Film director Hirokazu Kore-eda is helming a live-action adaptation of manga artist Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Look Back, with the release set for 2026. Two teaser visuals have been unveiled, showing a snowy road and the striking view of backs in a room.
Kore-eda, whose 2018 film Shoplifters won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, will be creating the first live-action adaptation of a Tatsuki Fujimoto manga with Look Back.
Fujimoto’s singular work “Chainsaw Man” have sold over 34 million copies in Japan and his latest publications are making waves worldwide. His works, such as Fire Punch and Chainsaw Man, are widely regarded for their unique style. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is currently screening around the world, and has earned 27 billion yen (172.9million US$).
Look Back, published in Shonen Jump+ in 2021, is Fujimoto’s heartfelt coming-of-age story about two girls passionately pursuing their dreams of becoming manga artists. Upon its release, it sparked buzz among numerous manga fans, including renowned creators, and won first place in the Men’s category of This Manga is Amazing! 2022. In 2024, it was adapted into a theatrical animation, becoming a major hit. It screened worldwide, including at the world’s largest animation film festival, the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, receiving high praise both domestically and internationally.
Director Kore-eda, who is helming this live-action adaptation, was also captivated by the poignant story woven in Look Back. He recalled coming upon the manga in a bookstore, drawn to the image of the protagonist’s back on the cover, buying it, and reading it in one go. “I felt so keenly that Tatsuki Fujimoto couldn’t have moved forward without creating this work,” Kore-eda recalled about his first impression. “For me, Nobody Knows was that kind of work.”
After this first encounter, Kore-eda received an offer from producer Daiju Koide to adapt Look Back into a live-action film and met the original author. On his way home, he resolved, “I can’t not do this.”
Fujimoto praised the meticulous direction in the first Kore-eda film he’d seen, Our Little Sister. “If Director Kore-eda is going to film Look Back, I have nothing more to say. I’m looking forward to it!” he said, expressing his complete trust.
Though manga and film are different genres, two creators constantly at the forefront of their fields met and began their journey together. The live-action film Look Back, like the original work, depicts the 13-year journey of the two protagonists, Fujino and Kyomoto, starting from their elementary school days, alongside the beautiful changing seasons.
Filming for the project has already wrapped. It took place primarily in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, with the warm cooperation of the local community, capturing the rich seasons throughout. Editing is currently underway.
Two teaser visuals, serving as the first official images from the film, have been released. They capture two memorable scenes: the backs of two figures walking along a snow-covered road, and the two facing their desks in a room, drawing manga. Photographer Hideaki Hamada, active both domestically and internationally, accompanied the production on set and was responsible for the still photography for these visuals.
Look Back has already secured release dates in Japan as well as in South Korea and Taiwan. Preparations are underway for a worldwide release, aiming to reach audiences across borders. Please stay tuned for future developments.
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