The film traces a poignant encounter between 85-year-old Madame Sumire and taxi driver Koji. The overworked driver picks up Sumire, who asks to be driven from 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 and begins to share her own tragic past. Eventually, the single day’s journey brings an unexpected miracle into their lives.
A heartwarming narrative that celebrates life’s enduring joys and sorrows in the ever-evolving metropolis of Tokyo. Adapted from the Belgian-French film, Driving Madeleine, it is the 91st film from 93-year-old director Yoji Yamada who has long been a meticulous observer of the essence of life in Japan. A love letter to Tokyo, it is the director’s finest of the decade. Nominated for 9 Japanese Academy Awards including Best Film with Chieko Baisho winning for Best Actress.
The film will be preceded by an opening reception for Tokyo Taxi ticket holders featuring sushi and Japanese light refreshments.
Yoji Yamada
Cheiko Baisho, Takuya Kimura, Yu Aoi, Takaya Skoda, Yuka
Japan
2025
In Japanese with English subtitles
Best Actress, Japanese Academy Awards
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Credits
Producer
Fusa Shunsuke
Screenwriter
Yûzô Asahara, Yoji Yamada
Cinematography
Chikamori Masashi
Editor
Hiroshi Sugimoto
Original Music
Iwasaki Taisei
Vancouver Japanese Film Festival
Experience the best in contemporary Japanese cinema with films spanning historical jidaigeki and samurai films, contemporary dramas, comedies, literary adaptations, documentaries, children’s films, and art-house fare.