Yutaka Izubuchi is directing the Patlabor EZY anime project at J.C. Staff, his first directorial role in the franchise. He is also appearing in promotional events and interviews tied to the project's theatrical releases.
Yutaka Izubuchi, known as a mechanical designer and HEADGEAR member, has taken on the director role for the Patlabor EZY anime project, marking his first time directing a Patlabor title. The project consists of eight episodes released as three theatrical films. The first film, File 1, debuted on May 15, 2026, and contains the first two episodes in an omnibus format. File 2 follows on August 14, 2026, with episodes four through six, and File 3 arrives in March 2027 with the final two episodes as a two-part story. Kazunori Ito writes the script, and the project is produced by Bandai Namco Filmworks.
Izubuchi has been active in promoting the project. In an interview, he discussed the series' 38-year history, the meaning of the title, and the ending theme by Mariko Nagai. He appeared at a retrospective screening and talk event for File 1 on July 26, 2026, at United Cinemas Toyosu, alongside screenwriter Kazunori Ito and storyboard artist Shinji Higuchi. Attendees received a printed booklet of the 130-page Episode 3 storyboard. The project also released a video introducing the main characters of the Special Vehicles Division 2.
The Patlabor EZY project revives a franchise that has not had a new anime film since 2002. The story is set in the 2030s, where Labors have become commonplace and are increasingly replaced by autonomous robots. SV2 still uses a tuned-up version of the SV-98 Ingram. The grounded, comedic approach to mecha as mundane machinery has drawn positive early reviews. A commemorative book, Mobile Police Patlabor: Shibashigeo Pia, was released on August 5 to mark the project, featuring interviews with Izubuchi and voice actor Shigeru Chiba, plus a new cover by Akemi Takada.
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Pia Corporation released Mobile Police Patlabor: Shibashigeo Pia on August 5 to commemorate Mobile Police Patlabor EZY. The book focuses on Shibashigeo, with interviews with voice actor Shigeru Chiba and director Yutaka Izubuchi, plus a new cover by Akemi Takada. It includes bonuses like an A3 poster and postcards.
A retrospective screening and talk event for Mobile Police Patlabor EZY File 1 will be held on July 26, 2026, at United Cinemas Toyosu. Director Yutaka Izubuchi, screenwriter Kazunori Ito, and storyboard artist Shinji Higuchi will appear. Attendees receive a printed booklet of the 130-page Episode 3 storyboard.
Yutaka Izubuchi, mechanical designer and HEADGEAR member, directed a Patlabor title for the first time with the theatrical film Mobile Police Patlabor EZY. In an interview, he discussed the series' 38-year history, the meaning of the title, and the ending theme by Mariko Nagai.
Bandai Namco Filmworks released a new video for the Patlabor EZY anime project on Thursday, introducing the main characters of the Special Vehicles Division 2. The project consists of eight episodes released as three theatrical films. The first film, File 1, debuted on May 15, 2026, and contains the first two episodes in an omnibus format. File 2 follows on August 14, 2026, with episodes four through six, and File 3 arrives in March 2027 with the final two episodes as a two-part story. The story is set in the 2030s, where Labors have become commonplace and are increasingly replaced by autonomous robots. SV2 still uses a tuned-up version of the SV-98 Ingram. The cast includes Sumire Uesaka as Towa Kuga, Kikunosuke Toya as Kippei Atori, Ami Koshimizu as Saki Hirata, Chikahiro Kobayashi as Akihiko Hazama, Setsuji Sato as Yuta Yanai, Yume Matsumura as Hachikuma Yuzuki, and Megumi Hayashibara as Kimika Saeki. Shigeru Chiba reprises his role as Shigeo Shiba. Yutaka Izubuchi directs at J.C. Staff, with Kazunori Ito writing the script. Mori Calliope performs the opening theme, and Mariko Nagai performs the ending theme.