beautifully with the gold and red colors.

Tickets for the screening of this film will go on sale in advance on Saturday, May 30, 2020. Tickets for the general public will go on sale on June 20 (Fri.). Tickets will be on sale from e-plus and other companies. For details, please check the official website.

Noh Outline
VR Noh: GHOST IN THE SHELL

Performance Period: 8/22 (Sat.) - 23 (Sun.), 2020
Venue: Setagaya Public Theatre
Original story: "Ghost in the Shell" by Masamune Shirow (Kodansha KC Deluxe)
Cast: Takanobu Sakaguchi, Kohei Kawaguchi, Kengo Tanimoto and other Noh performers of Kanze school
Director: Shutaro Oku
Script: Junichi Fujisaki
3D technology: Kentaro Fukuchi (Professor at Meiji University)
VR technology: Masahiko Inami ( Professor, University of Tokyo)
Producer: Yuka Jimbo Yuka Mori
Production: VR Noh Ghost in the Shell Production Committee