TB-02 Series Teaser Image
Licensed by ©Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA
*Design and specifications are subject to change
U/M/A/A Inc. (Head office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masakazu Hiroishi; hereafter “U/M/A/A”) has announced that it will release a second installment of “TechnoByobu,” an art piece that combines the spirit of techno with the traditional Japanese craft of folding screens, in 2026. This new series, titled “TB-02: The Ghost in the Shell,” is based on Shirow Masamune’s legendary cyberpunk series The Ghost in the Shell.
“TechnoByobu” is an art piece of a new era that reimagines the works of internationally and domestically acclaimed artists as folding screens made from wafer-thin golden brass leaves, a craft that has been handed down in Japan for over 500 years. The artworks, vividly depicted in vibrant colors on folding screens made entirely of golden brass leaf, have attracted attention as a fusion of traditional and modern art. The first piece, “TB-01: Electronic Fan Girl,” which was inspired by the album artwork of YMO (Yellow Magic Orchestra), generated significant buzz.
“TB-02: The Ghost in the Shell,” based on the world-famous science fiction work The Ghost in the Shell (Shirow Masamune/Kodansha), utilizes the physical medium of a folding screen with cybernetic visuals, creating a next-generation visual that merges past and future.
Scheduled for release in 2026 as part of a series themed around traditional Japanese elegance, the first work in the series boldly features Motoko Kusanagi and the Fuchikoma from Shirow Masamune’s original 1991 manga, on a golden brass leaf background.
Prior to the release, U/M/A/A will unveil the first prototype of the series at Design Shanghai 2025 (https://www.designshanghai.com/) to be held in Shanghai, China, from June 4, 2025.
TechnoByobu Second Installment TB-02: The Ghost in the Shell
Licensed by ©Shirow Masamune/KODANSHA
*Design and specifications are subject to change
◾️TechnoByobu Second Installment
Number: TB-02
Title: The Ghost in the Shell
Artist: Shirow Masamune
◾️Product Overview
TechnoByobu Official Website: https://technobyobu.jp/
Release Date: Scheduled for 2026
This piece will be offered as a limited edition, accompanied by a unique serial number.
If you are considering a purchase, please register through the Customer Service form on the official website. Priority information will be sent to registered customers.
Customer Service form: https://technobyobu.jp/cs
Size:
Height: 59.05 inches (1,500 mm)
Width: 55.12 inches (1,400 mm)
Weight: 8.8 pounds (4 kg)
Material: Golden Brass Leaf
Printing Method: Archival Pigment Print
Technique: Kasane Graphica Multi-Layered Pigment Transfer Technique
Price: TBD
Series Concept: A lineup of distinct pieces infused with the elegance and spirit of Japan.
What is TechnoByobu?
TechnoByobu’s “techno” originates from the Greek word téchnē, meaning art, technique, or skill. It embodies more than just practical know-how; it’s a philosophical concept that encompasses the intelligence and creativity behind craftsmanship, as well as the futuristic expression of electronic music. Rooted in this background, “techno” is not only the origin of the word “technology” but also a layered term that blends cultural and artistic innovation.
Based on this philosophy, TechnoByobu is composed of three elements:
・Artwork that evokes futurism (art)
・Byobu (folding screens), a traditional Japanese craft kept alive by artisans (skill)
・Digital certificates guaranteed by technology (technique)
By overlapping these elements, TechnoByobu culminates as an art piece that expresses the multifaceted nature of “Techno.” Moving forward, it will continue to explore new possibilities of expression in collaboration with diverse talents both in Japan and abroad.
About The Ghost in the Shell
“The Ghost in the Shell” is a science fiction manga series written by manga artist Shirow Masamune, which began serialization in 1989, in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine Pirate Edition.”
The story revolves around Motoko Kusanagi, a full-body cyborg with exceptional skill in both cyber and conventional warfare. With the rank of Major, she leads the aggressive unit “Shell Squad” as they confront highly intricate and sinister crimes. With its realistic art style, the series’ narrative explores the fusion of humans and technology, delving into cyberpunk elements and philosophical themes, while deeply examining topics such as personal identity.
The series has been expanded into various forms including theatrical and TV animations, as well as games. Each of these adaptations offers its own unique story, interpretations, and expressions, distinct from the original manga.
Unveiling of the prototype at Design Shanghai — the World’s First Public Exhibition
Design Shanghai is one of the world’s most prestigious international design events and a driving force in the new frontier-breaking Chinese design world. In 2024, they invited more than 600 brands from 40 countries worldwide to exhibit new products and hold specially organized events.
At this year’s 2025 Design Shanghai, starting June 4, TechnoByobu’s second installment, “TB-02: The Ghost in the Shell,” will be unveiled to the world for the very first time. During the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to see the prototype up close.
◆ Exhibition Information
Design Shanghai 2025
Date: June 4th-7th, 2025
Venue: Shanghai Expo Hall 3 “Beyond Craft Japan” 3F81
https://www.designshanghai.com/
About Rekiseisha
In its founding year of 1905, Rekiseisha developed a groundbreaking scientific technique that had never been seen before: foil-pressed paper using brass leaf that was just as beautiful as the traditional gold foil (hon-kinpaku) but far more resistant to discoloration over time. This innovative manufacturing method has earned Rekiseisha international acclaim, with its foil products used not only by the Imperial Hotel, the Imperial Household Agency, and Nishi Honganji Temple, but also by global luxury brands such as CHANEL and GUCCI.
About U/M/A/A Inc. (United Music And Arts) (Planning, Production, Sales)
U/M/A/A Inc. is a next-generation record label dedicated to bridging music and art—including media art, fashion, anime, games, manga, and technology—across Japan and the rest of the world. The label curates and delivers high-quality music that spans a wide range of genres, from club and electronic music to internet-driven styles such as Vocaloid and anime songs.
Founded by Masakazu “Hiro” Hiroishi—formerly of the legendary Alfa Records, the company that brought Yellow Magic Orchestra (YMO) to global prominence in the late 1970s—U/M/A/A Inc. was established with the mission of carrying forward YMO’s pioneering spirit and the innovation of techno-pop into the modern age.
In that spirit, U/M/A/A Inc. presents TechnoByobu—a project that embodies the fusion of tradition, technology, and art.
Contact:
U/M/A/A Inc.
info@technobyobu.jp
https://www.umaa.net/
TB-01 First Installment: Electronic Fan Girl
Cat. Number：TB-01
Title: Electronic Fan Girl
Licensed by ©2022 Lou Beach through ALFA Music, Inc.
TechnoByobu’s first release is inspired by the album artwork of Yellow Magic Orchestra by Lou Beach. By recreating YMO’s iconic jacket with the beautiful shine of brass foil and merging it with technology to ensure the piece’s authenticity, it produces a new form of art.
Limited stock available
Purchase here: https://technobyobu.jp/en/feature/startheree
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