Tokyo’s cinematic landscape is poised to welcome a masterful blend of heritage and contemporary stardom with the release of Tokyo Taxi: Mile of Memories (literal translation), the 91st feature film from celebrated director Yoji Yamada. This highly anticipated drama pairs veteran National Treasure actress Chieko Baisho with superstar Takuya Kimura for their first live-action collaboration, charting an emotional final journey across the Japanese capital.
The film serves as a poignant reflection on a life lived, starring Baisho as Sumire Takano, an elderly woman grappling with a challenging past. Solitary in her twilight years, Sumire hires a taxi, driven by Kimura’s character, for a final, introspective tour of Tokyo’s corners before moving to an assisted living facility. This seemingly simple taxi ride unfolds into a profound exploration of memory, regret, and connection.
Beloved Voices Share the Screen for the First Time
A fascinating footnote for fans is the professional reunion of the two leads. Baisho and Kimura previously voiced the main characters, Sophie and Howl, respectively, in Hayao Miyazaki’s 2004 animated classic, Howl’s Moving Castle. Nearly two decades later, their transition from animated heroes to real-life collaborators has delighted Japanese audiences, who have affectionately dubbed the project the “fated reunion of Howl and Sophie.”
Kimura, reflecting on the experience of working alongside the revered Baisho and the distinguished Yamada, expressed deep respect for his co-star. “She is truly a wonderful and delightful person,” Kimura stated. He admitted that earning Baisho’s approval under the exacting standards of Director Yamada could occasionally be challenging, but he found the rigor rewarding. “The joy of finally gaining her approval was incomparable. But for me, the most invaluable thing was every moment we spent acting together,” he shared, highlighting the camaraderie fostered on set.
Ensemble Cast Captures Decades of Life
The film’s emotional depth is further enriched by Aoı Yu, who portrays the young Sumire in flashback sequences. Yu compellingly traces Sumire’s evolution from a naive young woman to a fiercely resilient young mother. As this marks her sixth collaboration with Director Yamada, Yu spoke of her immense honor in securing such a layered role, calling it a “dream come true.”
During the Japanese premiere, Yu humorously suggested an ongoing taxi franchise, proposing titles like Osaka Taxi, Niigata Taxi, and Hokkaido Taxi, all starring Kimura. Kimura embraced the idea with a laugh, responding, “In that case, let’s go!” signaling his enthusiasm for continued collaboration and cinematic exploration of Japan.
Adding international flavor to the ensemble is rising South Korean actor Lee Jun-young, marking his Japanese film debut. Known for his breakout role in the K-drama Good Job (literal translation), Lee plays Sumire’s first love—a relationship tragically severed by turbulent times. Lee described his immersion in the role as seamless, citing Director Yamada’s delicate handling of human emotions. The director even revealed a humorous moment where Lee, upon learning he had an intimate scene with Yu, was briefly flustered, though he quickly transitioned into professional mode once cameras rolled.
Tokyo Taxi: Mile of Memories is expected to resonate globally, not just for its star power, but for its universal themes of memory, aging, and the enduring power of connection across time, solidifying Yamada’s reputation as a master chronicler of the human spirit.
