• HOME
  • Anime Film "Look Back" Completed Just Before Premiere: Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama Stayed at Work for Two and a Half Months
Japan Anime News Edit by Satoru Shoji

Anime Film "Look Back" Completed Just Before Premiere: Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama Stayed at Work for Two and a Half Months

Actors Yuumi Kawai, Mizuki Yoshida, and director Kiyotaka Oshiyama appeared at the completion screening of the anime film "Look Back," which is set to be released on june 28th. The event was held in Tokyo on the 1st.


Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama at the completion screening of "Look Back"

Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama at the completion screening of "Look Back" (C) ORICON NewS inc.


"Look Back," created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the author of "Chainsaw Man," follows the growth of two fourth-grade students, Fujino and her truant classmate Kyomoto, through their shared passion for manga. The story begins when their four-panel comic is published in the school newspaper, leading to a series of life-changing events. The narrative traces their journey through middle school and high school.


Scene cut from the theatrical animation “Look Back” (C) Tatsuki Fujimoto/Shueisha (C) 2024 “Look Back” Production Committee

Scene cut from the theatrical animation “Look Back” (C) Tatsuki Fujimoto/Shueisha (C) 2024 “Look Back” Production Committee


Published as a 143-page one-shot on "Shonen Jump+" on July 19, 2021, "Look Back" received widespread acclaim, with readers calling it "genius" and "too shocking for words." It recorded over 2.5 million views on the first day and was selected as the top manga in "This Manga is Amazing! 2022" (Men's Edition) and nominated for the "Manga Taisho 2022."


From the completion screening of "Look Back"

From the completion screening of "Look Back" (C)ORICON NewS inc.


For the anime adaptation, Kiyotaka Oshiyama, known for his work on numerous theatrical projects such as "Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance," "The Secret World of Arrietty," and "The Wind Rises," served as director, screenwriter, and character designer. Studio Durian handled the animation production. Yuumi Kawai voiced Fujino, and Mizuki Yoshida voiced Kyomoto, both making their debut as voice actors in lead roles.

In his opening remarks, director Oshiyama shared, "I was drawing until yesterday afternoon. Today, I had this event to attend but had no clothes to wear, so I bought this outfit last night. Everything I'm wearing is new," he said, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Reflecting on the production, he commented, "The process was incredibly grueling, like participating in a relentless triathlon every day. It was so intense and thrilling, and now that it's finally over, it hasn't quite sunk in yet. But seeing everyone here today makes me feel like it's finally complete." He continued, "I was drawing until yesterday afternoon, and we finished it last night. I stayed at the office for about two and a half months and only got to sleep in my bed at home last night. I've accumulated quite a sleep debt," he said with an exhausted smile.


Source : ORICON NEWS

  • 1

  • 2