Japanese acting legend Naoto Takenaka is making his return to Korean television, joining the cast of SBS’s highly anticipated drama ‘Taxi Driver 3’, according to SPOTV News on April 7th.

Adapted from a popular webtoon, Taxi Driver is a revenge drama about a mysterious taxi company, Rainbow Transport, and driver Kim Do Gi (played by Lee Je Hoon), who delivers justice on behalf of wronged victims. With its thrilling premise and cathartic storytelling, the show has become a fan-favorite in Korea and abroad.

Following the massive success of Seasons 1 and 2, Taxi Driver 3 is officially set to air in the second half of 2024. The full ensemble cast — including Kim Eui Sung, Pyo Ye Jin, Jang Hyuk Jin, and Bae Yoo Ram — is returning alongside Lee Je Hoon, ensuring the “Rainbow Transport” team is back in full force.

Adding to the excitement, Naoto Takenaka, one of Japan’s most respected and beloved actors, will appear in Season 3, expanding the scale of the series. Korean viewers may remember Takenaka for his eccentric and memorable role as conductor Franz von Stresemann in Nodame Cantabile, which enjoyed huge popularity in Korea.

His filmography includes hits such as Shall We Dance, Waterboys, Drops of God, The Colors of Wind, Leon, The Solitary Gourmet, and Heartbroken Chocolatier. Korean audiences last saw him in a local drama 15 years ago, when he appeared in Rain’s The Fugitive: Plan B in 2010.

Now returning to K-drama after more than a decade, Takenaka’s involvement has already sparked intense interest. With Taxi Driver 3 also set to film in Japan, expectations are rising for an expanded universe and even more dynamic storytelling.

The new season is slated to premiere later this year.

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