The purchase bonuses for TechnoByobu: TB-02 The Ghost in the Shell have been unveiled. The centerpiece of the bonus is an original illustration by Shirow Masamune, who contributed a specially written poem alongside a hand-drawn illustration. The artwork — showing Fuchikoma characters enjoying a cherry blossom viewing party, perfectly suited to the current season — has been rendered in western gold leaf to match the byobu itself, forming a commemorative sticker.
Comments from art historian and Seikado Bunko Art Museum Director Toshinobu Yasumura, and critic Naoya Fujita, author of Theories of Ghost in the Shell, have also been made public.
The Ghost in the Shell Exhibition (Tokyo) is running at TOKYO NODE through April 5, 2026.
TB-02 Purchase Bonus Contents
Shirow Masamune was approached about contributing an illustration for the byobu. He provided an original piece accompanied by a self-written poem, and that illustration has been rendered in western gold leaf — the same material used for the byobu itself — as a sticker bonus for purchasers.
TB-02 Purchaser Bonuses
- Shirow Masamune original western gold leaf sticker
- Miniature sticker featuring the design of the purchased item (western gold leaf or tin foil version)
HAC Module Purchaser Bonus
- Sticker featuring the design of the purchased item
Comments from Experts
Echoing the negative space of Tawaraya Sotatsu's "Wind God and Thunder God" folding screen —
Fuchikoma figures emerging from within a field of gold leaf —
The two-panel single-screen of TechnoByobu carries on the Rimpa tradition.
Toshinobu Yasumura (Art Historian / Director, Seikado Bunko Art Museum)
TechnoByobu, as if carrying on the spirit of Ghost in the Shell*, creates a new identity that fuses technology with tradition. Inheriting the essence of tradition while maintaining a composed presence, yet simultaneously blending with technology and new culture and moving forward — that figure will become a model for our own new identities.*
Naoya Fujita (Critic / Associate Professor, Japan Film University)
About Toshinobu Yasumura
Born in Toyama Prefecture in 1953. Completed the first half of the doctoral program at Tohoku University Graduate School. From 1979, worked as a curator at the Itabashi Art Museum, where he organized distinctive exhibitions on Edo-period art history under the banner "Edo Culture Series," drawing widespread attention. Served as museum director from 2005 to 2013, and has since worked independently as "Yorozubishutsiya," promoting Japanese art. Currently serves as Director of the Hokusai-Kan, Director of the Seikado Bunko Art Museum, and Standing Director of the International Ukiyo-e Society. His publications include numerous books on Japanese art history.
About Naoya Fujita
Born in Sapporo in 1983. Graduated from the School of Literature, Arts and Sciences at Waseda University. Completed the Value and Decision Science course at the Graduate School of Decision Science and Technology, Tokyo Institute of Technology. Ph.D. (Academic). Author of Fictional Existence: Yasutaka Tsutsui and a New Dimension of Life, Shin Godzilla Theories, Theories of Ghost in the Shell, Makoto Shinkai Theories, Contemporary Internet Politics = Culture Theories (Sakuhinsha), New Century Zombie Theories (Chikuma Shobo), Controversy as Entertainment: Mystery in the Post-Truth Era (Nanun-do), Shin Evangelion Theories (Kawade Shobo Shinsha), Issues the World Learns from Games (Shueisha), among others.
What Is TechnoByobu?
The "Techno" in TechnoByobu traces its roots to the Greek word téchnē, meaning "art, technique, and craft." The concept encompasses the intelligence and creativity that inhabit making, as well as the futuristic sensibility of electronic music (techno) — a philosophical idea that transcends mere practical technology. Against this backdrop, "techno" is not only the origin of the modern word "technology," but carries layered meaning that fuses cultural and artistic creativity.
Three elements converge in TechnoByobu:
- Artwork representing the future = Art
- Traditional Japanese craftsmanship alive in the hands of artisans = Craft
- Digital certification verifying authenticity through technology = Technology
TechnoByobu is an art piece that reflects this multi-layered nature of "techno."
For more information, visit the TechnoByobu official website.
