Live Action Theatrical Series Based on the Anime/Manga Franchise Coming in 2014 Source: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Official Site: patlabor-nextgeneration.com Translations: Elliot Gay The hit anime and manga MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR (??????????, Kidoo Keisatsu Patlabor) goes live-action with THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (? ???? ???????? -??????-, Za Nekusuto Jenereeshon - Patoreibaa -) in 2014. Created by Headgear -- the manga/anime group made up of Mamoru Oshii (GHOST IN THE SHELL, THE SKY CRAWLERS), Kazunori Ito (GHOST IN THE SHELL, the Gamera Trilogy), Masami Yuki (Birdy the Mighty), Yutaka Izubuchi (RAHXEPHON, Gundam series, DYNAMAN) and Akemi Takada (GATCHAMAN, URUSEI YATSURA) -- PATLABOR began as a manga series in 1988 and has continued with two OVA series, an animated television series, and four anime films. Rather than remaking any of the existing PATLABOR stories, THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- will be an original story set in the timeline of the anime movies. Mamoru Oshii is the head director of THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR-, which will premiere in Japan next April and run in 7 theatrical chapters containing a 10 minute-long Episode 0 plus 12 standard episodes, each with a runtime of about 48 minutes. An as-yet-untitled feature length film will conclude the story in 2015. The combined budget is set at ¥2 billion (approximately $26 million US).

Story Following the development of the humanoid work machines called Labors, technology propelled forward at a high speed, eventually resulting in the use of Labors in all facets of society. With global warming causing the rising of sea levels around Tokyo, and the 1995 great earthquake causing mass destruction around the city,the Babylon Project was developed. It was designed with the intent of fixing the problem concerning the overwhelming lack of land, Labors from around the country were pulled into the city to begin work on the project. With such a large number of the machines in one area, Labor crimes began to increase at an alarming rate. In order to combat this new problem, police headquarters made the call to introduce Labor into their special units. This was the birth of the Patlabor unit. Fast forward to Tokyo, 2013. The first stage of the Babylon Project has been completed. Due to a long term recession and the amount of time and money they cost to maintain, Labors have been discarded. The First Labor Platoon of the 2nd Division has been disbanded, leaving behind the Second Labor Platoon to inherit their work. The Type 98 Ingram has been left to this new generation. This is the story of the 2nd Division and their struggle to stay afloat. This is the story of the 3rd generation. Characters and Cast Akira Izumino

Akira Izumino is a Labor pilot who loves police dramas and Labors. A high level gamer, especially when it comes to fighting and shooting. When she plays games, she goes into a trance-like state in which she becomes incapable of hearing the voices around her. Being compared to the first generation is something that causes her much grief. Erina Mano Born April 11, 1991, Kanagawa Prefecture. The 2008 recording artists` Hello! Project was her debut. Erina Mano has released CDs, photo collections, and also held concerts. She played Kamen Rider Nadeshiko in the films KAMEN RIDER FOURZE & OOO: MOVIE WAR MEGA MAX (??????×??????????????? MOVIE?? MEGA MAX, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Fooze ando Oozu: Muubii Taisen Mega Makkusu, 2011) and KAMEN RIDER X KAMEN RIDER WIZARD & FOURZE: MOVIE WARS ULTIMATUM (??????×?????? MOVIE?? ????????, Kamen Raidaa × Kamen Raidaa Uizaado Ando Fooze Muubii Taisen Arutimeitamu, 2012), and also had roles in the film CHRONICLE OF MY MOTHER (?????, Waga Haha no Ki, 2012) and in the theater production Itamu Hito. After graduating from the Hello! Project in February of 2013, she appeared in multiple TV series, and will be performing in the two-part film SPEC: CLOSE (SPEC???, SPEC?Ketsu?) this fall. Keiji Gotouda

