The Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) is pleased to announce that Tokyo Taxi, from acclaimed Japanese director Yamada Yoji, will screen as the Centerpiece, the heart of the 38th edition of the festival.
 
This 91st feature from Yamada, produced to mark the 130th anniversary of his longtime studio, Shochiku, stars his muse Baisho Chieko (It’s Tough Being a Man series) and iconic actor-singer Kimura Takuya, who reunites with the director for the first time since 2006’s Love and Honor.
 
Tokyo Taxi portrays the poignant encounter between 85-year-old Madame Sumire and taxi driver Koji. The story begins when Koji picks up Sumire, who asks to be driven from Shibamata, Tokyo to a nursing home in Hayama where she has chosen to spend her last days. As they travel through Tokyo, visiting places of significance to her, Sumire opens her heart to Koji and begins to share her own tragic past. Eventually, the single day’s journey brings an unexpected miracle into their lives.
 
In this adaptation of the 2022 French film Driving Madeleine, Yamada Yoji—who has long captured the essence of life in Japan—crafts a heartwarming narrative that celebrates life’s enduring joys and sorrows in the ever-evolving metropolis of Tokyo. Along with Baisho and Kimura, the ensemble cast also features Aoi Yu, Sakoda Takaya, Yuka, Nakashima Runa and Korean star Lee Jun-young. TIFF is proud to present the film as our centerpiece, the very heart of the festival.
 
The 38th Tokyo International Film Festival will take place from October 27 (Mon) to November 5 (Wed).
 

 
Director: Yamada Yoji
Screenplay: Yamada Yoji, Asahara Yuzo
Original Film: Driving Madeleine by Christian Carion
Cast: Baisho Chieko, Kimura Takuya, Aoi Yu, Sakoda Takaya, Yuka, Nakashima Runa, Kanno Misuzu, Lee Jun-young, Makita Sports, Kitayama Masayasu, Kimura Yura, Kobayashi Nenji, Sasano Takashi
Release Date (Japan): November 21, 2025
Distribution (Japan): Shochiku Co., Ltd.
→ Official Site (Japanese)
 
Director Yamada Yoji’s 91st film celebrates the joys of life in the ever-changing metropolis of Tokyo. Hardworking taxi driver Koji, who struggles to support his family despite his delight over his daughter’s music school acceptance. One day, he picks up 85-year-old Sumire, who asks him to drive her to a nursing home. During the ride, Sumire gradually opens her heart to Koji, and begins to tell him about her own tragic past. A remake of the French film Driving Madeleine (2022), Tokyo Taxi depicts how a single trip changes the lives of two people.
 
Comment from Director Yamada Yoji
It is a great pleasure that our film Tokyo Taxi, which depicts contemporary Tokyo, will be screened at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The film tells the story of a fateful day on which the hearts of a driver and a passenger, meeting by chance, connect and their lives intertwine. In these uncertain times, I sincerely hope that this film will resonate with audiences and bring light into their lives.
 
Comment from Ichiyama Shozo, 38th TIFF Programming Director
It was delightful to discover that Tokyo Taxi, the latest film by Japanese master Yamada Yoji, is such a light-hearted and vibrant narrative. We are truly privileged to be screening this masterpiece, which showcases the immense potential of cinema, as our Centerpiece this year.