The new anime in the Mobile Police Patlabor series, Mobile Police Patlabor EZY, will be released in theaters in three chapters starting May 15, 2026, for a total of 8 episodes. Episodes 1 through 6 are standalone anthology stories, while episodes 7 and 8 form a continuous narrative that brings the greatest crisis yet to the new Second Platoon.
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 scene photo (C)HEADGEAR / Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Production Committee
This article compiles all announced information including theatrical release details (synopsis, cast, theme songs, various goods)! Check it out before heading to the theater!
What is Mobile Police Patlabor EZY?
The Mobile Police Patlabor series was born on April 25, 1988 as a 6-episode OVA (Original Video Animation). It is a media mix project created by the creative group “HEADGEAR,” consisting of manga artist Masami Yuuki, mechanical designer Yutaka Izubuchi, screenwriter Kazunori Ito, character designer Akemi Takada, and director Mamoru Oshii.
The story is set in Tokyo at the end of the 20th century, a world where robots bearing the cherry blossom emblem of the Metropolitan Police Department patrol the streets. It depicts the activities of the Special Vehicle Section 2 crew, who ride robots called “Ingrams” and face criminals, sometimes comically, sometimes seriously. The franchise has produced hit OVAs, theatrical films, comics, and a TV series.
In the new anime Mobile Police Patlabor EZY, the greatest crisis awaits the new Second Platoon.
Synopsis
Patlabor EZY special news cut
In the late 1990s, with the rapid development of technology, multipurpose humanoid work machines called “Labors” entered every field. However, this also created a new social threat: Labor crime. To combat the increasing Labor crimes, the Metropolitan Police Department established Special Vehicle Section 2 within the Security Bureau. Commonly known as the Special Vehicle Section 2 Patrol Labor Company “Patlabor.”
And time passed—.
In the 2030s, Japan is steadily declining in working population, and automation through AI technology is advancing. Labors, once cutting-edge technology, have become a part of the social infrastructure. Standalone-type Labors piloted by humans are gradually being replaced by autonomous robots and are becoming obsolete.
But no matter how times change, the job of Special Vehicle Section 2 remains the same: protecting people and the city. The Second Platoon, together with the “AV-98Plus Ingram,” a tuned-up version of the old Type 98 AV Ingram, uses wisdom and courage to fight new technological crimes.
Episode Stories (Currently Released)
EPISODE 01
Trend is #Second Platoon
Towa and the Second Platoon, who were conducting educational activities at a nursery school, receive an order to mobilize. A snowman Labor rented for a nearby Christmas event has been stolen by someone. What is the culprit’s intention? Can the Second Platoon stop it?
EPISODE 02
Idle Time Brings Illusions
The new year has passed, and peaceful time goes by at Special Vehicle Section 2. Captain Saeki is absent, and the maintenance crew is playing baseball. The team members have too much time on their hands with no incidents. Bored to the point of impatience, Towa starts writing in the logbook fantasies of the Second Platoon being called out to a major incident.
EPISODE 03
The Real Thing Is Best
Filming begins for the movie The Return of Yamatsugami, a reboot of a classic tokusatsu period drama. The Second Platoon is called in for security because full-scale props made from modified Labors are being used. But the director’s obsession causes big trouble on set.
Cast & Voice Actors
Kuga Towa: Sumire Uesaka
Amatori Kippei: Kikunosuke Toya
Hirata Saki: Ami Koshimizu
Hazama Akihiko: Chikahiro Kobayashi
Yanai Yuuta: Setsuji Sato
Yuki Hachikuma: Yume Matsumura
Saeki Kimika: Megumi Hayashibara
Staff
Director: Yutaka Izubuchi
Script & Series Composition: Kazunori Ito
Original Character Concept: Masami Yuuki
Costume Design Cooperation: Akemi Takada & Akihiro Yamada
Character Design & Chief Animation Director: Takamitsu Sato
Mechanical Design: Kanetake Ebikawa & Toshiaki Iharada
Mobility Design: Shoji Kawamori
Display Design: Yoshinori Sayama
Direction: Kouzo Kaiho
Art: Yoshinori Kikuchi & Yuuta Akiyama
Color Design: Yukiko Ito
Director of Photography: Yoshio Okouchi
Editing: Maki Sando (REAL-T)
CG Director: Hitoshi Moriizumi
CG Production: GAZEN & J.C.STAFF CG Department
Sound Director: Kazuhiro Wakabayashi
Sound Effects: Kaori Yamada
Sound Production: Magic Capsule
Music: Kenji Kawai
Producer: Taro Maki
Co-Producer: Yuya Machida
Animation Producer: Yuji Matsukura (J.C.STAFF)
Animation Production: J.C.STAFF
Produced by: GENCO
Characters
Kuga Towa
Patlabor EZY Kuga Towa CV: Sumire Uesaka
Ingram Unit 1 pilot. 22 years old, born August 8, Leo, from Tokyo. Full of a sense of justice and fighting spirit, she has a boldness that does not shrink from hand-to-hand combat. She tends to enjoy crisis situations and relies on her own experience as a judgment standard. Sometimes she shows daring that could be seen as reckless. She is skilled at maneuvering but poor at shooting. Before being assigned to the Second Platoon, she was a police officer in the Community Safety Division. Her hobby is watching period dramas. She has one older brother who is a police bureaucrat. She and Amatori Kippei are a pair that complements each other’s weaknesses.
