Look Back (2026): Cast, Story and Release Details

Prepared by Movies Dock Editorial

Look Back follows two Japanese schoolgirls whose shared passion for drawing grows from an unlikely rivalry into a lasting creative partnership. Directed and written by Hirokazu Kore-eda, the 2026 drama traces Fujino and Kyomoto from childhood into adulthood as their artistic ambitions meet life’s uncertainty.

Look Back is a 2026 Japanese drama directed and written by Hirokazu Kore-eda. Based on manga, the film follows Fujino and Kyomoto, two young artists whose relationship begins at school and develops through their shared devotion to drawing.

With a story spanning childhood and adulthood, the film centers on friendship, artistic ambition and the unpredictable turns that shape creative lives. Natsuki Deguchi and Aju Makita lead the cast as Fujino and Kyomoto.

Look Back movie details

Story without spoilers

Fourth-grader Fujino is known at school for the comics she creates for the newspaper. Her confidence is shaken when she is asked to share the space with Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate whose artwork is remarkably accomplished.

Their first dynamic is shaped by Fujino’s one-sided rivalry, but that changes when the girls meet and Fujino learns that Kyomoto has admired her work from a distance. Their connection grows through an all-consuming love of drawing, carrying them from their school years into adulthood as aspiring manga artists. As adult Fujino and Kyomoto pursue their creative paths together, the pleasures of artistic expression are placed alongside life’s unpredictability.

What to expect

Look Back is presented as an intimate, sincere drama about friendship and the creative bond between two manga artists. Its premise moves from a school-based rivalry to a long-term partnership, giving the story a coming-of-age dimension as Fujino and Kyomoto grow into adulthood.

The supplied details point to a gentle and empathetic film with a serious, potentially tragic emotional register. Drawing and manga-making are central to the characters’ lives, while the story remains focused on their relationship and the uncertain pressures surrounding their artistic ambitions.

Cast and creative team

Natsuki Deguchi voices Fujino, while Aju Makita plays Kyomoto. Fuuri Nanase and Rokka Okada portray the younger versions of Fujino and Kyomoto, respectively. The cast also includes Masaki Suda as Maeda, Kankuro Kudo as Tamai, Kayo Noro as Akari, Ryo Ikeda as Nishi, Miyu Sasaki as Megumi and Maho Yamada as Manabe.

Hirokazu Kore-eda directs and writes the film. Look Back is produced by K2 Pictures and Shueisha.

• Natsuki Deguchi as Fujino
• Aju Makita as Kyomoto
• Fuuri Nanase as Young Fujino
• Rokka Okada as Young Kyomoto
• Masaki Suda as Maeda
• Kankuro Kudo as Tamai
• Kayo Noro as Akari
• Ryo Ikeda as Nishi
• Miyu Sasaki as Megumi
• Maho Yamada as Manabe

Release and production context

Look Back is scheduled for release on September 11, 2026. It is listed as a released 2026 film with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. The production is from Japan, and its spoken language is Japanese. The film is based on manga and falls within the drama genre.

Production companies: K2 Pictures, Shueisha

Look Back official trailer

Watch the official trailer on YouTube

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Look Back brings together a focused story about two artists, a relationship that develops over many years and a creative world shaped by manga. With Kore-eda handling both direction and writing, the film offers a clearly defined dramatic premise while keeping Fujino and Kyomoto at its center.

Film data:
TMDB · IMDb