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Everything Patlabor, All in One Place—“HEADGEAR+ Exhibition” to Be Held in Yurakucho!

Everything Patlabor, All in One Place—“HEADGEAR+ Exhibition” to Be Held in Yurakucho!

Everything Patlabor, All in One Place—“HEADGEAR+ Exhibition” to Be Held in Yurakucho!

The New Chapter Begins in 2026: “Mobile Police Patlabor EZY” is Coming!

Before the curtain rises on the brand-new series “Mobile Police Patlabor EZY” in 2026, a special exhibition will trace the entire legacy of Patlabor from its origins to the present and future.
The HEADGEAR+ Exhibition will take place at Yurakucho Marui 8F “SPACE 7・8”, from August 1 (Fri) to August 17 (Sun), 2025.

Far from a standard retrospective, this is an immersive, behind-the-scenes exhibition where fans can step inside the world of Patlabor’s creation process.
Admission is ¥1,500 (tax included); free for preschool children.
All tickets must be purchased online—so don’t forget to book in advance!


A Deep Dive into the World of HEADGEAR+

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Mobile Police Patlabor HEADGEAR+ Exhibition - Main Visual
Patlabor’s sci-fi concept of “police robots” is just the surface.
What lies underneath is a rich tapestry of passion, struggle, and artistry—brought to life through animation.
The HEADGEAR+ Exhibition invites you to explore that creative depth with your own eyes, ears, and heart.

It begins with a chronological timeline documenting the birth of Patlabor.
Why was this project conceived? What challenges did the creators face?
You’ll get to see early concept notes and unreleased production materials that make you feel like you’re walking through its “Genesis Era.”


Peek Into the Original OVA “Early Days” Storyboards

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Storyboards by Mamoru Oshii
This section reveals the detailed “blueprints” of animation: hand-drawn storyboards that show how scenes and characters were constructed.
The legendary director Mamoru Oshii’s own storyboards will be on display—so meticulous, they feel cinematic in scope.

There’s also a section for the theatrical film “WXIII”, featuring stunning art settings and background illustrations.
Through urban landscapes, moody lighting, and architectural textures, you’ll gain a visual understanding of why Patlabor’s world feels so real.


World Premiere: Rare Original Drawings by Yutaka Izubuchi and Yasumi Yūki

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Original Artwork by Yutaka Izubuchi
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Reproduced Artwork by Yasumi Yūki
From the evolution of character designs to the mechanical intricacies of the Labors, this exhibit showcases the power of the line behind Patlabor.
You’ll witness how iconic characters like Noa and Asuma came to life—not just designs, but real, relatable people on paper.


Sneak Peek at the Upcoming “Patlabor EZY” Project

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Mobile Police Patlabor EZY - 2026 Project Visual
The exhibition also teases the 2026 reboot “Mobile Police Patlabor EZY” with visuals, concept notes, and structural outlines.
This “preview zone” gives just a glimpse of what’s being cooked up behind the scenes—bridging past, present, and future.

More than nostalgia, this is a documentary-style anime exhibition that connects the entire lifecycle of Patlabor as a creative project.


Listen and Walk—AR Audio Talks with the Creators

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Audio Interview Recording: Hideki Tenjin (left) and Akemi Takada (right)
Scan QR codes set up around the venue with your smartphone to unlock audio guides featuring exclusive creator interviews.

Featuring:

  • Akemi Takada (Character Designer)
  • Hideki Tenjin (Mechanical Designer)

Hear never-before-told stories, insights into design decisions, and the atmosphere of the original production sites—straight from the source.
(Please bring your own smartphone and headphones.)


Special Event: Guided Tour with Scriptwriter Kazunori Ito!

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HEADGEAR Scriptwriter - Kazunori Ito
Join Patlabor scriptwriter Kazunori Ito himself for a guided tour of the exhibition!
Participants will receive a signed copy of “Kazunori Ito Script Collection [1] TV + NEW OVA” as a bonus.

Price: ¥12,000 (tax included)
Note: General admission ticket required separately for entry prior to the event.

【Kazunori Ito Guided Tour Schedule & Ticket Info】


Come for the Merch! Exclusive and Early-Bird Items Galore

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Kazunori Ito Script Collection [1] TV + NEW OVA
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Mini-Pat Ingram Unit 2 T-shirt
The merch corner is packed with limited edition and early release goodies:

  • Kazunori Ito Script Collection [1] TV + NEW OVA – ¥6,080
  • Mini-Pat Ingram Unit 2 T-shirt – ¥3,300
  • Chibi Noa Acrylic Keychains (5 types)
  • Straps (Ingram Unit 2, Helldiver, etc.) – ¥1,320
  • Slogan Magnets – ¥770
  • Shinohara Heavy Industries Gadget Pouch – ¥2,200

Some items available from August 10 onward. For updates, check the official X account.


Event Overview

  • Title: Mobile Police Patlabor HEADGEAR+ Exhibition
  • Venue: Yurakucho Marui 8F “SPACE 7・8”
  • Dates: August 1 (Fri) to August 17 (Sun), 2025
  • Hours: 11:00–19:00 (last entry 18:30) Some days close at 18:00
  • Admission: ¥1,500 (tax included) / Free for preschoolers
  • Tickets: Purchase Here

RAW JAPAN Comment

Patlabor isn’t just an anime.
It’s a record of “people using their hands to build a world and tell a story.”

This exhibition is your invitation to step inside that creative journey.
Watch, listen, ask, and by the time you leave—you might just feel like you helped make Patlabor too.

(As for me, I once dreamed of piloting an Ingram with the lights flashing… and woke up having fallen off the bed, still sitting seiza-style.
Still waiting for my job offer from Shinohara Heavy Industries.)


Source
This article is a restructured summary based on a press release via PR TIMES.
Images courtesy of PR TIMES / GENCO Inc.

7/18/2025 — PR TImes
patlaborExhibitionTokyobehind-the-scenesmech-anime