Amatori Kippei
Patlabor EZY Amatori Kippei CV: Kikunosuke Toya
Ingram Unit 1 command officer. 23 years old, from Saitama Prefecture, born April 12, Aries. He is a support role who is often dragged around by the reckless Kuga Towa but supports her. He has many life hacks and hates things that don’t make sense. He became a police officer after being torn between becoming a Self-Defense Force member or a police officer. He loves machines so much that he originally wanted to be a pilot, and he keeps a figure of the first Type 98 Ingram “ALPHONSE” on his desk. He is easygoing and positive, a romantic who likes horoscopes. He tends to trust people too much, leaving him carefree.
Hirata Saki
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Hirata Saki: Ami Koshimizu
Ingram Unit 2 command officer. 25 years old, born August 24, Virgo, from Aichi Prefecture. After studying hard to graduate from university, she found the corporate culture of the company she joined didn’t suit her and switched to being a police officer. Calm and cool-headed, she is an honor student type with strong IT skills. She dislikes surprises and doesn’t believe in horoscopes, a realist. Her inflexibility is also a personal concern. She is the type to corner opponents with logic, but is weak to unexpected situations that logic cannot catch up with.
Hazama Akihiko
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Hazama Akihiko: Chikahiro Kobayashi
Ingram Unit 2 pilot. 29 years old, born November 10, Scorpio, from Fukuoka Prefecture. A patrol sergeant selected from the Community Affairs Division. He is a warm-hearted veteran type and the Second Platoon’s go-to adjuster. He doesn’t trust AI much, so Unit 2 is equipped with only the minimum necessary systems. He has a fourth-degree rank in kendo and was aiming to become a special training officer (technical special training) but gave up due to an injury from an accident. He likes Showa-era dad jokes.
Yanai Yuuta
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Yanai Yuuta: Setsuji Sato
Ingram Unit 1 career officer. 25 years old, born September 29, Libra, from Kanagawa Prefecture. He helped out at his family’s restaurant business, but after it closed, he became a police officer. Though he is not tall at 165 cm, he has a tough body built by strength training. He is good at all household chores while also leaning toward an outlaw mindset and hero worship, giving him a wide range of character traits. In group activities he tends to hold back, a hard worker who often fails by trying too hard to be considerate.
Yuki Hachikuma
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Yuki Hachikuma: Yume Matsumura
Ingram Unit 2 career officer. 24 years old, born May 6, Taurus, from Gifu Prefecture. After a year of job-hunting struggles, she became a police officer. She is nearly 180 cm tall, but surprisingly seems to have poor athletic coordination. She was born premature, and her name was chosen with the hope that she would grow strong like the hawk moth “hachikuma” (a type of bird). Contrary to her powerful name, she is most girlish inside, dreaming of living in a large house with a cat.
Saeki Kimika
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Saeki Kimika: Megumi Hayashibara
Second Platoon captain. 34 years old, born January 28, Aquarius, from Miyagi Prefecture. She understands her team members’ characteristics well, remains calm in any situation, and handles things with a steady, cool-headed approach. She occasionally makes ambiguous remarks to confuse those around her, possessing a tenacity to get through things at her own pace. Her motto for work is that “nothing happening is best” rather than taking credit. Though she is exasperated by the rough-edged Second Platoon, she thinks “they have room to grow and are cute.” She is a reliable older sister figure for the Second Platoon. She has deep knowledge of 1970s music.
Related Videos
Theme Songs
Opening Theme “Reimei Compass” by Mori Calliope
Mori Calliope is a Virtual Artist popular not only in Japan but worldwide. She captivates many music fans with her unique lyrics mixing Japanese and English and her excellent rap skills. She made her major debut from Universal Music in 2022. Her 3rd album DISASTERPIECE, released in February 2026, includes collaborations with artists from various genres such as Kenta Nakajima and 10-FEET, creating a big buzz in multiple circles. The digital release will begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026, the day after Patlabor EZY File 1 opens.
