"Local Bus Journey" finally gets a movie adaptation! Yosuke Tagawa & Yoshito Ebisu's bumbling duo take on Taiwan, creating another legendary adventure
The legendary travel variety show is finally coming to a theatre near you! "Local Bus Journey," which has aired for many years and gained a cult following, is being released nationwide in Japan as 'Local Bus Journey THE MOVIE' from March 20, 2026. And for the first time in the series, this adventure takes them overseas! The destination is Taiwan.
The bumbling duo Yosuke Tagawa & Yoshito Ebisu are back, with some new faces!
As everyone knows, the charm of this show lies in its ultimate analogue travel concept: relying only on a map and connecting local bus routes to reach the goal. But more than that, it's the unscripted drama created by leader Yosuke Tagawa's cool-headed quips and Yoshito Ebisu's wildly carefree actions. The movie retains the brilliant banter of this mismatched pair. In fact, if you hear that Ebisu's signature go-with-the-flow attitude truly shines precisely because they're in Taiwan, facing language barriers, fans and newcomers alike can't help but get excited.
Adding to the excitement this time are Mika Mifune, who previously added charm to the show, and the beloved narrator, Keiton Yamada. Mifune, who navigated numerous tough spots alongside Tagawa and Ebisu in the original "Bus Trip," makes this reunion in Taiwan a heartwarming one. We can't wait to see how Keiton Yamada's unique narrative style adds colour to each scene in the film.
What happened during the Taiwan shoot? A glimpse of the "chaos" from the trailer
The mission this time is to travel by local bus from Kaohsiung to Taipei within three days. Navigating Taiwan's very different bus system, the language barrier, and the quintessential Ebisu moments throughout their quirky journey... The already released trailer shows scenes of Tagawa holding his head in despair and Mifune in tears, hinting at the birth of yet another "legendary trip."
- Yosuke Tagawa: The 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 brilliant actress who brings both tears and laughter.
- Keiton Yamada: His narration adds excitement to the journey. Keep an eye out to see if he appears in the film itself.
After all, the trailer ends with a title card reading "An unexpected conclusion!" Will they reach their goal safely? Or will another legendary "Bus Trip classic" moment unfold? You'll have to see the answer on the big screen.
The "Calligraphy Logo T-shirt" is back in the spotlight ahead of the movie release
With the movie adaptation, the show's popular merchandise, the "Local Bus Journey" calligraphy logo T-shirt, is gaining renewed attention. This T-shirt, available since the early days of the show, features the programme's title in a uniquely flavourful handwritten calligraphic script. It's a coveted item among fans, affectionately known as the "Bus Trip T." Rumours are swirling that a limited number will be re-released to coincide with the film, and online chatter is already heating up with comments like "Definitely buying one!" and "I hope they make a Taiwan version!"
This T-shirt is frequently worn by the show's cast during filming. Seeing Ebisu in it, in particular, brings that comforting "Ah, that's the Bus Trip we know" feeling. Wearing it to the cinema guarantees an instant connection with fellow fans who share the same passion.
A film packed with twenty years of "Bus Trip" history, a must-see for fans and newcomers alike
"Local Bus Journey" has transcended being a mere travel programme, capturing human interactions and the unique charm of rural areas. The famous quotes, quirky actions born from the mismatched duo of Tagawa and Ebisu, and the landscapes etched into viewers' hearts – the movie version encapsulates all of it, making it the ultimate gift for fans.
Even if you've never watched "Bus Trip," this is the perfect opportunity to head to the theatre. You're sure to be hooked by the joy of analogue travel and the irresistible charm of its unique characters. On March 20th, a new legend begins at cinemas nationwide. Will you witness this chaotic journey?