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A live-action adaptation of the one-shot manga Look Back by Tatsuki Fujimoto has been announced, with a theatrical release scheduled for 2026. This project marks the first live-action adaptation of a work by Fujimoto, who is best known for creating Chainsaw Man.
Director Hirokazu Kore-eda, who won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for his 2018 film Shoplifters, is helming the project as director, screenwriter, and editor. The adaptation is produced by Daiju Koide under the banner of K2 Pictures.
Two teaser visuals were released on Dec 3, 2025, offering the first glimpse into the production. The filming for the live-action adaptation has already finished and is currently in the editing phase.
The visuals, photographed by renowned still photographer Hideaki Hamada, depict two iconic scenes from the manga, the backs of the two protagonists walking along a snow-covered road, and the pair facing their desks in a room, engrossed in drawing manga. Hamada accompanied the production on set to capture these images.
Look Back‘s filming took place primarily in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture, with the production citing the “warm cooperation” of the local community. The shoot aimed to capture the changing seasons in order to best portray the narrative arc in Fujimot’s manga.
The film depicts the 13-year journey of the main characters, Fujino and Kyomoto, starting from their elementary school days. While the original manga and its subsequent 2024 anime adaptation were lauded for their visual style, Kore-eda’s adaptation aims to translate the story into a live-action format grounded in reality.
Director reveals story behind Look Back’s live-action adaptation:
The collaboration began after producer Daiju Koide approached Kore-eda about the project. However, the director had already formed a personal connection with the material before the offer was made.
Kore-eda said he discovered the manga in a bookstore at Shinagawa Station and was drawn to the cover illustration, a view of the protagonist’s back, and read the entire book in one sitting that night.
“I felt so keenly that Tatsuki Fujimoto couldn’t have moved forward without creating this work,” Kore-eda said regarding his first impression of the manga. “For me, Nobody Knows was that kind of work.”
Upon meeting Fujimoto, Kore-eda said he initially only intended to express his gratitude for the work’s existence. However, on his way home from the meeting, he resolved to take the job, thinking, “I have no choice but to do this.”
Fujimoto expressed complete confidence in Kore-eda’s vision, citing the director’s 2015 film Our Little Sister as a major influence.
“The furniture in the house where the protagonist moves to and the town diner felt so lived-in, lending real credibility to the story,” Fujimoto said. “If Director Kore-eda is going to film Look Back, I have nothing more to say. I’m looking forward to it!”
Additional Staff members working on Look Back Live-action:
The film features an original score by composer Yuta Bando, known for his work on Belle and Kaiju No. 8. The production staff includes cinematographer Senzo Ueno, lighting director Masachio Nishida, and sound engineer Kazuhiko Tomita. Art direction is led by Shinsuke Kojima, with costume design by Sachiko Ito.
K2 Pictures confirmed that release dates are already secured for Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Preparations are currently underway for a worldwide release.
Production Credits:
- Director/Screenplay/Editing: Hirokazu Kore-eda
- Music: Yūta Bandō
- Photography: Senzo Ueno
- Lighting: Masachio Nishida
- Sound: Kazuhiko Tomita
- Art Direction: Shinsuke Kojima
- Costume Design: Sachiko Ito
- Hair and Makeup: Katsuhiko Yūmi
- VFX Supervisor: Rinto Ueda
- Line Producer: Shinichi Muraoka
Look Back was originally published as a one-shot web manga on Shonen Jump+ in July 2021. It garnered immediate attention for its emotional storytelling and commentary on the creative process, winning first place in the Men’s category of the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! (This Manga is Amazing!) 2022 guidebook.
In 2024, the manga was adapted into a theatrical animation film, directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama. That version became a critical and commercial success, screening at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival and receiving praise domestically and abroad.
Fujimoto’s works continue to dominate the market. His series Chainsaw Man has sold over 34 million copies in Japan. The latest franchise entry, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, is currently screening internationally and has reportedly earned USD 172.9 million.
