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The second in the series of Ghost in the Shell ukiyo-e prints which have proved so popular on the internet has finally been unveiled. This series of woodblock prints expresses Ghost in the Shell in a fundamentally ukiyo-e way.
The second in the series, “Ghost in the Shell: The Movie - 24-Hour Cherry Blossom Stakeout,” has been freshly designed by the movie’s director, Kazuchika Kise. Pre-order sales began on Oct. 30.
The theme for this second print, Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie, became a big hit when it was released in May 2015. The Blu-ray and DVD of the movie has also just been released on Oct. 28.
The new movie was made as a commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the Ghost in the Shell franchise. In conjunction with this, the print series also celebrates Japanese traditional culture.
Hiroyuki Okiura, Ghost in the Shell character designer and animation director, was responsible for the original illustration used for the first Ghost in the Shell ukiyo-e print which is already on sale and saw his characteristic illustration style prove hugely popular.
For this second in the series, “24-Hour Cherry Blossom Stakeout,” the New Movie’s director Kazuchika Kise based the illustration on the famous 24-hour cherry blossom watching scene and included seven members of Public Security Section 9 as they appear in Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie.
The protagonist, Motoko Kusanagi, and the Tachikoma are the same as they appear in the feature length movie but with a Japanese touch and wearing traditional Japanese clothes so they look a little different from the characters you know. It’s a precious scene of the characters enjoying viewing the cherry blossoms together.
This second print uses traditional ukiyo-e techniques and “Tesuki-housyou-Washi” (handmade Japanese paper) to create a beautiful reproduction print. Kazuchika Kise’s brushstroke signature is also reproduced on the art print which is a shining showcase of the craftsmen’s skill.
The ukiyo-e prints are limited to 300 pieces only. Pre-orders began on Oct. 30 and the prints retail for 43,200 yen (tax included) plus shipping. Sales are handled through the online store OtakuWorks Shop.
Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie
Pre-orders Began: Oct. 30, 2015
© Masamune Shirow, Production I.G / Kodansha Ltd., Ghost in the Shell: The New Movie Production Committee
Source: animeanime
