THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- Series Guide

Information and High-Res Images from the Live-Action Theatrical Series Source: Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com Japanese Material Translations: John Paul Cassidy Special Thanks to Mai Kato and Kentaro Yoshida

A SCIFI JAPAN EXCLUSIVE

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (? ???? ???????? -??????-, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon – Patoreibaa -), the live-action series based on the MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patoreibaa) manga and anime, released its final episode on January 10, 2015. THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- is an original story set in the timeline of the anime movies. Supervised by director Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE SKY CRAWLERS), the series ran for thirteen episodes (numbered 0-12) which were released in seven chapters. In Japan, each chapter received a two week run in theaters -- where limited edition Blu-rays were also sold -- followed by a regular Blu-ray and DVD release. The story of Episode 12 will conclude with a feature-length film on May 1, 2015. SciFi Japan is pleased to present a Series Guide for THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- with information, high-res photos, and promotional artwork provided by the series` production company and international sales agent, Tohokushinsha Film Corporation, and Japanese theatrical distributor, Shochiku Co., Ltd... WHAT IS "PATLABOR" Labor: A robot specifically designed for heavy industry work. The rise of Labors sparked a revolution in industry, but also in criminal activities. To combat these new Labor crimes, the police created a special unit: The Patrol Labor. And thus, the birth of PATLABOR. INTRODUCTION Since 1988, the MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR franchise has become a pioneer in media-mix strategy -- combining comics, video games, films and novels -- that resulted in a strong fan base over generations around the world. 25 years since its debut, "THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-" PARTNERS finally and proudly present a wholly new, original PATLABOR title in live-action, with Mamoru Oshii -- director of the original PATLABOR TV series and animated feature films -- as the chief director. The 8-meter tall full-sized AV 98 Ingram Labor, Revolver Cannon, Command Vehicle and many other props have all come back to life. With state-of-art CGI/VFX technology, the live-action PATLABOR project now emerges as "super real entertainment".

Chief Director: MAMORU OSHII Born in Tokyo in 1951, Mamoru Oshii joined the anime industry in 1977, and is one of the most remarkable personalities in modern Japanese filmmaking. He introduced introspective philosophical speculation into the world of animation, at the same time influencing movie creators all around the world with his visionary style. His main works are URUSEI YATSURA 2: BEAUTIFUL DREAMER (??????2 ????????????, Urusei Yatsura 2 Byuutifuru Doriimaa, 1984), the epoch-making GHOST IN THE SHELL (GHOST IN THE SHELL/?????, Goosuto in za Sheru / Kookaku Kidootai, 1995), INNOCENCE (?????, Inosensu, 2004, nominated for the Palme d`Or at the Festival de Cannes), TACHIGUI: THE AMAZING LIVES OF THE FAST FOOD GRIFTERS (?????, Tachiguishi-Retsuden, 2006, selected for the 63rd Venice Film Festival) and THE SKY CRAWLERS (???????, Sukai Kurora, 2008, nominated for the Golden Lion at the 65th Venice Film Festival). Oshii has also directed a number of live-action features, including AVALON (?????, 2001) and ASSAULT GIRLS (????????, Asarutogaaruzu, 2009). CHARACTERS

Akira Izumino (Performed by Erina Mano) Team 1, Forward. Akira Izumino is a Labor and police drama maniac as well as a genius all-around (including fighting and shooting) gamer. She goes into a state of trance with super-concentration that is peculiar to gamers, shutting out all other noises. She is frustrated as people always compare her with Noa Izumi, her predecessor in the 1st generation. Erina Mano Credits • KAMEN RIDER FOURZE & OOO: MOVIE WAR MEGA MAX (??????×??????????????? MOVIE?? MEGA MAX, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Fooze ando Oozu: Muubii Taisen Mega Makkusu, 2011) • KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER WIZARD & FOURZE: MOVIE WARS ULTIMATUM (??????×?????? MOVIE?? ????????, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Uizaado Ando Fooze Muubii Taisen Arutimeitamu, 2012) • SPEC (TV series, 2010) • SPEC: CLOSE (SPEC???, SPEC?Ketsu?, 2013) She was previously a member of the Japanese idol group "Hello! Project".

