Actor Lee Jun-young will make his debut on the Japanese screen by participating in the 91st work 'Tokyo Taxi (TOKYOタクシ)' of the legendary director Yoji Yamada.
Lee Jun-young's casting and filming were conducted in strict secrecy. In particular, it was surprising that the casting was officially announced after Lee Jun-young had already completed all filming.
'Tokyo Taxi' is a heartwarming human drama based on the popular French film 'Taxi Paris (UNE BELLE COURSE)', which captures the regrets and reconciliations of life faced at the end of life against the backdrop of Tokyo, which changes with the flow of the times.
This film features top Japanese stars including Takuya Kimura, Chieko Baisho, Yū Aoi, and Takaya Sakoda. Additionally, Lee Jun-young joins as a key role representing Korea, capturing the attention of global fans.
In the film, Lee Jun-young plays the role of 'Kim Young-gi,' the first love of the protagonist Sumire (Chieko Baisho) in her younger years, and he will share deep emotional exchanges with Yū Aoi.
Recently, as Lee Jun-young has showcased intensely immersive emotional acting in various works, there is great curiosity about what new transformation he will present in his first Japanese film 'Tokyo Taxi.' Especially as Lee Jun-young makes his debut in the Japanese film industry through 'Tokyo Taxi,' he is set to expand his activities globally and solidify his status as a 'top star' worldwide.
Lee Jun-young noted, "Thanks to Director Yamada's emotionally centered direction, I was able to immerse myself naturally into the character. It was a short shoot, but a very intense experience," and added, "It is a great honor to be able to work with excellent actors in my first Japanese film." He continued, "I hope that the audience can feel the warmth of humanity through this work."
Director Yoji Yamada has directed numerous works including 'The Man Who Tired of Women,' 'The Twilight Samurai,' and the 'Family's Struggles' series, and is regarded as a living legend in the history of modern Japanese cinema. He is expected to showcase his unique humanistic direction once again, drawing the anticipation of movie fans worldwide. Particularly, his reunion with Takuya Kimura after 19 years since 'The Twilight Samurai' has garnered explosive interest in Japan.
The film 'Tokyo Taxi' is set to be released nationwide in Japan on Nov. 21.
[Photo] ©2025 Film 'Tokyo Taxi' Production Committee
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