Following the release of the first chapter of " Mobile Police Patlabor Mobile Police Patlabor Patlabor" series, creators close to director Yutaka Izubuchi and prominent figures who have long loved the series have offered their comments. Hideaki Anno, known for the " Evangelion " series, wrote, "It was interesting to see how director Izubuchi and his staff, who depict an everyday world where the existence of giant robots is not unusual, honestly, purely, and straight-forwardly express what they have always held onto, what they have newly gained, and what they have lost within their long history and broad-minded worldview. Personally, I was touched by director Izubuchi's character in including Oshii's name in the staff credits. He is a good person."
Kenji Kawai, who is in charge of the music, commented, "I've been involved with Patlabor for more than half my life, it's unbelievable."
Shinji Higuchi, who was in charge of storyboarding for episode 3 and the opening, revealed his thoughts, saying, "If our idol, Izubuchi-senpai, is going to do it! If our idol, Izubuchi-senpai, asks us to! If our mentor, Ito-sensei, is going to do it! If our mentor, Ito-sensei, asks us to! Who would be foolish enough to hesitate? Who would be foolish enough to refuse? If I don't do it, who will? Righteously and strongly."
Nobuyoshi Habara, known for works such as "Fafner in the Azure" and "Space Battleship Yamato 2202: Warriors of Love," commented, "It's a work that appears easy but is full of hard-hitting twists. Each episode is sprinkled with awareness of issues in modern society, the dialogue is full of words that evoke the 80s, and the layout and choice of lenses remind me of the latest live-action (or rather, special effects?) films. The attention to detail is simply amazing, and I think it's a structure that can be enjoyed in every corner. I'm really looking forward to the developments towards the end!!"
"Mobile Police Patlabor" is a multimedia project created by the legendary creative group "HEADGEAR," consisting of Masami Yuki, Yutaka Izubuchi, Kazunori Ito, Akemi Takada, and Mamoru Oshii. It began in 1988 with six OVAs (Original Video Animations) called "Early Days," and has since expanded into manga by Yuki, television anime, theatrical anime films, novels, audio dramas, games, and more.
"Mobile Police Patlabor EZY" is set in Japan in the 2030s, a time when the working population is declining and automation through AI technology is advancing. It consists of three chapters and eight episodes in total, with the first chapter released in theaters on May 15th. The second chapter will be released in theaters on August 14th, and the third chapter in March 2027.
◇Comments from creators and celebrities (titles omitted, as in the original text)
Touma Osaki (novelist)
Nearly 40 years have passed since the original OVA, and nearly 30 years since the setting of 1998, and "Patlabor" is back. The theme of "What would happen if police robots existed in reality?" remains the same, but the characters and gadgets are brand new, and both new and old fans are sure to enjoy it. Director Mamoru Oshii is not involved, but Oshii fans in particular should watch it to the very end!
Hideaki Anno(Director/Producer)
It was fascinating to see how director Izubuchi and his staff, who depict a world where the existence of giant robots is not unusual, honestly, purely, and directly express what they have always held onto, what they have newly gained, and what they have lost within their long history and broad-minded worldview.
Personally, I was touched by Director Izubuchi's character in including Oshii's name in the credits. He's a good person.
Tsunehiro Uno (critic)
If you think, "That's just not good," then instead of complaining, you have no choice but to create something new. I'm really excited about the emergence of a project that reflects that kind of adult determination.
Sumito Owara (manga artist)
Ah!! This is Patlabor!!! Thank you Patlabor! Go, our Patlabor!!
Kenji Kawai(Composer)
I've been watching Patlabor for more than half my life, I can't believe it.
Tsukasa Kotobuki(Designer/Manga Artist)
I was still a teenager when I watched the original, but now that I'm nearing sixty, the lighter flavor was just right for me, and I enjoyed it to the very last bite. Although, I did wish it had been a bit richer and more greasy to give me heartburn.
Nobuyuki Sakuma(Television Producer)
At first I was excited, then I was like, "Seriously?", and then at the end, "Wow!" As I watched, I remembered that this is how seriously silly it was, which is why I loved Patlabor. Coolness and laughter, novelty and nostalgia, inheritance and destruction—this amazing new work does it all.
Osamu Suzuki (CEO of Startup Factory)
As a child, "Patlabor" was the future. But unlike other anime, it wasn't a future that was too far away. It was a future that was just around the corner, a future that seemed within reach if you worked hard, which made it incredibly exciting. And now this film. It shows us a future that's just a little further ahead from our current era, a future that seems within reach. AI, automation, the role of humans. It's so fascinating precisely because it's so connected to reality. And within that, people struggle, and people protect. It has the spirit of Patlabor. It's new, and it's passionate. No, it was incredibly passionate.
Nobuyoshi Habara (Animation Director)
This work, which appears easy on the surface, is actually full of hard-hitting twists and turns. Each episode is sprinkled with awareness of contemporary social issues, the dialogue is full of words reminiscent of the 80s, and the layout and lens choices are reminiscent of the latest live-action (or rather, special effects?) films. The attention to detail is simply superb, and I think it's a structure that can be enjoyed in every aspect. I'm really looking forward to the developments towards the end!
Shinji Higuchi (Storyboards / Episode 3 and Opening)
If our idol, Izubuchi-senpai, is going to do it! If our idol, Izubuchi-senpai, asks us to! If our mentor, Ito-sensei, is going to do it! If our mentor, Ito-sensei, asks us to! Who would be foolish enough to hesitate? Who would be foolish enough to refuse? If I don't do it, who will? Righteously and strongly, that is the way to go.
Erina Mano (actress)
The atmosphere of Special Vehicles Division 2 felt somehow nostalgic, the members were all so unique, and of course, Ingram is cool! Having experienced the world of Patlabor as Izumi Noa in the live-action version, I always hoped that Special Vehicles Division 2 would continue on even as times changed. I'm so happy to be able to see the new work!
Mafia Kajita (a mercenary in the entertainment industry)
A masterpiece of service for all "Patlabor" fans. I want to give my heartfelt praise for depicting "what happened to Special Vehicles Division 2" in a way that satisfies everyone who wanted to know. ...The humor is also top-notch.
Naoki Yoshida (Announcer)
Patlabor truly saved my life. I could talk about this forever, but what sets Patlabor apart from other works is that the Labors exist beyond our everyday experiences. That feeling of "I can ride one!" is still there in 2026!
Kohei Yoshino (film director)
I feel like I've finally received the clearest and most thorough answer to my long-standing personal question: "What exactly is Patlabor?" Seeing those orange uniforms still gets me excited.