Keiji Gotoda (Performed by Toshio Kakei) SV2 Division 2, Captain. Keiji Gotoda was a subordinate of the 1st generation’s Captain Goto. Now recognized as a second Goto, he is sharp and also a genius of mind games who can manipulate others with skill. Although he looks easygoing, he shows great leadership in an emergency and always cares about his colleagues. Toshio Kakei Credits • BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN TV and Movie series (1997-2012) • DR. COTO`S CLINIC (Dr.??????, Dr. Koto Shinryojo, 2003) • TAKING SIDES (????????, Teikingusaido, 2013)

Yuma Shiobara (Performed by Seiji Fukushi) Team 1, Backup. Yuma Shiobara is a military manic, and his hobby is "Nanpa" (picking up girls). He is easily elated, and often changes his own rules or ways of thinking. Even when he is on duty, he secretly drinks beer or plays with plastic models. Seiji Fukushi Credits • LONG LOVE LETTER (???????????????, 2002) • SWING GIRLS (?????????, Suwingu Garuzu, 2004) • TOUCH (???, Tatchi, 2005) • NODAME CANTABILE TV and Movie series (2006-2010) • ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET- 2 (ALWAYS ????????, Always-Zoku San-Chome no Yuhi, 2007)

Kasya, aka Ekaterina Krachevna Kankaeva (Performed by Rina Ohta) Team 2, Backup. Kasya was assigned her post at SV2 for training from FSB (Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation). As her real name is too long and complicated, she was nicknamed “Kasya”. She is a heavy drinker and smoker, and carries a real AK gun at all times. Her own motorbike is a Ducati . Rina Ohta Credits • 69 (2004) • THE BRAIN MAN (??, No Otoko, 2013) • HOT ROAD (??????, Hotto Rodo, 2014) • PRINCESS JELLYFISH (???, Kuragehime, 2014)

Shigeo Shiba (Performed by Shigeru Chiba) SV2, Head Mechanic (2nd generation). After graduation from university, he was assigned to the mechanic team. Since then, he has successfully demonstrated his great ability as his senior Seitaro Sakaki`s right-hand man, and has been through hard times with SV2 members. He was promoted to the position of Head Mechanic after Sakaki’s retirement, and often quotes from words or lines by Sakaki. Shigeru Chiba Credits (as Voice Actor) • MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (1988-1993, 2002) • FIST OF THE NORTH STAR (????, Hokuto no Ken, 1984-1988) • GHOST DETECTIVES (??????, Kasoke ? Yuu ? Hakusho, 1992-1995) • DRAGON BALL (???????, Doragon Booru, 1986-1996) • ONE PIECE (????? Wan Piisu, 1999-present) • SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO 2199 (???????2199, Uchuu Senkan Yamato 2199, 2012)

Yoshikatsu Buchiyama (Performed by Yoshikatsu Fujiki) SV2, Vice Head Mechanic. A great admirer of his boss, Shiba. He leads the mechanic teams in charge of putting the Labor in action as well as its maintenance. He carries a bamboo sword at all times, and wears the Japanese clogs, Geta.

Isamu Ohtawara (Performed by Yoshinori Horimoto) Team 2, Forward. Isamu Ohtawara has an addiction to alcohol, and it almost got him fired from his job in the past. He is a rough and trigger-happy violent cop. With his strong sense of justice, he is merciless to criminals. His special ability is drunken boxing.

Hiromichi Yamazaki (Performed by Shigekazu Tajiri) Team 1, Labor Carrier. Hiromichi Yamazaki is a shy and tragic giant. He takes care of hens in the building of SV2, and has a rich knowledge about them. For him, chickens are a higher priority than his job.

