Beloved "Local Bus Journey" Series Finally Gets a Movie! Yosuke Tagawa & Yoshikazu Ebisu's Beloved Odd Couple Heads to Taiwan, and A New Legend Begins
That legendary travel variety show is finally coming to a cinema near you! After airing for many years and garnering a cult following, "Local Bus Journey" is being released nationwide as 'Local Bus Journey THE MOVIE' from 20th March 2026. And get this – it's the series' first-ever overseas location shoot! This time, the destination is Taiwan.
The Beloved Odd Couple Tagawa & Ebisu Are Back! With Some New Faces Too
The undeniable charm of this show lies in its ultimate analogue travel concept: relying only on a map, the team hops from one local bus to another, all to reach their final goal. But the real magic is the unpredictable drama sparked by the cool-headed quips of leader Yosuke Tagawa and the incredibly free-spirited antics of Yoshikazu Ebisu. Rest assured, the movie version is packed with the duo's classic banter. In fact, if rumours are to be believed, the language barrier in Taiwan leads to plenty of scenes where Ebisu's laid-back nature truly shines. Fans and newcomers alike can't help but get excited.
Adding to the excitement, Mika Mifune, who once graced the show, and the unmistakable voice of its narration, Keaton Yamada, are also on board. Mifune, having survived numerous tough spots alongside Tagawa and Ebisu in the original "Bus Journey," makes this Taiwan reunion a heartwarming one for long-time viewers. And we can't wait to see how Keaton Yamada's unique narrative style adds flavour to each scene in the movie.
What Happened During the Taiwan Shoot? Glimpses of Chaos in the Trailer
This time, the mission is to travel by local bus from Kaohsiung to Taipei within three days. With Taiwan's different bus systems, the language barrier, and Ebisu's unfiltered comments sparking one misadventure after another... The trailer that's already out shows Tagawa clutching his head in despair and even Mifune in tears. It's safe to say we're about to witness the birth of a "legendary chaotic journey."
- Yosuke Tagawa: Leader and straight man. Will he struggle with Taiwan's complex bus network?
- Yoshikazu Ebisu: His free-spiritedness knows no borders. His unexpected actions leave everyone stunned.
- Mika Mifune: The team's mood-maker. A talented actress who brings both tears and laughter to the screen.
- Keaton Yamada: His narration amps up the journey. Will he make a physical appearance in the film? That's something to look out for.
After all, the trailer even teases an "unexpected conclusion." Will they make it to the goal? Or will another legendary "Bus Journey classic moment" unfold? You'll have to catch it on the big screen to find out.
"Brush Stroke Logo T-Shirt" in Spotlight Again Ahead of Movie Release
Amidst all this movie buzz, the show's iconic merchandise, the "Local Bus Journey" brush stroke logo T-shirt, is grabbing attention once more. Around since the early days of the programme, this T-shirt features a uniquely hand-painted show title that's full of character, making it a highly sought-after item, affectionately known as the "Bus Journey T" among fans. There's even buzz online about a limited-edition re-release to coincide with the movie, with fans already declaring "I'm definitely buying one!" and "Hoping for a Taiwan version!"
The cast often wore these tees during filming, and seeing Ebisu in one just gives you that warm, fuzzy feeling of "ah, now that's Bus Journey." Wearing one to the cinema is a surefire way to instantly connect with fellow fans who share the same love for the show.
A "Bus Journey" Packed with Twenty Years of History – A Must-Watch Movie for Everyone
"Local Bus Journey" has always been more than just a travel programme; it's been a window into human relationships and the hidden charms of local regions. The memorable quotes, the quirky antics of the Tagawa-Ebisu odd couple, and the unforgettable scenery – the movie version encapsulates all of that, making it the ultimate gift for fans.
Even if you've never watched "Bus Journey" before, this is the perfect chance to head to the cinema and get hooked on the joy of old-school travel and its wonderfully unique cast of characters. A new legend begins in cinemas nationwide on 20th March. Will you be there to witness this chaotic adventure?