After an announcement at AnimeJapan 2022, the Odd Taxi Movie has finally been released in Japanese theaters. The date may have made some fans skeptical, but it’s been confirmed it’s no joke! Those who live in Japan can now purchase their ticket to enjoy the latest entry in the Odd Taxi series.

Many episodes of the Odd Taxi anime felt like a movie. Slow burn and a heavy emphasis on character building – each episode existed as a snapshot in the series world. A movie format seems like a perfect fit, but fans will have to check it out and find out how the movie handles the material.

Before watching the movie, it is up to the viewer to watch the anime in its entirety or not. The Odd Taxi Movie: In the Woods summarizes the material, but many storylines had to be shortened to fit into the running time of two hours and eight minutes.

What is the new Odd Taxi Movie about?

Hiroshi Odokawa – a walrus taxi driver who gets caught up in the monotony of his job – always encounters eccentric types who have no qualms about ranting and cheering at him about their lives and goals for the future. But after a case of a missing cat lures the police to his taxi, Odokawa becomes entangled in a mystery that reveals that his simple life is far from what he thought.

Without getting into spoilers, some fans may be wondering if the movie will focus on animal or human characters. It’s not confirmed at this point, but the promotional material does suggest that fans will see more of the animalistic characters they’ve come to love.

Based on the trailers currently available, the full cast will return in the film. The taxi driver walrus Hiroshi Odokawa, the nurse alpaca Miho Shirakawa, the aspiring idol poodle Rui Nikaidou, and so on – the announced cast list has confirmed many series staples. Since the film also serves as a summary, fans are more likely to see all their favorites again.

How can I watch the new Odd Taxi Movie?

For those who like to watch movies in Japanese theaters, it is recommended to get a MoviTicke Card† Not only do buyers get points that can be used for further discounts, but the tickets often come with exclusive merch to support the film’s release. When purchasing the Odd Taxi Movie: In the Woods MoviTicke card, fans will receive an A4 poster along with the card itself. Please note, however, that posters are only available while supplies last. Get yours while they’re still available!

Many theaters also have exclusive merchandise including t-shirts and mugs to further support the fandom. Fans will have to go to theaters in person to pick up the merch, but there is still an option for international fans to get involved. The ecommerce site Buyee allows international shoppers to buy directly from Japanese auctions and marketplaces such as Ebay and Mercari.

As for watching the film outside of Japan, no formal release date has been set. Based on the success and popularity of the Japanese release, it is possible that there will be a release on platforms like Crunchyroll in the future. Stay tuned for more information!