The trio who took to the stage on October 29 following the Asian Premiere screening of Tokyo Taxi, the Centerpiece presentation of the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, represented three of the most beloved faces in the history of Japanese entertainment: acclaimed actor Baisho Chieko, superstar singer-actor Kimura Takuya, and legendary director Yamada Yoji.
 
They were there not only to comment on their experiences making Yamada’s 91st film together, but to honor the master with a well-deserved TIFF Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to the film industry in Japan and internationally.
 
For those who had just had the pleasure of watching Tokyo Taxi, this appearance was very rich icing on the cake, indeed.
 
In Tokyo Taxi, Baisho (Plan 75, Tora-san series) plays the elegant, upper-class Madame Sumire, who has hired Kimura to drive her from eastern Tokyo to a retirement home in Yokohama. Baisho has worked with Yamada since her film debut in 1965 (Kiri no Hata), and here, she demonstrates masterfully just how much can be conveyed from the closed confines of a moving vehicle. As the two characters share their stories over the course of a long ride, Baisho is charming but indomitable, feisty but forlorn. And her chemistry with Kimura, a family man who is worried about paying his talented daughter’s tuition at an overseas conservatory, is as magical as the ending of the story.
 
While the film is adapted from the 2022 French film Driving Madeleine, Yamada makes it his own, including such important social issues as domestic violence and the discrimination against Zainichi Koreans, while also showcasing beloved Tokyo scenes through the windows, from Shibamata (Tora-san’s hometown) to Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue to the Bay Bridge.
 
Invited to make opening remarks on stage, Baisho thanked everyone for coming, and told the audience, “I am now 84 years old, and I’m nervous but happy to be here.” (She did not mention that she’s a full decade younger than her director.)
 
Kimura expressed gratitude that the film was chosen as the Centerpiece presentation, noting “I’m happy to see such a large turnout for the film. This is TIFF’s largest venue, seating over 800 people, so we’re really honored that you all came out, and thank you very much.”
 
Said Yamada, “I started working on this film last autumn and it took about a year to complete. Now we’re having this screening today, and you’re all here, so we thank you.”
 
The trio were informed that Tokyo Taxi would be released in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore soon, and were asked for their thoughts on it being seen overseas.
 
Baisho admitted, “We climbed this mountain called Tokyo Taxi together and I’m very happy to share it with so many people. The mountain didn’t have any shape, but it was much higher than Mt. Fuji, so this has become a very good experience for me. I hope many people come to see the film.”
 
She also mentioned, “When we had a preview screening for this, a friend of mine was in the audience and told me that she was so happy to be alive. That made me very pleased. I was so happy to work with Mr. Yamada again and I hope I have many opportunities to come.”
 
Kimura once again stressed the importance of watching films in the theater. “In this age when we can stay at home and easily press a switch and watch whatever we select,” he said, “this is really impressive. It’s really special to watch a film on such a huge screen with special audio, and this is the kind of film that benefits from this environment. This makes me enormously happy, and I’m looking forward to hearing overseas audiences’ impressions of the film.”
 
Yamada concurred. “As Kimura-kun said, it’s always best to see films in a theater, and I feel really privileged to be able to share this with so many film fans here. I always tell myself that I’m making a film with the intention of showing it on a big screen, not on a small TV screen, where many people will be watching it together. I’m very happy to be sharing it with you.”
 
TIFF Chairman Ando Hiroyasu was then called to the stage to present the Lifetime Achievement Award. “Congratulations, Mr. Yamada!” he said. “Director Yamada has been making moving films about the lives of ordinary Japanese since shortly after the war, and he has continued up to today, leading the way toward the future of films. As Ms. Baisho said, Tokyo Taxi is a Mt. Fuji-size film. Japanese cinema has a long history and a deserved reputation with film fans around the world. Mr. Yamada has made indelible contributions to the history of Japanese film, as well as nurturing young actors.”
 
Accepting colorful bouquets from Baisho and Kimura—the latter of whom told the audience that their applause wasn’t loud enough—Yamada then remarked, “I’ve been making films for many years and I feel this award truly honors the work that I’ve done. Some 70 years ago, when I started making films as an assistant director, Japanese film was in its golden age. We didn’t have TV yet, and countries in Asia like China and Korea were not making a lot of films. That’s why so many audiences turned out for films, because it was like the king of entertainment.”
 
“The industry was rich and affluent. Compared with then, we have now entered a very challenging time. It’s difficult to make films, which I sympathize with. That’s why film festivals like TIFF are so important, to enable people to see films in the theaters. I hope TIFF continues for many years and I hope you’ll continue to support it.”
 
Baisho told the newly minted honoree, “When I see your enthusiasm, it fills me with energy. Please eat lots of yummy food, take care of your health, and continue making films. I look forward to working with you again.”
 
Kimura recalled the first time he’d become aware of Yamada Yoji. “When I was a kid, I lived in Shibamata (the area of Tokyo that is home to Tora-san), and I remember watching the filming of Tora-san. In a way, everyone in that area is also part of Team Yamada, not just the cast and crew. Since he’s always so interested in people, how they live, how they love, his strong energy and enthusiasm transcends his films. I’m sure all of you were able to feel it as well. I’m glad this was something that we all could share.”
 
“When he yells on set ‘Ready, Action!’ with that level of energy – when there’s someone with this level of passion and proficiency, you want to see him make another film.”
 
Greetings from the Stage: Centerpiece
Tokyo Taxi
Guests: Baisho Chieko (Actor), Kimura Takuya (Actor), Yamada Yoji (Director/Screenplay)