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| A silhouette of Motoko Kusanagi appears on the dial when the LED backlight is activated. |
Get ready to sync your wrist with the digital frontier. Casio is tapping directly into the neural network of cyberpunk nostalgia with its latest, highly-anticipated collaboration. The brand has unveiled a special edition G-Shock DW-5600, forged in partnership with the legendary Ghost in the Shell franchise.
This limited-run timepiece, scheduled for a March release in Japan, is a masterclass in subtle, fan-service design. It takes the iconic, virtually indestructible square G-Shock silhouette and injects it with the distinct soul of Mamoru Oshii’s groundbreaking anime and manga universe.
Design Details: A Nod to the Net
At first glance, this is unmistakably a classic DW-5600—rugged, reliable, and minimalist. But a closer look reveals the cybernetic DNA. The bezel is adorned with electric turquoise text, a direct callback to the luminous digital aesthetic that defines the series' high-tech, low-life world.
The true hacking moment, however, comes alive in the dark. Press the light button, and the utilitarian EL backlight transforms. There, illuminated behind the digital time display, floats the iconic silhouette of the franchise's protagonist: Major Motoko Kusanagi. It’s a brilliant, hidden touch—a "ghost" in the machine, perfectly aligning with the series' themes of identity and technology.
Availability and Pricing
For now, official details are being drip-fed from a secure server. The watch was first spotted on the official Ghost in the Shell Exhibition website, hinting at a primary launch tied to the event. Casio has yet to make a global announcement.
The confirmed price is set at a very accessible ¥15,400 (approximately $105 USD), making it a compelling grab for both G-Shock collectors and anime enthusiasts. It’s slated to go on sale in March 2024.
Where to Find It (And a Potential Lead)
The release seems intricately linked to the ongoing Ghost in the Shell exhibition in Tokyo. The special edition watch will come packaged in a striking white collector’s box, featuring a bold portrait of The Major and the official franchise logo.
If you're planning to be in Tokyo this March, the exhibition might be your best bet. For those hunting for more information or potential pre-order links, keeping an eye on the exhibition’s official goods page is essential.
👉 You can find more details on the exhibition and the goods here: https://www.tokyonode.jp/sp/exhibition-ghostintheshell/goods/
As of now, it remains unclear if this collaborative model will see a wider global release or be exclusive to the Japanese market. For international fans, the secondary market or specialized importers may be the only path once it drops.
This collaboration is more than just a watch; it's a piece of wearable tech-art. It honors the enduring legacy of Ghost in the Shell while cementing the G-Shock DW-5600's status as a timeless canvas for cultural fusion. For anyone who ever dreamed of having a direct line to Section 9 on their wrist, March can't come soon enough.
*In the meantime, you can check out the standard, incredibly durable G-Shock DW-5600 series that inspired this collaboration to see what makes this model a legend. 👉 https://amzn.to/4qBryf4*