‘Patlabor EZY’ Is Finally Happening And Coming Out In 2026

Following the very brief Patlabor Reboot animation, it’s now finally confirmed that the Patlabor EZY anime is finally on its way and will be coming out in 2026.

Directed by Yutaka Izubuchi, this new anime will feature many of the original Headgear staff. Such as Kazunori Ito writing the screenplay, Masami Yuki doing the character designs and Akemi Takada handling the costume designs. Kenji Kawai is also returning to do the music.

The interesting additions are Kanetake Ebikawa and Toshiaki Ihara for the mecha design. Previously, Izubuchi penned the mecha designs for the Patlabor series, but now that he is in the director’s seat he is clearly going to be verybusy.

Ebikawa is an excellent choice for the mecha though, as his elegant and minimalist approach is perfect for something like the Ingram.

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Talking of the Ingram, it’s had somewhat of streamlined update in the form of the Ingram Plus (shown above). The shoulders are the main difference, but there are lots of subtle tweaks across the design as well.

The big omission here in terms of staff is Mamoru Oshii, but considering Izubuchi’s solid directorial record over the years I am very sure he’ll do a great job here.

If you are new to Patlabor, it’s a long running mecha anime series that deals with a more believable approach to mecha used by the Japanese police force. Who have to deal with crime also involving mecha, which are known as labors in this setting.

From the original OVA series, to the amazing movies and the parallel narrative of the TV show, there’s a lot of Patlabor already out there.

I reviewed the excellent Blu-ray boxset for Patlabor a while back and that comes highly recommended, not least because it includes pretty much everything.

For me though, I’m just happy we have a new Patlabor anime to looking forward to and one with an amazing roster of creative staff behind it.