Keiji Gotouda is the captain of the 2nd platoon. The first captain of the 2nd platoon, Gotou, is his senior so many folks refer to him as "the second coming of Gotou". He’s a pro at manipulating people via psychological warfare. He looks like he doesn’t seem to care, but when trouble hits, he’s an effective leader always thinking about the people. Toshio Kakei Born August 10, 1962, Shizuoka Prefecture. A graduate of the Osaka University of Arts, Toshio Kakei has appeared in multiple musical stage productions over the last ten years, including "Miss Saigon". He has performed in the 2013 production, TAKING SIDES (????????, Teikingusaido), and has also played roles in multiple films including BAYSIDE SHAKEDOWN: THE MOVIE (???????THE MOVIE, Odoru Dai Sousasen THE MOVIE, 1998). He has worked as a voice actor for anime, done narration, radio, and even drama performances. He is currently a personality on the Thursday TV show, ZIP!. Yuuma Shiobara

Yuuma Shiobara is in charge of commanding the first group. A military nut, he plays by his own rules, which he tends to change frequently. Sometimes sneaks a beer when the captain isn’t looking. Also enjoys building models. Seiji Fukushi Born June 3, 1983, Kanagawa Prefecture, Seiji Fukushi made his debut in the 2002 drama, LONG LOVE LETTER (???????????????). He started to hit his stride in the NHK TV novel JUNJO KIRARI (?????, Juun Jou Kirari, 2006), and had his breakout performance as the lead in OTOKOMAE! (??????, 2008). Fukushi became a regular on multiple TV shows afterward. He made his film debut in 2003 and has gone on to perform in many films since. He is also a stage actor, having performed in such shows as "RENT" and "Psychadelic Pain". Kasha (Ekaterina Krachevna Kankaeva)

Kasha is in charge of commanding the 2nd group. The daughter of Kanuka, she was sent by the Russian Federation Board of Peace with the goal of learning from the Japanese teams. She loves to drink and is a heavy smoker. She owns a real AK. Her favorite car is the DUCATI. Rina Ohta Rina Ohta was born January 11, 1988. In 2001, she made her a debut as a model thanks to the magazine Nikora. In 2006, she participated in the Miu Miu world campaign. She has also performed as a singer over the past decade. In 2012, she released “Sacrifice (Shibuya Keiichiro feat. Rina Ohta)”. She made her film debut in 2004 with 69SIXTY NINE. She has also made appearances in many commercials. Shigeo Shiba

Shigeo Shiba is squad leader of the maintenance unit. After graduating from college, his incredible skills were sought after and he was assigned to the maintenance unit. Since then, he’s served as Seitaro Sakaki’s right hand man. He’s overcome many struggles with the original 2nd squad. After Sakaki retired, he became the squad leader. His strength helps to bring the maintenance crew together. Shigeru Chiba Born February 4, 1954, Shigeru Chiba has performed in multiple TV dramas and stage productions. In 1976, he began to work as a voice actor with DOKABEN (????). His amazing voice skills meant playing anything from comedic roles to more dramatic ones as well, including the 1988 television series MOBILE POLICE PATLABOR. Credits THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (7 Chapter Series) Release Date: April 2014 (Shinjuku Piccadilly, Additional Theaters) Episode 0 Running Time: Approximately 10 Minutes Episodes 1-12 Running Time: Approximately 48 Minutes Each THE NEXT GENERATION -PATLABOR- (Feature Film; Title TBA) Release Date: 2015 Running Time: Approximately 100 Minutes Cast Akira Izumino: Erina Mano Keiji Gotoda: Toshio Kakei Yuuma Shiobara: Seiji Fukushi Kasha: Rina Ohta Shigeo Shiba: Shigeru Chiba Staff Series Head Director: Mamoru Oshii Episode Directors: Mamoru Oshii, Others TBA Screenplay: Mamoru Oshii, Kei Yamamura Music: Kenji Kawai Draft: Headgear Production: TOHOKUSHINSHA / Omnibus Japan Co., Ltd. <http://www.omnibusjp.com/> Distributor: Shochiku © 2014 "THE NEXT GENERATION-PATLABOR-" Production Committee