Renowned Japanese actor Naoto Takenaka is set to make a noteworthy returning to the world of K-dramas with the upcoming series Taxi Driver 3. As reported by SPOT TV News on April 7, 2025, the drama recently announced its main cast, which now includes Takenaka, marking a significant moment in his career after 15 years since his last appearance in a Korean drama.
Details regarding Takenaka’s specific role in the series remain undisclosed; however, there is considerable excitement among fans as the show plans to film portions of the third season in Japan. His return is particularly anticipated given his impactful presence in previous projects.
Insights into Naoto Takenaka and His Role in Taxi Driver 3
At 69 years old, Naoto Takenaka has firmly established himself in the entertainment industry, notably known for his comedic flair. He gained significant acclaim for his portrayal of conductor Franz von Stresemann in the beloved series Nodame Cantabile, which starred Ueno Juri and Hiroshi Tamaki and captivated audiences across Japan and South Korea.
Beyond acting, Takenaka has contributed his voice to characters in various animated features, including lending his voice to Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury in the Japanese versions of Marvel’s Avengers series. He has also voiced characters in popular films such as Ice Age, Shrek, and Puss in Boots, as well as in anime titles like One Piece.
In addition to his acting prowess, Takenaka has ventured into directing, having helmed films like Downfall and Yamagata Scream. Most recently, he appeared in a supporting role in the Netflix film Demon City, released on February 27, 2025, and will soon be seen in Flash Mob Panic and Ura Shain: Let Me Be A Spy.
Discovering Taxi Driver 3
Taxi Driver made its debut in 2021, capturing the audience’s interest with the story of Kim Do-gi, a former detective who joins the vigilante group at Rainbow Taxi Company—dedicated to delivering justice to criminals who have evaded legal punishment.
The second season aired in 2023, introducing fresh challenges and adversaries for the Rainbow Taxi Company as they navigated new cases, continuously pushing their limits.
The ensemble cast of Taxi Driver 3 includes familiar faces such as Lee Je-hoon, Kim Eui-song, Pyo Ye-jin, Jang Hyuk-jin, and Bae Yoo-ram, with Takenaka’s recent casting amplifying anticipation for the series. The talented Oh Sang-ho will return as the writer of the new season, while the direction will be led by Kang Bo-seung, known for his work on Dr. Romantic 3.
Taxi Driver 3 is expected to premiere in the latter half of 2025 on SBS, promising to deliver intense narratives and engaging performances.