by Alex Billington
June 9, 2026
Source: YouTube
“Can a wimpy kid who can’t even face school manage drawing manga?” GKids has revealed the first teaser trailer for Look Back, Koreeda’s live-action version of the beloved manga and anime of the same name. It’s set for release in both Japan and in US theaters sometime later in 2026 – no final date confirmed yet. The coming-of-age story follows two girls passionately pursuing their dreams of becoming manga artists. First published on Shonen Jump+ in 2021, the manga sparked buzz upon its initial release in Japan, recording 2.5 million views on its first day, and climbing to over 4 million views in two days. Kore-eda’s adaptation of Look Back follows the 2024 animated movie adaptation of the same name, which was the feature directorial debut of director Kiyotaka Oshiyama (view the trailers here). The story follows two manga artists, the brash Fujino and the reclusive Kyomoto, who meet & develop a close bond over making their own manga. Starring Natsuki Deguchi as Fujino and Aju Makita as Kyomoto; with Furi Nanase and Rokka Okada. The film was shot in Nikaho City in northern Japan and is currently in post-production. Koreeda says, “I believe it will be a work that captures something truly rich.” The first look teaser is adorable! Can’t wait to see more.
Here’s the first teaser trailer (+ posters) for Hirokazu Koreeda’s film Look Back, direct from YouTube:
The story follows Fujino (藤野), a popular and outgoing student, and Kyomoto (京本, Kyōmoto), a shut-in with severe social anxiety, who bond over their shared love of creating manga. Kyomoto idolises Fujino for her work drawing manga for their elementary school’s newspaper, wishing to befriend her, however Fujino initially resents Kyomoto’s natural artistic talents. The pair grow close through their shared love, with the work following their bond as they grow into adulthood. Look Back, also known as ルックバック in Japanese, is written and directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda, director of many other great films including Maborosi, Without Memory, After Life, Distance, Nobody Knows, Still Walking, Air Doll, Like Father Like Son, Our Little Sister, After the Storm, The Third Murder, the Palme d’Or winner Shoplifters, The Truth, Broker, Monster, and this year’s Sheep in the Box as well. Based on the manga “Look Back” created by Tatsuki Fujimoto. Produced by Daiju Koide. Opening in Japan first this year. GKids will debut Koreeda’s Look Back film in US theaters sometime later in 2026. Stay tuned for more. Who’s into it?