Shinji Mikiya (Performed by Kohei Shiotsuka) Team 2, Labor Carrier. Shinji Mikiya previously worked as a computer programmer. In the past he was almost dismissed from his post because of his illegal actions when playing pachinko. He has been divorced, and earns the money for his payment of alimony by playing pachinko. Unable to operate Labors or take the lead due to his negative attributes, he is in charge of the Labor Carrier.

CREDITS Cast Akira Izumino: Erina Mano Yuma Shiobara: Seiji Fukushi Kasya (Ekaterina Krachevna Kankaeva): Rina Ohta Isamu Otawara: Yoshinori Horimoto Hiromichi Yamazaki: Shigekazu Tajiri Shinji Mikiya: Kohei Shiotsuka Yoshikatsu Buchiyama: Yoshikazu Fujiki Shigeo Shiba: Shigeru Chiba Keiji Gotoda: Toshio Kakei Staff Series Chief Director: Mamoru Oshii Directors: Mamoru Oshii, Kiyotaka Taguchi, Hiroaki Yuasa, Takanori Tsujimoto Screenwriters: Mamoru Oshii, Kei Yamamura Music: Kenji Kawai Original Work: HEADGEAR Production: TOHOKUSHINSHA Distributor: Shochiku Worldwide Sales: TOHOKUSHINSHA © 2014 HEADGEAR/"THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-" PARTNERS

In the 21st century, Tokyo Metropolitan Police’s Special Vehicles Section 2 -- the so-called "Patlabor" -- still operates Labors. But it is widely considered that Patlabor is no longer necessary because of its high cost and maintenance.

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 1 THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 1 contains the short introductory Episode 0 and the stand-length Episode 1 of the series, directed by Mamoru Oshii and and Kiyotaka Taguchi (G, GEHARHA: THE DARK AND LONG HAIR MONSTER, NEO ULTRA Q). Hiroshi Kanbe (THE TWILIGHT SAMURAI, ALWAYS- SUNSET ON THIRD STREET- series, K-20: LEGEND OF THE MASK) guest stars in Episode 1. Credits Theatrical Release Date: April 5, 2014 Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: April 26, 2014 Episode 0 Running Time: Approximately 15 Minutes Episode 1 Running Time: Approximately 48 Minutes Guest Cast Episode 1: Hiroshi Kanbe Directors Episode 0: Kiyotaka Taguchi Episode 1: Mamoru Oshii Episode 0: THE GLORY OF SV2 (???????, Eikoo no Tokusha Ni-ka) Shigeo Shiba, Head Mechanic as well as the oldest member of Special Vehicles Section 2 (SV2), talks about the history of SV2 from the 1st generation until now. He is also visited by a third generation pilot, Akira Izumino.

Episode 1: THE THIRD GENERATION IN ACTION (????????, Sandaime Shutsudoo Seyo!) With the useless 98 Ingram Labor now too fragile to operate, the members of SV2 spend their lazy days in an endless “standby”. So when they suddenly receive an order to put the Labor in action after such a long inactivity, all members of SV2 get really excited. Can they take take on their target -- the industries’ Labor “KURATAS” -- and achieve a glorious victory..?

