When is the Look Back release date in the Philippines?

Look Back is scheduled to open in Philippine cinemas on November 25, 2026. Its worldwide release date is September 11, 2026.

Where can I watch Look Back in the Philippines?

The film is set for a theatrical release in the Philippines. No streaming platform has been announced for the country yet.

Who is in the cast of Look Back?

Natsuki Deguchi stars as Fujino and Aju Makita as Kyomoto, with Fuuri Nanase and Rokka Okada as their younger selves. Masaki Suda, Kankuro Kudo, Kayo Noro, Ryo Ikeda, Miyu Sasaki and Maho Yamada also appear.

What is Look Back about?

It follows Fujino, a popular student who draws comics for her school paper, and Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate whose artistic talent sparks a rivalry. That rivalry grows into a friendship built on their shared love of drawing.

How long is Look Back and who directed it?

Look Back runs about 100 minutes. It was written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda.

Look Back (2026): Cast, Plot & PH Release Date

Look Back (2026): Plot Overview Without Spoilers

At the centre of Look Back are two girls who could not be more different, and the one thing that binds them: drawing. Fujino is the class favourite, an outgoing student whose comic strips in the school paper keep everyone laughing. Her spot is shared, at a teacher’s request, with Kyomoto, a classmate who has stopped coming to school and rarely leaves home.

When Fujino sees what Kyomoto can do with a pencil, admiration is not her first reaction. The talent of this quiet, absent girl stings, and it pushes Fujino into a determined rivalry. Over time, though, competition gives way to something more meaningful as both girls recognise how deeply they love the same craft.

Following its heroines from middle school into their teenage years, the film looks at ambition, envy and the bonds that form when two people chase the same dream. Its official tagline offers a hint of that connection: “Keep your eyes on my back and you’ll grow too.” The story is based on a manga, and the film is described as gentle, intimate and sincere, with an emotional weight that is best discovered in the cinema.

Look Back — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What Makes Look Back Notable

Written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda: The acclaimed Japanese filmmaker handles both the screenplay and direction, bringing his signature focus on everyday relationships to this manga adaptation.
The cast: Natsuki Deguchi plays Fujino and Aju Makita plays Kyomoto, with Fuuri Nanase and Rokka Okada as their younger selves. The supporting cast includes Masaki Suda as Maeda, Kankuro Kudo as Tamai, Kayo Noro as Akari, Ryo Ikeda as Hitoshi, Miyu Sasaki as Megumi and Maho Yamada as Manabe.
Genre and origin: A Japanese-language coming-of-age drama from Japan, produced by K2 Pictures and Shueisha.
Story focus: The film centres on female friendship, creative passion and the world of aspiring mangaka, a theme that will resonate with comics and anime fans.
Runtime: About 100 minutes.

Look Back Review: What to Expect

Critical reviews in the Philippines are not available yet, since the film has not opened here. Viewers can expect a character-driven drama rather than a plot-heavy story, built on its leads’ performances and Kore-eda’s observational style.

Who Will Enjoy Look Back

Fans of Hirokazu Kore-eda’s quiet, human-centred dramas
Manga and anime lovers curious about live-action adaptations
Viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories about friendship between girls
Aspiring artists and creatives who know the push and pull of rivalry and inspiration
Moviegoers who appreciate emotional, slow-burning Japanese cinema

Release Date in the Philippines & Where to Watch

Look Back premieres worldwide on September 11, 2026. In the Philippines, the film is scheduled for a theatrical release on November 25, 2026. The local MTRCB rating has not been announced yet.

As of now, no streaming platform in the Philippines has been listed for Look Back. Your first chance to watch it locally will be in cinemas. Streaming availability may be announced after the theatrical run, so check back for updates. An official trailer is already available.

Trailer

Cast

Natsuki Deguchias FujinoSee credits →
Aju Makitaas KyomotoSee credits →
Fuuri Nanaseas Young FujinoSee credits →
Rokka Okadaas Young Kyomoto
Masaki Sudaas Maeda
Kankuro Kudoas Tamai
Kayo Noroas Akari
Ryo Ikedaas Hitoshi

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When is the Look Back release date in the Philippines?: Look Back is scheduled to open in Philippine cinemas on November 25, 2026. Its worldwide release date is September 11, 2026.
Where can I watch Look Back in the Philippines?: The film is set for a theatrical release in the Philippines. No streaming platform has been announced for the country yet.
Who is in the cast of Look Back?: Natsuki Deguchi stars as Fujino and Aju Makita as Kyomoto, with Fuuri Nanase and Rokka Okada as their younger selves. Masaki Suda, Kankuro Kudo, Kayo Noro, Ryo Ikeda, Miyu Sasaki and Maho Yamada also appear.
What is Look Back about?: It follows Fujino, a popular student who draws comics for her school paper, and Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate whose artistic talent sparks a rivalry. That rivalry grows into a friendship built on their shared love of drawing.
How long is Look Back and who directed it?: Look Back runs about 100 minutes. It was written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda.

Sources

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