The Teaser trailer and poster visual for director Yamada Yoji's 91st film "TOKYO Taxi" (released November 21st), in which Takuya Kimura co-stars with Chieko Baisho, were released on May 23rd.
"TOKYO Taxi" is based on the French film "Paris Taxi" (2022). Director Yamada and Yuzo Asahara are in charge of the screenplay. One day, taxi driver Koji Usami (Kimura) is driving 85-year-old Sumire Takano (Baisho) from Shibamata, Tokyo to a senior care facility in Hayama, Kanagawa. Sumire asks Koji to make a detour, saying, "There are a few places I'd like to stop by before my last look at Tokyo." As they travel together in the taxi, Sumire gradually opens up and begins to talk about her brutal past. The story is about the hearts and lives of two people who meet by chance, and how they change dramatically... This is the first time that Kimura and Director Yamada have teamed up in 19 years since "Samurai's Minute" (2006). It has been 21 years since they last worked together with Baisho in the animated feature film " Howl's Moving Castle" (2004).
The Teaser trailer begins with Koji, played by Kimura, picking up Sumire, played by Baisho, in a taxi. "Where are you going, sir?" "I think I told you," the two say in a cold tone, but in the second half of the video, Sumire bombards Koji with questions, asking, "Who was your first love, driver? What was she like?" The video is full of amusing exchanges that will make you chuckle, as she slaps him on the shoulder and says, "I don't remember that," and then, "Oh, how boring, you're embarrassed!" The video is brimming with anticipation as to how the two, strangers as taxi driver and passenger, will connect with each other and what impact it will have on each of their lives.
The poster visual captures the moment when the two are sitting next to each other in the driver's seat and passenger seat of a taxi, smiling sweetly. The poster features a shot taken by photographer Kazumi Kurigami, and the visual arouses curiosity about what kind of conversation took place between the two during the taxi ride.
Filming for this movie wrapped up in April, and Baisho made a surprise visit to Kimura, who had already finished filming, and they all shared a hug, along with Director Yamada. It was clear from the footage that the three actresses shared a strong bond and the trust they had built through filming. Baisho said of her role as Sumire, a strong-willed girl with flashy hair and nails, "It was my first time playing a role like this, so it was a challenge," and shared an episode about Kimura, saying, "He's a person with an incredibly rich talent," and "When our acting went well, we would high-five each other."
Kimura also showed his affection for Baisho, saying, "She's a wonderful person, someone I really love." He also spoke passionately about working with Yamada on set for the first time in 19 years, saying, "It's rare to find a set that's so luxurious and heartfelt," and "It made me feel at the origins of filmmaking."
Comments from Baisho and Kimura are as follows:
◇Comment from Chieko Baisho
-Were there any points you kept in mind while acting, or requests from the director?
As with acting, I started by making my nails. It took me three and a half hours the first time. I also made a unique hairstyle to go with the nails, but when I was trying on the costume, Director Yamada told me, "I want you to make the hairstyle challenging," and "I want the costume to have a challenging atmosphere somewhere." So, with that in mind, I continued filming while taking on challenges, as this was my first time playing such a role.
-How was it working with Kimura-san?
I asked him, "Was my acting strange?" and Kimura also asked, "How was that?" We high-fived each other when the acting went well, and it was a very enjoyable shoot. He is a person with an extremely rich talent, and has many different drawers. By facing him carefully, the rich talents hidden deep within him came out one after another, so it was a lot of fun acting with him.
--Please give a message to the audience who are looking forward to the movie.
My favorite ginkgo tree line also appears in the film, so I hope you enjoy this story along with the scenery of Tokyo. And after watching the film, I hope you feel like saying "Let's high-five!" Please go see "TOKYO TAXI" at the theater.
◇Comment from Takuya Kimura
--Looking back on working with Yamada, what did you think of the director's direction and the atmosphere within the group?
It's rare to find such a luxurious and heartfelt set, so I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to encounter it. It was a set that made me think again about the origins of Director Yamada making and shooting a movie.
-How was it working with Baisho-san?
Once again, I realized what a wonderful person she is, and how precious she is to me. While I was acting with Baisho-san under the guidance of the great director Yamada, there were times when we struggled to get the OK, but rather than feeling frustrated, I even found those moments enjoyable. Of course, I was happy when we got the OK, but I also enjoyed each and every process of acting with Baisho-san.
--Please give a message to the audience who are looking forward to the movie.
I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of film Director Yamada will create by setting the film "Paris Taxi" in Tokyo, which was produced in France. This film was created with the help of a wonderful cast and staff. I would be happy if you could simply feel warm and fuzzy after watching it and think, "Movies are great after all," so please look forward to it.