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 2 THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 2 contains Episodes 2 and 3 from directors Takanori Tsujimoto (HARD REVENGE, MILLY films, BUSHIDO MAN) and Hiroaki Yuasa (THE WOMEN OF FAST FOOD, cinematographer on Oshii`s ASSAULT GIRLS). Actor Ryo Iwamatsu (LESSON OF THE EVIL, THE COMPLEX) guests in Episode 2 while Naoto Takenaka, who voiced the character Shigeki Arakawa in the anime film PATLABOR 2: THE MOVIE (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patoreibaa The Movie 2, 1993), guest stars in Episode 3. Credits Theatrical Release Date: May 31, 2014 Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: June 28, 2014 Episodes 2-3 Running Time: Approximately 48 Minutes Each Guest Cast Episode 2: Ryo Iwamatsu Episode 3: Naoto Takenaka Directors Episode 2: Takanori Tsujimoto Episode 3: Hiroaki Yuasa Episode 2: REACTIVATE TYPE 98 (98??????, 98-Shiki Sakidoo Seyo) In order to dissolve the SV2, the upper echelons of the police hatch a plot: though the 98 Ingram Labor is unable to adequately stand, SV2 is commanded to participate in a full equipment check and fire a salute in the presence of Tokyo Metropolitan Police commissioner. Will the combined efforts of mechanic teams be enough to overcome this difficult situation?

Episode 3: AKIRA THE IRON FIST (?????, Tekken Akira) Devoting herself to operating the Labor and playing games, Akira Izumino, the Forward of Team 1, has an amazing kinetic vision and incredible reflexes. While she is off-duty, she meets a mysterious old man who advocates “the thought for the win” at a game arcade. Defeated and shocked by her opponent, Akira starts a senseless training program that goes back and forth between reality and fiction. She finally obtains ultimate strength and sharpness with help from Yuma, the Backup of Team 1. The time comes to confront that strong old man.... What is “the thought for the win”?

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 3 THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 3 contains Episodes 4 and 5 of the series, directed by Oshii and Tsujimoto. Kazuki Namioka (SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO, WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL?) and Masanori Mimoto (THE KUNOICHI, ALIEN VS NINJA) guest star in Episode 4. The guest cast for Episode 5 features Bengal (ULTRAMAN ZERO: THE REVENGE OF BELIAL), Tamami Matsumoto (SAILOR MOON musicals), Erika Okuda (TOKYO ZOMBIE, TOPLESS), Kibaji Tankobo (TAKESHI`S CASTLE), Kaori Moriwaka (PRETTY GUARDIAN SAILORMOON), Hinako Saeki (UZUMAKI, GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK, ASSAULT GIRLS), Daisuke Ryu (BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN, TIME TRIP APP) and Kyusaku Shimada (KAIJ1 2, LIBRARY WARS). Credits Theatrical Release Date: July 12, 2014 Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: August 2, 2014 Episodes 4-5 Running Time: Approximately 48 Minutes Each Guest Cast Episode 4: Kazuki Namioka, Masanori Mimoto Episode 5: Bengal, Tamami Matsumoto, Erika Okuda, Kibaji Tankobo, Kaori Moriwaka, Hinako Saeki (cameo appearance), Daisuke Ryu, Kyusaku Shimada Directors Episode 4: Takanori Tsujimoto Episode 5: Mamoru Oshii Episode 4: WILD DOG DAY AFTERNOON (????????, Norainu-tachi no Gogo) SV2`s lifeline: a convenience store. But that daily scenery is about to become the scene of a big case... Roped into doing the shopping, Akira had an unfortunate encounter with terrorists armed with a large amount of explosives and heavy machine guns. In their attempt to rescue the captive Akira, Yuma and Yamazaki also end up becoming hostages. Amid a strange exchange with the terrorists staging the siege, Captain Gotoda embarks on a secret plan with Kasya and the Ingram...

Episode 5: GIANT MONSTER ON THE LOOSE - Part 1 (?????? ??, Daikaijuu Gen Waru Zenpen) In Atami, the mysterious disappearance of surfers and the sudden appearance of a gigantic sea lifeform causes a commotion. An investigation is launched by oceanographer Nobuko Nanami and the SV2 team, who -- by coincidence -- happened to be there on vacation. The Mayor gloats as more tourists come to Atami in the hopes of seeing a confrontation between a Labor and the monster. Further complicating matters are a prophet who claims to be a "Venusian" and a one-eyed scientist. As the odd cast of characters gather together, will a giant monster really appear!?

