is a 2025 Japanese drama film co-written and directed by Yoji Yamada. The film, a remake of 2022 French-Belgian drama film Driving Madeleine is produced by Shochiku. Starring Chieko Baisho and Takuya Kimura, the film tells a story that celebrates the joys of life in the ever-changing metropolis of Tokyo.
The film had its Asian Premiere at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival on October 29, 2025, in Centerpiece.
Synopsis
Koji Usami, a hardworking Tokyo taxi driver facing financial pressures, is hired by 85-year-old Madame Takano Sumire for a ride to a nursing home in Hayama, Kanagawa. Initially unfriendly, the two gradually warm to each other during the trip. At Sumire's request, they make several detours around Tokyo, allowing her to revisit meaningful places from her past. As the day unfolds, she shares memories of personal loss and hardship. Their shared journey becomes a turning point, leaving a lasting emotional impact on both.
Cast Chieko Baisho as Sumire Takano Yu Aoi as young Sumire Takuya Kimura as Kôji Usami Takaya Sakoda as Takeshi Ogawa, Sumire's husband Yuka as Kaoru Usami, Kôji Usami's wife Runa Nakashima as Nana Usami Misuzu Kamino as Nobuko Takano Lee Jun-young as Kim Young-gi Takashi Sasano as Seiichiro Abe Sanma Akashiya as Sada, a colleague of Koji (voice) Shinobu Otake as Keiko, the older sister of Koji (voice)
Production
On January 23, 2025 Shochiku announced production of director Yoji Yamada 91st film, Tokyo Taxi starring Chieko Baisho and Takuya Kimura in lead roles.
Principal photography took place in Tokyo and surrounding areas between February and April 2025.
The film was shot on location in Shibamata and Yokohama. It utilized a new technology On-set virtual production for the scenes inside the moving taxi, which made up the majority of the film.
Release Tokyo Taxi had its Asian premiere at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival on October 29, 2025, in Centerpiece.
A release ceremony to commemorate Yamada Yoji's 91st film took place on October 20 at Tokyo Tower in Minato, Tokyo. Director Yamada attended the event along with cast members Chieko Baisho and Takuya Kimura.
The film will be presented in Limelight at the 55th International Film Festival Rotterdam for its European premiere in February 2026.
The film was released on November 21, 2025, in Japanese theatres by Shochiku.
Accolades
Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient ResultNikkan Sports Film Awards28 December 2025Best FilmTokyo TaxiBest DirectorYoji YamadaBest ActorTakuya KimuraBest ActressChieko BaishoMainichi Film Awards10 February 2026Best CinematographyShinji ChikamoriBlue Ribbon Awards17 February 2026Best FilmTokyo TaxiBest DirectorYoji YamadaBest ActorTakuya KimuraBest ActressChieko BaishoJapan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best FilmTokyo TaxiBest ScreenplayYoji Yamada and Yuzo AsaharaBest ActressChieko BaishoBest Supporting ActressYū AoiBest MusicTaisei IwasakiBest CinematographyMasashi Chikamori Best Lighting DirectionMasato TsuchiyamaBest Art DirectionTakashi NishimuraBest Sound RecordingShota NagamuraBest Film EditingHiroshi SugimotoNewcomer of the YearRuna Nakashima
References
External links
Tokyo Taxi at Tokyo International Film Festival Official trailer on YouTube