The trailer and main 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 August 27th. Additional cast members have also been announced.
" 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 tasked with driving 85-year-old Sumire Takano (Baisho) from Shibamata, Tokyo, to a nursing home in Hayama, Kanagawa. Sumire asks Koji to make a detour, saying, "There are a few places I'd like to visit before my final visit to Tokyo." As they travel together in the taxi, Sumire gradually opens up to Koji, and begins to share her own tragic past. This is the story of how the two people's chance encounter changes their hearts and lives... This is the first time Kimura and director Yamada have teamed up in 19 years since "A Minute of a Samurai" (2006). It's also the first time they've worked together with Baisho in 21 years, since the animated feature film "Howl's Moving Castle " (2004).
The released 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 start off coldly, but as they continue to talk, Sumire gradually begins to open up and bombards Koji with questions, such as, "Who was your first love, driver? What was she like?" The amusing exchange is sure to make you chuckle, as she slaps him on the shoulder, saying, "I don't remember," and Koji responds, "Oh, that's boring, you're embarrassed!"
In the middle of the film, we see a young Sumire (Aoi Yu) crying and hugging her child, saying, "I'll never let this happen again!", as well as a flashback to her standing on the witness stand in court. There is also a scene where Koji says, "You can see this view because you're alive now. You're lucky you didn't die, Sumire," to which Sumire replies, "That's true. I got to meet you, too." It's a scene that makes you feel like they've gone from being strangers as taxi driver and passenger to connecting deeply through their taxi journey.
At the end of the trailer, there is a striking scene of Koji in tears in a taxi. The mixed emotions on Koji's face as he wipes away the tears that are flowing are captivating and draw you into the story.
The main visual, which was also released, shows the two of them walking arm in arm with a vibrant sunset behind them, smiling gently. The visual captures a fun moment when smiles emerge unconsciously as they talk, giving a glimpse into how the two of them bonded and connected with each other through their journey.
Additional cast members have also been announced. Makita Sports, making his Yamada debut, will play the judge when a young Sumire takes the stand in a certain case. Masayasu Kitayama, who has appeared in numerous Yamada films, including "Hello, Mom" (2023), will play a staff member at the elderly care facility Takashi Yanai in the currently airing NHK morning drama " Anpan, " will play Sumire's son, Isamu. Furthermore, Toshimitsu Kobayashi, a Yamada regular since "School III" (1998), will appear in a supporting role as a customer at the restaurant where Sumire and Koji dine. This will be his first appearance in four years since "The God of Cinema" (2021).