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 4 THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 4 contains Episodes 6 and 7 of the series, directed by Oshii and Yuasa. Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki guest stars in Episode 6 while playwright and actor Shoji Kokami (GAMERA 3: REVENGE OF IRIS) appears in Episode 7. Episode 7`s title is a play on the anime series TIME BOKAN (??????, Taimubokan, 1975-1976) from Tatsunoko Production. Credits Theatrical Release Date: August 30, 2014 Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: September 27, 2014 Episodes 6-7 Running Time: Approximately 48 Minutes Each Guest Cast Episode 6: Toshio Suzuki Episode 7: Shoji Kokami Directors Episode 6: Mamoru Oshii Episode 7: Hiroaki Yuasa Episode 6: GIANT MONSTER ON THE LOOSE - Part 2 (?????????, Daikaijuu Arawaru Koohen) The giant monster reveals itself at last, and proceeds to burn the town of Atami! But, in truth, this is all part of the Mayor`s scheme of economic revival... As the authorities` evil scheme threatens Oceanographer Nanami, SV2 sits on the sidelines in uncertainty. There is also a rather dubious movie director, who may or may not know the source of the escalating monster crisis. As the Self-Defense Forces are dispatched, the Ingram`s Revolver Cannon fires, and the truth of the giant monster will become clear!

Episode 7: TIME BOOM (??????, Taimudokan) "A time bomb is planted inside Special Vehicles Section 2!" The members of SV2 are perplexed by that sudden, mocking telephone call, while an aviary explodes in Yamazaki. However, that warning was just the beginning... After a huge explosion is triggered in the Section 2 offices, a search for more bombs is launched. Policemen dig through many contraband items, and after finding one bomb, another big explosion erupts. Reluctantly, an evacuation order is issued for SV2. But a jumbo-sized bomb still sits in the building... how many more triggers for it are there, and where are they!?

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 5 THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 5 contains Episodes 8 and 9, directed by Takanori Tsujimoto and Kiyotaka Taguchi. Actress Reiko Takashima (K-20: LEGEND OF THE MASK, SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO) guest stars in Episode 8, while Yukijiro Hotaru (the Gamera Trilogy, GODZILLA, MOTHRA, AND KING GHIDORAH: GIANT MONSTERS ALL-OUT ATTACK, GARO AND THE WAILING DRAGON) and television announcer Madoka Nishijima appear in Episode 9. Episode 9 is based on UNDERGROUND LABYRINTH CASE (??????, Chika Meikyuubukken), the 38th episode of the anime MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR TV (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patlabor, 1989). Credits Theatrical Release Date: October 18, 2014 Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: November 8, 2014 Episodes 8-9 Running Time: Approximately 48 Minutes Each Guest Cast Episode 8: Reiko Takashima Episode 9: Yukijiro Hotaru, Madoka Nishijima Directors Episode 8: Takanori Tsujimoto Episode 9: Kiyotaka Taguchi Episode 8: LONG-RANGE SNIPER 2000 (?????2000, Enkyori Sogeki 2000) A Russian official is being targeted in Japan. In the interest of public security, Kasya was appointed as a special bodyguard after classified information was hacked by an assassin, a former KGB sniper nicknamed "Red Golgo." And Kasya still has trace feelings for Sergei, the man she trained with and idolized in her academy days for the Russia Federal Security Service. Armed with her AK sniper rifle, Kasya`s counter-sniping battle begins. Can Kasya push aside the ghosts of her past and make her own future?

Episode 9: CROCODILE DUNGEON (????????????, Kurokodairu Danjon) Section 2 Division 2 enters an underground labyrinth where white crocodiles were once captured. Stories that these crocodiles produce pearls spread among everyone at SV2, and they decide to search for the remains of a lost maintenance team and $2 billion in pearls. Caught up in the charm of the treasure and labyrinth, how will the 3rd Generation SV2 deal with the relics of the past?

