The manga Look Back is officially being adapted into a live action film, set for release in 2026. The project will be directed, written and edited by Hirokazu Koreeda. This marks the first live action adaptation of a work by creator Tatsuki Fujimoto. As in the original story, the film follows the thirteen year journey of its two protagonists, Fujino and Kyomoto, beginning from their elementary school days and depicting their growth through the changing seasons. Filming has already been completed in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, with the support of local residents, and the production is currently in the editing stage.

The film will be distributed by K2 Pictures, with releases also planned in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, and preparations underway for a global rollout. Koreeda first encountered Look Back when he happened upon the book at a store and was drawn to the figure shown from behind on the cover. Reflecting on his first reading, he commented that he felt Fujimoto could not move forward without drawing this work, adding that his own film Nobody Knows had been such a work for him.

About

Originally released on Shonen Jump+ in 2021, Look Back is a coming-of-age story about two young girls striving to become manga artists. The work follows Fujino, a fourth grader, and Kyomoto, a classmate who has stopped attending school, as they grow through their shared creation of four-panel comics published in the school newspaper. The narrative traces their lives through middle school and high school until a devastating event shatters their world.

Upon publication, the one-shot quickly became a major topic among manga fans and creators, earning first place in the “This Manga Is Amazing! 2022” rankings (Men’s Edition). Its 2024 theatrical anime adaptation became a major hit, winning Best Animated Feature and the Creative Contribution Award at the 48th Japan Academy Film Prize. The anime was also screened at festivals worldwide, including the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, receiving acclaim both domestically and internationally.

Comments

■Director Hirokazu Koreeda

On the way back from Kyoto on the Shinkansen, I stopped by a bookstore in Shinagawa Station. I found myself drawn to the “back view” on the cover of Look Back, which was stacked on display, and picked it up almost instinctively. That night, I read it straight through in one sitting.

Although manga and film belong to different mediums, as a fellow creator I felt an intense sense of conviction radiating from the work. I could almost painfully sense that Tatsuki Fujimoto had to draw this story in order to move forward. For me, Nobody Knows was such a work.

After that encounter, producer Koide approached me with the idea of making a live action adaptation of Look Back, and I was given the opportunity to meet Fujimoto in person. I originally only wanted to express my gratitude that he had brought such a work into the world, and that I was fortunate enough to encounter it in our era. But on my way home afterward, I found myself thinking, “I have no choice but to do it,” and made up my mind.

Filming has now been completed, and we are currently in the editing phase. I believe the final film will capture something truly rich and deeply resonant.

■Original Author Tatsuki Fujimoto

The first Hirokazu Koreeda film I ever watched was Our Little Sister. The interiors of the house the protagonist moves into, and the furnishings inside the local diner, all carried a strong sense of lived-in reality that gave the story extraordinary persuasive power. Even the subtle performances that were not directly tied to the plot made me feel that the characters continued living their daily lives in places unseen by the audience, and I was deeply moved.

If Director Koreeda is the one filming Look Back, then I have nothing more to say. I am truly looking forward to it.

■Planning & Producer Taiki Koide

On the way back from Kyoto on the Shinkansen, I stopped by a bookstore in Shinagawa Station. I found myself drawn to the “back view” on the cover of Look Back, which was stacked on display, and picked it up almost instinctively. That night, I read it straight through in one sitting.

Although manga and film belong to different mediums, as a fellow creator I felt an intense sense of conviction radiating from the work. I could almost painfully sense that Tatsuki Fujimoto had to draw this story in order to move forward. For me, Nobody Knows was such a work.

After that encounter, producer Koide approached me with the idea of making a live action adaptation of Look Back, and I was given the opportunity to meet Fujimoto in person. I originally only wanted to express my gratitude that he had brought such a work into the world, and that I was fortunate enough to encounter it in our era. But on my way home afterward, I found myself thinking, “I have no choice but to do it,” and made up my mind.

Filming has now been completed, and we are currently in the editing phase. I believe the final film will capture something truly rich and deeply resonant.

Source : ORICON NEWS