The critically acclaimed Odd Taxi TV anime is set to release two compilation films in Japanese theaters, with the screenings also offering an exclusive preview of the upcoming original anime film, The Last Blossom. The announcement comes as fans eagerly anticipate new content from the creative minds behind the popular mystery series.
The first compilation film, encompassing episodes 1-7 of the TV anime, will be screened on September 10-11, 2025. Following shortly after, the second film, covering episodes 8-13, is slated for September 17-18, 2025. These special theatrical runs will be limited to just five theaters across Japan.
Commemorating “The Last Blossom” Premiere
The limited screenings of the Odd Taxi compilation films serve as a prelude to the highly anticipated debut of The Last Blossom (Housenka), an original anime film scheduled to premiere on October 10, 2025. Both projects share a significant creative lineage, as The Last Blossom is a new venture from Odd Taxi director Baku Kinoshita and original series creator Kazuya Konomoto, who is credited with the script and original concept for the new film.
What to Expect from “The Last Blossom”
The Last Blossom promises a compelling and emotionally charged narrative, distinct from the anthropomorphic animal world of Odd Taxi. The film centers on Akutsu, an elderly inmate serving a life sentence, who begins to reflect on his past while conversing with a talking Housenka (balsam) flower in his solitary cell. The synopsis teases a story of a dying yakuza’s one-night victorious comeback and his family’s journey, as told through the perspective of the blooming flower in prison.
Animation production for The Last Blossom is handled by CLAP, known for their work on titles such as Pompo: The Cinéphile and The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes. The film’s music is composed by the band cero.
Key Voice Cast Revealed
The cast brings a blend of experienced and new talent to the project:
- Minoru Akutsu (Past/Present): Junki Tozuka and veteran actor Kaoru Kobayashi
- Nana Nagata (Past/Present): Hikari Mitsushima and Yoshiko Miyazaki
- Housenka (The Talking Flower): Pierre Taki
The film has already garnered international attention, making its world premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival 2025 as part of the Feature Film Competition.
Distinguishing New Films from “Odd Taxi: In the Woods”
It is important to note that these newly announced compilation films are distinct from Odd Taxi: In the Woods, the “reconstruction” film that premiered in April 2022. While Odd Taxi: In the Woods also compiled the TV anime episodes, it notably included additional footage depicting events after the television anime’s finale. The upcoming compilation films are specifically focused on re-presenting the original series in two parts, with the added incentive of a preview for The Last Blossom.
