#Japan #Tokyo #Taxiater #Shiori Kubo #Yuhta Hayashi

Exciting New Taxi Film Festival, 'TAXIATER'

Japan's First Taxi Film Festival
The much-anticipated 'TAXIATER', Japan's inaugural taxi film festival, is set to create a fresh cinematic experience from August 3 to August 9, 2026. In celebration of 'Taxi Day' on August 5, this innovative festival will utilize 100 taxis throughout Tokyo's 23 wards, showcasing original short films produced by an award-winning team. This unique festival aims to redefine what it means to experience cinema on the go, seamlessly blending transportation with artistic expression.

The Lineup and Notable Talent
Among the films featured in this exciting festival is 'The World is Beautiful,' starring the multifaceted Shiori Kubo. This marks Kubo's first leading role post her graduation from the popular idol group Nogizaka46. Another highlight is 'Parallel Parking,' featuring rising star Yuhta Hayashi, a recent recipient of the Best Actor Award at the 30th Busan International Film Festival for his performance in 'Fool's Identity.' The third standout film, 'Round and Square,' stars Kanna Osawa, who gained attention for her roles in acclaimed productions including 'Amiko.' Each film brings together remarkable casts and contributors, promising an engaging cinematic experience.

Details of the Festival and Screenings
Following the taxi screenings, the films will be showcased in theaters from August 15 to August 29, 2026, across three key locations in Tokyo: Ikebukuro, Shibuya, and Shimokitazawa. The theater screenings will also feature opportunities for the public to engage in discussions with directors and actors about their creative processes and experiences during filming.

Film Synopsis
1. The World is Beautiful: Written and directed by Ryutaro Nakagawa, the film tells the poignant story of Sika, portrayed by Shiori Kubo, who embarks on a taxi journey with her young daughter. They encounter a man with a painful past, leading to a profound exploration of life and death, embodying themes of loss and resilience.

2. Parallel Parking: Directed by Sho Nagashima, this narrative follows a young man, Yusei (Yuhta Hayashi), who finds himself in an unusual circumstance after a night out. Fate leads him to meet a woman, Midori (Kayoko Kishimoto), and this unexpected encounter begins to shift his stagnant outlook on life.

3. Round and Square: This tender tale, crafted by director Naoko Komiyama, navigates the complexities of relationships through the experiences of two middle school girls, who set out to uncover their past while searching for their estranged mother.

Engaging with Audiences
From today, tickets for the theater screenings are available for purchase. The festival aims not only to entertain but also to provoke thought and foster discussions about film, life, the creative process, and the intersections of these elements in our everyday lives. Audience reactions and their connections to the stories will play a vital role in the festival's success.

Support and Sponsorship
'SPONSORED BY' Kaō Corporation will lend its support to 'TAXIATER' through its popular consumer products including the laundry detergent 'Attack,' fabric softener 'Humming,' and dishwashing detergent 'Kyu Kyu T.'