80sanime:

1979-1990 Anime Primer
Neo-Tokyo (1987)

Neo-Tokyo is a visually arresting animation anthology that features three of the anime industry’s most visionary directors adapting stories by famous science fiction author Taku Mayumura.

Labyrinth labyrinthos, directed by Rintaro (Galaxy Express 999, Harmagedon), depicts a game of hide-and-seek between a young girl and her cat, Cicerone. Their chase takes them through the looking glass and into a world of mysterious and vaguely menacing creatures. Dizzyingly surreal animation and an unearthly atmosphere define this mood piece.

Running Man, directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Cyber City Oedo 808, Ninja Scroll), tells the story of enigmatic racer Zack Hughes. Hughes has reigned undefeated over the perilous Death Circus racing circuit for over a decade, thanks largely to the psychic powers he uses to implode other cars on the track. But when there’s no one left to rival him, he turns upon himself… This short, with its Blade Runner-esque aesthetic and ultra-violence, gained notoriety when it appeared on MTV’s Liquid Television in the 90s.

Construction Cancellation Order, directed by Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira, Robot Carnival), is a deadpan satire of the Japanese worth ethic and Bubble Economy excess. A beleaguered businessman is sent to the Aloana Republic in South America to shut down a construction facility that is hemorrhaging company money. Unfortunately, the site is manned entirely by industrious automatons who flat-out refuse to stop working… and who have no human compunctions about neutralizing outside threats!

Originally titled “Manie-Manie Labyrinth Tales”, Neo-Tokyo was renamed for its Western release, likely to emphasize the involvement of Otomo. Along with Robot Carnival, Neo-Tokyo is testament to the heights of technical mastery and unbridled creativity the 80s anime industry had to offer at its peak.