Ending Theme “Batton” by Nagai Mariko
From Shizuoka Prefecture. Debuted in 1987 with “Oh, Moonlight.” Mainly active in live performances. Held 2 days at Budokan in 1989. In 1990, performed 40 shows including 3 days at Budokan, Osaka Castle Hall, and Nagoya Rainbow Hall. Released 4 albums between 1991-1992, reaching #1 on CD charts. Performed on NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 1991. In 1992 and 1993, she became the first Japanese woman to hold solo concerts at Yokohama Stadium. Representative songs include “Miracle Girl” and “zutto.” Appeared in NHK drama Daichi no Ko in 1995. Limited music activities after giving birth in 1996. Moved to Australia in 2003 and paused music activities. Resumed music activities in 2017 and remains active to this day.
Official Interviews
Mechanical Designer: Kanetake Ebikawa
— What are some points of interest regarding the mecha design and CG, or any production anecdotes?
The appearance of the “Type Zero” was surprising, wasn’t it. The work I was in charge of this time was adjusting the form and adding detail for 3D modeling. Director Izubuchi asked me to adjust the styling to make it recognizable as a successor to the Ingram. Many of the physical figures that have been commercialized in the past lean toward a bizarre balance, but the EZY version of the “Type Zero” has that somewhat toned down. Being able to brush up that “Type Zero,” which I loved since childhood, while consulting with Director Izubuchi, the original designer, was truly a joy (laughs).
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 scene photo (C)HEADGEAR / Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Production Committee
— Were there any difficulties or points of emphasis in the design and CG production?
Because CG cannot tell lies in structure, scale adjustment in relation to people (mainly cockpit-related) was the most challenging point. Also, increasing the amount of information for modeling was tough. In episode 3, an internal frame of a machine called “EX-13,” which only appears in the comic version, appears. For that, we first designed the whole machine including the exterior, then worked out the internal structure.
— Is there any mecha you particularly like? Please tell us the points as well.
It’s not my own work, but the “Ingram Plus.” What’s amazing about the “Ingram Plus” is that when you look at any EZY key visual, you can instantly tell it’s “a new Ingram for EZY.” You recognize it as an Ingram without discomfort, yet it has become a new Ingram. I think the shoulder shape, which intentionally deviates from the original Ingram’s lines, works as a great hook. Among the machines I handled… it appears briefly in the OP, but I’ll leave that for another time.
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 scene photo (C)HEADGEAR / Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Production Committee
— Labors are strongly perceived as multipurpose humanoid work machines = “working robots.” Are there any points you keep in mind to bring out that realism?
For example, construction machinery from the 90s had a rugged image, but modern machines have sleek, flowing lines. I aimed to incorporate that 30 years of evolution into Labors as well. Past works were positioned as Labors existing in a “possible future 10 years later,” but this time it’s a slightly trickier position: “30 years after a world where those possible Labors existed.” I hope to retain just a little bit of new “30 years of evolution” in Patlabor without breaking the original world.
— Finally, please tell us again what makes EZY appealing.
It’s the first new Patlabor in a long time. I think it has become an enjoyable work for both long-time fans and newcomers. Along with the drama woven by the new members of Special Vehicle Section 2, the 3DCG-updated Labors are one of the major highlights. Please check out their movements on the big screen in theaters!
CG Director: Hitoshi Moriizumi Interview
— What are some points of interest regarding the mecha design and CG, or any production anecdotes?
Director Izubuchi didn’t give the OK easily for the Ingram 3D model, and we made corrections many times. After I realized that Director Izubuchi had a 3D Ingram in his head and that the impression differed from our 3D model data, I repeatedly reviewed the three-view drawings of the setting he had drawn, reconstructed the 3D in my own mind, then adjusted the actual 3D model data to complete the final model. The Ingram’s internal mechanical structure was drawn with well-grounded logic, so we made the 3D move considering that structure. However, even if we follow the logic, sometimes we can’t create good shots, so we try to use CG to make it look as good as hand-drawn animation.
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 scene photo (C)HEADGEAR / Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Production Committee
— Were there any difficulties or points of emphasis in CG production?
I was careful to avoid a sense of disparity between the hand-drawn characters and the 3D Labors and vehicles. For animation work, we mainly used stop-motion keyframe animation rather than full frames. To make the visuals blend with the hand-drawn character cels, we created materials with cel-like expression and nuances such as brush processing and special effects. I am very careful about background and size comparison with people. I aim to let the audience imagine and feel the actual size if they existed.
— Is there any mecha you particularly like? Please tell us the points as well.
I have an attachment to Ingram Unit 2 and the Type Zero. For Unit 2, the head shape was created after many exchanges with Director Izubuchi. For the Type Zero, not only the model but also the animation preserves the impression of the old work and complements the Type Zero’s character. I made it while watching the old work many times again.
— Labors are strongly perceived as multipurpose humanoid work machines = “working robots.” Are there any points you keep in mind to bring out that realism?
