Fear Taxi: In Tokyo, you may share a ride with Sadako of 'The Ring'
This ain't that "fake" one from the internet's nether reaches, mind you.
Just in time for Halloween, those in Tokyo in Japan may share a taxi ride with Sadako—the iconic ghost in a white dress whose long jet-black hair obscures her face—from the classic supernatural horror franchise The Ring.
Local outlet Sora News 24 reported that Japan's taxi dispatch app S. Ride has collaborated with The Ring producers to promote the franchise's newest installment, Sadako DX. The movie, which premiered at the Fantasia International Film Festival in Canada last July, will hit cinemas Oct. 28.
Passengers cannot just hail a Sadako taxi in the streets, as they have to specifically book one on the S. Ride app. Of course, they may opt for the typical "non-haunted" taxi.
As one books a Sadako taxi, she will appear on the phone after a pickup request, with a message that reads "I think she's coming."
The Sadako taxi is as conspicuous as it can get. According to Sora News 24, the character is visible on the outward digital signage, as well as on the backseat monitor via augmented reality.
Sadako will also narrate driving protocols in a safety video—ironically helping save lives instead of taking them.
The character will show her "more festive side" on Oct. 30 and 31 for Halloween, Sora News 24 also reported.
A total of 50 Sadako taxis will operate from Oct. 24 to Nov. 16.
The franchise takes off from author Koji Suzuki's Ring novel series, first published in 1991.
It spawned a series of manga, television shows, and movies in Japan, as well as in the United States.