Long-awaited 'Local Bus Journey' gets the movie treatment! Yosuke Tagawa & Yoshimi Ebisu's odd-couple duo take on Taiwan, heading for a new legend

That legendary travel show is finally coming to the big screen! After years on air and gaining a cult following, 'Local Bus Journey THE MOVIE' will be released nationwide in Japan from 20th March 2026. And this time, it's the series' first overseas location shoot! The stage is set in Taiwan.

The odd-couple duo Tagawa and Ebisu are back! Along with some new faces

The well-known charm of this programme lies in its ultimate analogue travel concept: relying only on a map and connecting local bus services to reach a goal. But above all, it's the unscripted drama created by leader Yosuke Tagawa's cool-headed commentary and Yoshimi Ebisu's utterly unrestrained actions. In the film version, this mismatched pair's repartee is very much alive. In fact, if you hear that it's precisely because of the language barrier in Taiwan that Ebisu's go-at-his-own-pace attitude really explodes onto the scene, both fans and newcomers can't help but get excited.

Adding to the mix this time are Mika Mifune, who previously graced the show, and the ever-familiar narrator Keaton Yamada. Mifune, having survived numerous trials alongside Tagawa and Ebisu in the original "Bus Trip", makes their reunion in Taiwan a heartwarming prospect. We can't wait to see how Keaton Yamada's unique narrative style will colour each scene of the movie.

What happened during the Taiwan location shoot? Glimpses of the "chaos" from the trailer

This mission involves travelling by local bus from Kaohsiung to Taipei over three days. With Taiwan's unfamiliar bus system, language issues, and Ebisu's characteristic antics creating a hilarious journey... The already released trailer shows scenes of Tagawa holding his head in his hands and Mifune in tears, giving every indication that a "legendary comedy of errors" has been born.

• Yosuke Tagawa: Leader and straight man. Struggling with Taiwan's complex bus network?
• Yoshimi Ebisu: His free-spiritedness knows no borders. His unexpected actions leave everyone stunned.
• Mika Mifune: The team's mood maker. A fine actress, sometimes in tears, sometimes smiling.
• Keaton Yamada: His narration amps up the journey. Watch out to see if he appears in the film itself.

After all, the trailer even ends with a caption hinting at an "unexpected conclusion". Will they make it to the goal safely? Or will another legendary "bus trip" moment typical of the show occur? You'll have to see for yourself on the big screen.

Spotlight returns to the "calligraphy logo T-shirts" ahead of movie release

With the movie release, attention is once again focusing on the show's iconic merchandise, the "Local Bus Journey" calligraphy logo T-shirt. Around since the show's early days, these T-shirts, with their distinctive brushed calligraphy of the programme title, have a charming, rustic feel and are highly sought after by fans as the definitive "Bus Trip T". Rumours are circulating of a limited-edition reprint to coincide with the film's opening, sparking excitement online with comments like "Definitely buying one" and "I hope they do a Taiwan version".

These T-shirts are often worn by the show's cast during location shoots, and seeing Ebisu in one, in particular, gives that warm, fuzzy feeling of "Ah, that's a proper bus trip." Wearing one to the cinema guarantees you'll instantly connect with fellow enthusiasts.

A film packed with twenty years of "Bus Trip" history, unmissable for fans and newcomers alike

"Local Bus Journey" has always been more than just a travel show; it's a snapshot of human relationships and the charm of rural Japan. The famous quotes, the bizarre antics born from the mismatched duo of Tagawa and Ebisu, and the unforgettable scenery – the film version, packed with all of this, is truly the ultimate gift for fans.

Even if you've never watched "Bus Trip", taking this opportunity to head to the cinema will surely see you hooked on the fun of analogue travel and the irresistible charm of its unique characters. A new legend begins in cinemas nationwide on 20th March. Will you be there to witness this chaotic journey?