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 6

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 6 contains Episodes 10 and 11, directed by Kiyotaka Taguchi and Hiroaki Yuasa. Episode 10 guest stars Reiko Takashima and Kazuki Namioka (13 ASSASSINS, HARA-KIRI: DEATH OF A SAMURAI, WHY DON’T YOU PLAY IN HELL?). Shunsuke Daito (CROWS ZERO, CROWS ZERO II) and Taro Suruga (DETROIT METAL CITY, MASKED RIDER DEN-O & DECADE THE MOVIE: THE ONIGASHIMA BATTLESHIP) guest star in Episode 11. Episode 10 was given a special premiere screening at Tokyo International Film Festival 2014. Credits Theatrical Release Date: November 29, 2014 Episodes 10 Premiere: October 24, 2014 (Tokyo International Film Festival 2014) Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: December 26, 2014 Episodes 10-11 Running Time: Approximately 48 Minutes Each Guest Cast Episode 10: Reiko Takashima, Kazuki Namioka Episode 11: Shunsuke Daito, Taro Suruga Directors Episode 10: Kiyotaka Taguchi Episode 11: Hiroaki Yuasa Episode 10: OUT OF CONTROL! THE RED LABOR (?????????, Boosoo! Akai Reibaa) A military Labor developed during the Cold War is smuggled through Niigata. The Public Safety leaks this top secret information and asks for the cooperation of Captain Gotoda, but he turns them down. The terrorist Hachino has escaped to steal the Labor. Akira and Yuma follow and, during a sleepless night at a cheap inn, are confronted by "Red Labor", the Soviet-made Labor RT99. It`s military vs. police as the battle of the Labors begins at last!

Episode 11: THE LONG GOODBYE Lacking in "sex appeal", Akira spent much of her youth playing Ingram pilot/fight training games. When she receives an invitation to her high school reunion, bittersweet memories of her school days, including an unrequited romance with her boyfriend, catch up to Akira. At the reunion, Akira becomes immersed in memories of unrequited love, the long-lost feelings of a woman. However, her old boyfriend has kept a hidden secret...

THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- /Part 7 THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- series concludes with Episode 12, directed by Mamoru Oshii. The episode ties back to Oshii’s 1993 anime PATLABOR 2: THE MOVIE and lays the groundwork for the upcoming live-action feature film THE NEXT GENERATION PATLABOR -TOKYO WAR- (THE NEXT GENERATION ?????? ????, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon Patoreibaa Shuto Kessen, 2015) [tentative title]. The guest cast includes Bunmei Tobayama (PRINCE OF TENNIS, THERMAE ROMAE), Hiroki Konno (CROWS ZERO), Koji Kagawa (THE HIDDEN BLADE), author Bin Konno, Aki Shibuya (IRYU: TEAM MEDICAL DRAGON 4) and voice actor Michihiro Ikemizu (MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR). Credits Theatrical Release Date: January 10, 2015 Blu-ray/DVD Release Date: January 31, 2015 Episode 12 Running Time: Approximately 31 Minutes Chapter 7 Running Time: Approximately 45 Minutes Guest Cast Episode 12: Bunmei Tobayama, Hiroki Konno (King of Comedy), Koji Kagawa, Bin Konno, Michihiro Ikemizu, Aki Shibuya Director Episode 12: Mamoru Oshii Episode 12: GREAT EXPECTATIONS (??????, Oinaru Isan) When Tokyo Metropolitan Police Superintendent General falls ill, the dismantling of SV2 -- which has managed to survive despite being dismissed as useless -- has finally become a reality. To preserve the legacy of his predecessor Captain Goto, SV2 Captain Gotoda allows the police to dig into his records. But when it is discovered that Gotoda once led an unrealized coup d’état, the evidence could land him in jail...

For more information on THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-, please see the previous coverage here on SciFi Japan: