by A rare and exciting collaboration between anime culture and real-world public institutions has been officially announced. As part of Musashino City’s regional revitalization initiative, the first episode of Mobile Police Patlabor EZY will receive its world-premiere advance screening at the 4th Animusa Festival, scheduled for February 14 at Musashino Public Hall in Tokyo.
This high-profile event is being held under the banner of Anime no Musashino, a city-led project that celebrates Musashino as one of Japan’s most important hubs for anime production. With its long history of hosting animation studios and creators, Musashino is the perfect stage for the return of the legendary Patlabor franchise.
What Is “Anime no Musashino”?
Launched in 2022, Anime no Musashino is a long-term cultural and economic project designed to promote Musashino City through manga and anime. The area surrounding Musashino is home to numerous animation studios, production offices, and creative professionals who have shaped Japanese animation for decades.
Now entering its fourth year, the project has steadily expanded in scale, offering screenings, exhibitions, talk events, and collaborations. For 2026, Mobile Police Patlabor EZY has been selected as one of the project’s key featured titles, highlighting both the franchise’s legacy and its relevance in the modern anime landscape.
Advance Screening Details: Mobile Police Patlabor EZY
The centerpiece of the festival will be the first-ever public screening of Episode 1 of Mobile Police Patlabor EZY, giving fans an early look at the newest chapter in the iconic series.
Screening Schedule — February 14
- Part 1: 1:00 PM
- Part 2: 3:00 PM
In addition to the premiere episode, attendees will also enjoy a special selection of classic scenes from earlier Patlabor works. These scenes have been personally curated by Yutaka Izubuchi, director of Mobile Police Patlabor EZY and one of the franchise’s most influential creative figures.
How to Apply
- Applications open: January 31
- Admission: Limited; closes once capacity is reached
- Tip: Early application is strongly recommended due to high demand
Star-Studded Talk Event After the Screening
Following each screening, fans will be treated to a special live talk event featuring cast members and core staff involved in the new series.
Talk Event Guests
- Sumire Uesaka – Voice of Kuga Towa
- Kikunosuke Toya – Voice of Amatori Kippei
- Yutaka Izubuchi – Director, Mobile Police Patlabor EZY
For Part 2, an additional guest will appear:
- Yuji Matsukura – Chief Producer, J.C.STAFF
The talk sessions will cover behind-the-scenes production stories, the creative vision for EZY, and how the new series updates Patlabor’s themes for a contemporary audience.
Real Police Station Collaboration: A First for Patlabor
One of the most talked-about announcements is the collaboration with a real police station—a first in the franchise’s history.
Through a partnership with the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department – Musashino Police Station, a brand-new key visual featuring Mobile Police Patlabor EZY will be unveiled.
This collaboration is especially meaningful because Patlabor has always focused on law enforcement officers operating giant “Labors” to protect civilians, blending mecha action with realistic police work and social commentary. Partnering with an actual police station reinforces the franchise’s grounded tone and real-world relevance.
Limited Collaboration Stickers Giveaway
To celebrate the collaboration, exclusive Patlabor collaboration stickers will be distributed to fans.
Sticker Distribution Details
- Dates: February 21 & February 22
- Location: Musashino Center Building
(3-minute walk from Mitaka Station North Exit) - Quantity: Limited to the first 500 visitors each day
These limited items are expected to be highly sought after by collectors and longtime fans.
Production Materials Exhibition Also Announced
Fans can also explore the creative side of the series at a production materials exhibition dedicated to Mobile Police Patlabor EZY.
Exhibition Information
- Dates: February 16 – February 22
- Venue: Musashino Place
(1-minute walk from Musashi-Sakai Station, JR & Seibu Tamagawa Lines)
Exhibition Highlights
- Original key animation drawings
- Background art and color settings
- World-building and mechanical design documents
On the final day (February 22, 6:00 PM), Chief Producer Yuji Matsukura will host a special talk session, offering insight into the animation process and future plans for the series.
Why This Event Matters for Anime Fans
This project stands out because it:
- Connects anime with real-world communities and institutions
- Reinforces Musashino’s status as a center of anime production
- Revives a legendary franchise for a new generation of viewers
- Offers rare access to creators, materials, and exclusive merchandise
For newcomers, it’s an ideal introduction to Patlabor. For longtime fans, it’s a nostalgic yet forward-looking celebration of the series’ legacy.
About Mobile Police Patlabor EZY
Mobile Police Patlabor EZY is the latest installment in the iconic Patlabor franchise, renowned for its unique blend of:
- Police drama
- Mecha action
- Social and political commentary
- Realistic depictions of urban life
The new series aims to modernize the setting and themes while preserving the thoughtful, grounded storytelling that made Patlabor a classic.
Final Thoughts
The collaboration between Mobile Police Patlabor EZY, Musashino City, and a real police station represents a rare and meaningful fusion of anime culture and real-world institutions. With advance screenings, creator talk events, exclusive giveaways, and a full production exhibition, the 4th Animusa Festival is shaping up to be a must-attend event for anime fans in 2026.
Whether you’re a longtime Patlabor supporter or discovering the series for the first time, Musashino is the place to be this February
