It is the year 2030 where the boundary between digital and physical worlds have become virtually non-existent. With the implantable "cyberbrain" technology that allows one to "jack in" to the global information network, and with its physical counterpart, the "cyborg" technology, mankind stands on the threshold of a new age where it needs to redefine what it is to be "human." In this world, the all-encompassing reach of then cyber technologies has grown to a monstrous proportion. At the same time, criminal activities have grown exponentially in complexity. To combat the crime, the ultimate approach taken by the government is to actively seek out the sources of crime and destroy them. Under the direct orders of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Motoko Kusanagi's unit - Section 9 - carries out missions to weed out cyber crimes, expose corruptions, and to eradicate violent criminals. Equipped with state of the art cyber technologies, as well as cyborgs, which Motoko Kusanagi herself is one, Section 9 is an elite unit.

The premise of the anime series "Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex" is so far similar to the original animated film by Mamoru Oshii that stunned the world several years back. However, the story takes place in a parallel universe in which Motoko Kusanagi never meets the Puppet Master, and where she continues to carry out her duties at Section 9.

The TV series is produced under the supervision of Masamune Shirow, the creator of the original Ghost in the Shell manga, whose works include Appleseed and Dominion. Kenji Kamiyama, the director of this anime series, co-produced Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade with Oshii and made his directorial debut with Patlabor Minimum. On music is the critically acclaimed Yoko Kanno, whose recent works include music scores for Cowboy Bebop. Following the animated "Ghost", Atsuko Tanaka (WX III: PATLABOR and Neko no Ongaeshi) plays the voice of Motoko Kusanagi.