For Labors without internal structure settings, I researched the structure of similar existing heavy machinery, imagined how they would move based on the Ingram’s internal structure, and animated them to give a mechanical impression. I also adjusted the light and shadow to convey weight. From the office window I can see a construction site, so I watch moving heavy machinery, which is a great reference.
— Finally, please tell us again what makes EZY appealing.
I think the human drama involving the unique characters typical of Special Vehicle Section 2 is one of the charms of Patlabor and this EZY. Of course the Ingram also plays an active role. And while I’m not sure about 10 years later, the depiction of real cities and the extension of the present makes imagining a slightly future “10 years later” another enjoyment when watching EZY.
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 scene photo (C)HEADGEAR / Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Production Committee
Goods & Event Information
Patlabor Lab New Show Begins & Regular Operation Extended
Patlabor Lab
Starting Sunday, May 17, 2026, a new show at Patlabor Lab (Pat Lab) will begin.
[New Show Content]
· New effects added to the entrance and OP segment
· New effects with projector illumination on the machines (scheduled to start around summer 2026)
· Addition of second floor seats (total 25 seats including first floor)
· New viewing effects from the second floor
· Secret effects added (scheduled to start around summer 2026)
Originally scheduled to end in autumn 2026, but due to feedback from pilots (fans), coordination with various parties, and the theatrical release of Mobile Police Patlabor EZY starting May 15, 2026, the operation will be extended until around spring 2027 (planned April).
ROBOT魂 <SIDE LABOR> Ingram Plus (AV-98Plus) Unit 1
The Ingram Plus (AV-98Plus) Unit 1 used by the “Metropolitan Police Department Security Bureau Special Vehicle Section 2,” also known as “Special Vehicle Section 2,” is now a ROBOT魂 figure! Priced at 11,000 yen (tax included), scheduled for release in August 2026.
“ROBOT魂 <SIDE LABOR> Ingram Plus (AV-98Plus) Unit 1”
Includes replacement hand parts, sensor cover face, shield, stance stick, and other items, allowing for various poses.
“417 EDIFICE” Collaboration Products
A collaboration with apparel brand “417 EDIFICE,” which proposes real clothes that incorporate trends moderately. Apparel items such as T-shirts and caps are available.
The main machine of Mobile Police Patlabor EZY, the “AV-98Plus Ingram (nicknamed Ingram Plus) Unit 1,” and the “AV-X0 Type Zero” appear as T-shirts. The chest area features intricate color-separated embroidery that is eye-catching yet simple in design, making symbolic T-shirts.
“PATLABOR EZY*417 TSH AV-X0 Type Zero Graphic Black”
Another T-shirt has a design on the back featuring the serial number plate attached to the main machine “AV-98Plus Ingram Unit 1” combined with the machine name. The chest features the title logo subtly shining with reflective printing, cool and with a corporate feel.
The “AV-X0 Type Zero” also appears as a graphic T-shirt. The design uses line art for the impressive head mechanism, with the eerie glowing main camera expressed in red as an accent, giving it an industrial product feel.
A T-shirt inspired by the memorable ending credits of Mobile Police Patlabor ON TELEVISION is also included. The iconic text “This story is a work of fiction… however, it is not certain about 10 years later” is embossed in embroidery.
“PATLABOR*417 TSH End Credits Green”
Other T-shirts include a fully embroidered design of the “HOS” MASTER DISC, an iconic item from the Mobile Police Patlabor The Movie, and a T-shirt with the startup screen of “HOS.”
Two types of caps are also available: one with precisely embroidered title logo of Mobile Police Patlabor EZY, and another featuring “Shinohara Heavy Industries,” a representative company from the Mobile Police Patlabor series.
These collaboration items with “417 EDIFICE” are currently available for pre-order on the Bandai Namco Filmworks official online store “A-on STORE” and other outlets. Order deadline is May 24, 2026 (Sunday) 23:59 JST, with delivery scheduled for August 14, 2026 (Friday). Prices: T-shirts 12 types at 9,900 yen each (tax included), caps 2 types at 5,500 yen each (tax included).
Collaboration with “Meidai Fuji Soba” Again!
Special visual for the collaboration between Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 and Meidai Fuji Soba
A collaboration with the soba chain “Meidai Fuji Soba” will be held for a limited time and at limited stores starting May 15, 2026 (Friday). The collaboration includes poster and tapestry displays featuring special visuals of the Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 x Meidai Fuji Soba collaboration. The visuals depict the Patlabor-related menu item “korokke soba” (croquette soba) with accompanying copy.
Participating stores: Akihabara, Akihabara Electric Town, Kichijoji, Sankocho, Shinagawa, Shinjuku
Period: Scheduled May 15 to May 31, 2026
* May vary by store
* At Akihabara Electric Town, Kichijoji, and Shinagawa stores, sample cases will also display Mobile Police Patlabor figures.
(C) HEADGEAR / Mobile Police Patlabor EZY Production Committee
