Tokyo Taxi


Tokyo Taxi 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
  • Shinobu Otake as Keiko, the older sister of Koji

    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

AwardDate of ceremonyCategoryRecipientResult
Nikkan Sports Film Awards28 December 2025Best FilmTokyo Taxi
Nikkan Sports Film Awards28 December 2025Best DirectorYoji Yamada
Nikkan Sports Film Awards28 December 2025Best ActorTakuya Kimura
Nikkan Sports Film Awards28 December 2025Best ActressChieko Baisho
Mainichi Film Awards10 February 2026Best CinematographyShinji Chikamori
Blue Ribbon Awards17 February 2026Best FilmTokyo Taxi
Blue Ribbon Awards17 February 2026Best DirectorYoji YamadaWon
Blue Ribbon Awards17 February 2026Best ActorTakuya Kimura
Blue Ribbon Awards17 February 2026Best ActressChieko Baisho
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best FilmTokyo Taxi
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best ScreenplayYoji Yamada and Yuzo Asahara
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best ActressChieko Baisho
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best Supporting ActressYū Aoi
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best MusicTaisei Iwasaki
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best CinematographyMasashi Chikamori
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best Lighting DirectionMasato Tsuchiyama
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best Art DirectionTakashi Nishimura
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best Sound RecordingShota Nagamura
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Best Film EditingHiroshi Sugimoto
Japan Academy Film Prize13 March 2026Newcomer of the YearRuna NakashimaWon