On May 15th, a stage greeting was held at Shinjuku Piccadilly (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo) for the opening day of the first chapter of " Mobile Police Patlabor EZY," a new anime series based on the popular "Mobile Mobile Police Patlabor " franchise. Director Yutaka Izubuchi, scriptwriter and series composition writer Kazunori Ito, character designer Masami Yuki, and singer Mariko Nagai, who performs the ending theme "Baton," appeared at the event. The story behind how Nagai came to sing the ending theme was revealed.
" Mobile Police Patlabor" is a multimedia project created by the legendary creative group "HEADGEAR," consisting of Yuki, Izubuchi, Ito, Takada Akemi, and Oshii Mamoru. 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, novels, audio dramas, games, and more.
It has been said that Nagai's short hair gave her a look that was meant to resemble Izumi Noa, the protagonist of "Mobile Police Patlabor." Ito recalled, "When 'Patlabor' first started, we were saying, 'If we were to do a live-action version, it would have to be Nagai.'"
Director Izubuchi said, "When the first theatrical film was released, there was a movie called 'Gunhed' and Nagai-san sang the theme song. I really wanted that song! When I decided to make a new 'Patlabor' film, one of the conditions I set was that Nagai-san be involved." It seems he had been eager for this, and now that he has actually been chosen to sing the ending theme, Yuuki Kin expressed his joy, saying, "I couldn't believe it. It's a wonderful surprise."
Nagai said, "My dream has come true, and I'm thrilled. It's an honor," and it seemed like the feelings were mutual, as she happily added, "It feels like I'm getting a second helping of my youth."
"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. Labors, once cutting-edge technology, have become an established part of supporting the social infrastructure. Standalone Labors piloted by humans are being replaced by autonomous robots and are becoming obsolete. No matter how times change, the work of Special Vehicles Division 2 remains the same: protecting people and the city. The Second Platoon, along with the AV-98Plus Ingram, a tuned-up version of the old Type 98 AV Ingram, confronts new technological crimes with their wit and courage.
Sumire Sumire Uesaka plays Towa Kuga, the pilot of Ingram Unit 1, and Kikunosuke Toya Totani plays Kippei Amatori, the commander of Ingram Unit 1. Ami Koshimizu, Chikahiro Kobayashi, Setsuji Sato, Yume Matsumura, and Megumi Hayashibara also appear in the cast. The series consists of three chapters and eight episodes in total, with Chapter 1 released in theaters on May 15th. Chapter 2 will be released in theaters on August 14th, and Chapter 3 in March 2027.
