When is the Look Back (2026) release date in the US?

Look Back has US premiere screenings between 27 September and 6 November 2026. A limited theatrical release follows on 30 December 2026, and a wider theatrical release on 15 January 2027. Its world premiere was on 11 September 2026.

Where can I watch Look Back?

In the US, Look Back is set for cinemas, with a limited release on 30 December 2026 and a wider release on 15 January 2027. No streaming service has been listed yet.

Who is in the cast of Look Back?

Natsuki Deguchi stars as Fujino and Aju Makita as Kyomoto. Fuuri Nanase and Rokka Okada play their younger selves. Masaki Suda, Kankuro Kudo, Kayo Noro, Ryo Ikeda, Miyu Sasaki and Maho Yamada round out the cast.

What is Look Back about?

It follows Fujino, a popular student known for her newspaper comics. Her confidence is shaken by the remarkable art of Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate. Their rivalry grows into a bond built on a shared love of drawing.

How long is Look Back?

Look Back runs for 100 minutes. It is in Japanese and is written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda.

Look Back (2026): Plot, Cast, Release Date & Where to Watch

Look Back plot summary (no spoilers)

In a Japanese school, Fujino is the class star. Her comic strips in the student newspaper keep everyone laughing, and she enjoys the attention. Things change when her teacher gives part of her space to Kyomoto, a classmate who never comes to school. Kyomoto’s drawings show a level of skill Fujino can’t ignore.

What begins as a bruised ego turns into a fierce private rivalry. Fujino throws herself into improving her art. When the two girls finally meet, they discover how much they share: a deep, almost obsessive love of drawing. That passion connects an outgoing girl and a withdrawn one.

Following the pair from middle school into their high school years, Look Back is a coming-of-age drama about female friendship, creative ambition and the dream of becoming a mangaka (a manga artist). The film’s tagline, “Keep your eyes on my back and you’ll grow too,” hints at its central idea: two artists pushing and inspiring each other as they grow up.

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

What makes Look Back notable

Director and writer: The film is written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, one of Japan’s most internationally recognised filmmakers.
Source material: It is a live-action drama based on a manga. It is produced by K2 Pictures and Shueisha.
Cast: Natsuki Deguchi plays Fujino and Aju Makita plays Kyomoto. Fuuri Nanase and Rokka Okada play the younger versions of the two girls. 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.
Tone: The story is described as intimate, gentle, sincere and empathetic. It is a character-driven drama rather than a plot-heavy one.
Origin: This is a Japanese production in the Japanese language, with a runtime of 100 minutes.

Who will enjoy Look Back

Fans of Hirokazu Kore-eda’s quiet, humane style of filmmaking
Readers of manga who are curious about live-action adaptations
Anyone drawn to stories about artists, creative rivalry and ambition
Viewers who appreciate heartfelt coming-of-age dramas about female friendship
Audiences comfortable with emotionally weighty Japanese-language cinema

Look Back release date and where to watch

World premiere: Look Back first screened on 11 September 2026.

United States:

Premiere screenings: The film plays at a series of premiere screenings across the US between 27 September and 6 November 2026.
Limited theatrical release: 30 December 2026
Wider theatrical release: 15 January 2027
Rating: A US age certification has not been announced yet.

Streaming: No streaming platform is listed for the US yet. Check back closer to and after the theatrical run for digital and streaming options.

Trailer: An official trailer is 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 (2026) release date in the US?: Look Back has US premiere screenings between 27 September and 6 November 2026. A limited theatrical release follows on 30 December 2026, and a wider theatrical release on 15 January 2027. Its world premiere was on 11 September 2026.
Where can I watch Look Back?: In the US, Look Back is set for cinemas, with a limited release on 30 December 2026 and a wider release on 15 January 2027. No streaming service has been listed yet.
Who is in the cast of Look Back?: Natsuki Deguchi stars as Fujino and Aju Makita as Kyomoto. Fuuri Nanase and Rokka Okada play their younger selves. Masaki Suda, Kankuro Kudo, Kayo Noro, Ryo Ikeda, Miyu Sasaki and Maho Yamada round out the cast.
What is Look Back about?: It follows Fujino, a popular student known for her newspaper comics. Her confidence is shaken by the remarkable art of Kyomoto, a reclusive classmate. Their rivalry grows into a bond built on a shared love of drawing.
How long is Look Back?: Look Back runs for 100 minutes. It is in Japanese and is written and directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda.

Sources

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