Live-Action Film Look Back Set for 2026 Release: Director Hirokazu Kore-eda Unveils 30-Second Special Teaser Shot Entirely on Film

Following the announcement of its 2026 theatrical release, the live-action film Look Back has unveiled its first footage in a 30-second special teaser trailer. Additionally, a video message from Director Kore-eda, recorded during filming in July, has been released.

The original work, Look Back, is a manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator behind Fire Punch and the massive hit Chainsaw Man. The latter series has exceeded 34 million copies in circulation, with its current theatrical release, the "Reze Arc," becoming a global blockbuster grossing over 27 billion yen as of November 2025.

Upon its release on Shonen Jump+ in 2021, Look Back immediately became a viral sensation among renowned creators and manga fans alike, recording over 2.5 million views on its first day. Its popularity has since expanded globally, with the manga published in 37 countries and regions. A theatrical anime adaptation released in 2024 also became a major hit, grossing 2.04 billion yen domestically and screening in 33 countries and regions, garnering high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.

The 30-second special teaser, featuring the first-ever footage from the main film, and Director Kore-eda’s video message were unveiled at the "Jump Festa 2026" venue on December 21 and simultaneously released online. The teaser opens with the sights and sounds of hands drawing manga. Set to music, the clip depicts the changing seasons alongside iconic imagery: Fujino’s back, Kyomoto wearing a traditional dotera (padded jacket), and the two of them drawing together. Viewers catch glimpses of scenes that vividly evoke memorable moments from the original manga.

For this production, Director Kore-eda insisted on shooting the entire film on actual film stock. Working for the first time on a film with cinematographer Chizo Ueno, the team carefully captured Fujino and Kyomoto on celluloid against the backdrop of the beautiful four seasons.

The music is composed by Yuta Bandoh, a musician known for his work on visual media such as the drama Omameda Towako and Her Three Ex-Husbands and the anime Kaiju No. 8, as well as for arranging songs for artists like Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada. He also produced the music for this teaser. While Bandoh has previously worked on commercials directed by Kore-eda, this marks their first collaboration on a feature film.

Bandoh commented: "Based on Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-of-a-kind story, [the film features] wonderful acting, the beautiful seasonal landscapes of Nikaho, and a refined, cinematic aesthetic captured with a careful gaze. I hope to carefully weave this world together through music as well."

Director Kore-eda’s comment video, which runs for approximately two minutes, was recorded in July during filming in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. In it, he discusses his thoughts on the original Look Back manga. Filming was conducted over a long period to capture the seasons: Winter and Spring scenes were shot from February to April and in May of this year, Summer scenes in July, and Autumn scenes in November.

The special teaser will begin screening in theaters nationwide (excluding some locations) starting December 26. Flyers and posters featuring the two previously revealed key visuals will also be displayed starting on the same day.

Full Comment by Composer Yuta Bandoh

"When I was a graduate student, on a day I went to the Waseda Shochiku theater to see a double feature of Still Walking and Our Little Sister, Director Kore-eda casually appeared at the theater and greeted the audience before the screening.

I started thinking, 'Someday, I want to be part of Team Kore-eda'—and now, over 10 years have passed. Finally, I have the opportunity to participate in a Kore-eda film for the first time.

Based on Tatsuki Fujimoto's one-of-a-kind story, [the film features] wonderful acting, the beautiful seasonal landscapes of Nikaho, and a refined, cinematic aesthetic captured with a careful gaze on film. I hope to carefully weave this world together through music as well. Please look forward to it."