Long-awaited "Local Bus Journey" gets the movie treatment! Yosuke Tagawa & Yoshito Ebisu's beloved odd-couple head to Taiwan, and a new legend begins

That legendary travel variety show is finally coming to the cinemas! "Local Bus Journey", which aired for many years and gained a cult following, is being released nationwide as 'Local Bus Journey THE MOVIE' from March 20th, 2026. And this time, it's the series' first overseas location shoot! The stage is set in Taiwan.

The dream pairing of Yosuke Tagawa & Yoshito Ebisu is back! With some new faces too

The charm of this well-known show lies in its ultimate old-school travel style: relying only on a map and connecting local bus routes to reach the goal. And more than anything, it's the unscripted drama born from leader Yosuke Tagawa's cool-headed observations and Yoshito Ebisu's incredibly free-spirited actions. The banter between this mismatched duo is alive and well in the movie version. In fact, if the rumours are anything to go by, the language barrier in Taiwan leads to plenty of scenes where Ebisu's go-with-the-flow attitude truly shines. Whether you're a fan or not, it's hard not to get excited.

Adding to the mix this time are Mika Mifune, who previously added a touch of sparkle to the programme, and the familiar voice of the narration, Keaton Yamada. Mifune, having weathered numerous tough spots alongside Tagawa and Ebisu in the original "Bus Journey", makes their reunion in Taiwan a heartwarming prospect. We can't wait to see how Keaton Yamada's distinctive storytelling style will colour each scene of the film.

What happened during the Taiwan shoot? The "wandering" visible in the trailer

The mission this time is to travel by connecting local buses from Kaohsiung to Taipei in three days. Dealing with Taiwan's different bus systems, the language barrier, and Ebisu's signature antics creating a hilarious journey... The already released trailer shows scenes of Tagawa holding his head in his hands and Mifune with tears in her eyes, giving us a strong feeling that a "legendary trip" is about to be born.

• Yosuke Tagawa: Leader and straight man. Will he struggle with Taiwan's complex bus routes?
• Yoshito Ebisu: His free-spirited nature knows no borders. His unexpected actions leave everyone stunned.
• Mika Mifune: The team's mood maker. A talented actress, sometimes in tears, sometimes smiling.
• Keaton Yamada: His narration adds to the excitement of the journey. Watch out to see if he appears in the film itself.

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

"Calligraphy Logo T-shirt" back in the spotlight ahead of the film's release

With the movie adaptation, attention is once again turning to the programme's iconic merchandise, the "Local Bus Journey" calligraphy logo T-shirt. This T-shirt, which has existed since the early days of the show, features a uniquely written programme title that gives it a real charm, making it a coveted item among fans, often referred to as the "Bus Journey T". Rumours are circulating that a limited number will be reissued to coincide with the film's release, and it's already causing a stir online with comments like "I'm definitely buying one" and "I hope they bring out a Taiwan version".

This T-shirt is frequently worn by the show's participants during filming, and there's a certain comforting feeling when you see Ebisu wearing it, thinking, "Ah, now that's a Bus Journey". Wearing this T-shirt to the cinema is a sure-fire way to instantly bond with fellow enthusiasts.

A film packed with twenty years of "Bus Trip" history, a must-see even for non-fans

"Local Bus Journey" has transcended being a simple travel show, capturing human drama and the charm of rural areas. The famous quotes, quirky actions, and memorable scenery born from the mismatched duo of Tagawa and Ebisu. The movie version, packed with all of these elements, is truly the ultimate gift for fans.

Even if you've never watched "Bus Journey" before, heading to the cinema for this is a great opportunity. You're bound to get hooked on the fun of old-school travel and the charm of its uniquely addictive characters. On March 20th, a new legend begins at cinemas nationwide. Will you be there to witness this crazy journey?