Look Backwas originally released as a one-shot through Shueisha’sShonen Jump+digital imprint on August 06, 2025, with Tatsuki Fujimoto’s well-written characters on the forefront as usual, with some biting commentary attached as well.The story follows Ayumu Fujino, a budding manga artist who develops a complicated bond with fellow artist Kyomotowhile they grow their careers in an often cruel and underappreciative working environment. Viewers can enjoy the excellent storytelling ofLook Backnow from home while developing a nuanced understanding of Fujimoto’s relationship with the art industry anytime, on-demand.
Look Back Is Now Streaming on Amazon Prime Video
A Different Sort of Experience from Fujimoto’s Other Beloved Works
As of August 08, 2025,Look Backis available to stream on Amazon Prime Video, with audio available in Japanese, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Turkish, with subtitles available for a broader variety of viewers worldwide. With an astounding critical reception and 100%Rotten Tomatoescritic scores, and 99% audience score,the film is a resounding artistic success that’s now more accessible than ever.The film is less of a spectacle than other recent cinematic anime outings, and more focused on an intimate and painful story of rivalry, tragedy, and self-improvement in a relentlessly demanding environment.
Look Back Is the Latest Anime to Draw Upon Personal Experience
Tatsuki Fujimoto Joins a Living Anime Legend with This Feat
In addition toLook Backfinding a streaming home on Prime Video, it is another example of the semi-autobiographical touches found in some of the year’s most acclaimed works hitting streaming, such asHayao Miyazaki’sThe Boy and the Heron.While Fujimoto uses a somewhat on-the-nose approach by detailing the life of a manga creator finding their motivation and purpose,The Boy and the Heronexplores a coming-of-age fantasy typical of Studio Ghibli as an emotional tribute to Miyazaki’s late mother. Despite the more surreal trappings,there is common ground between Miyazaki’s grief and Fujimoto’s feelings of powerlessness.
The fact that these talents, multiple generations apart, can tell similarly touching fables by channeling their experiences into art is crucial and deserves respect from the viewers.Look Backis a way to vent those feelings of powerlessness, and is every bit a cry for help within the industry as it is a celebration of the resilience of its creators. For viewers and creators alike,Look Backis a culturally significant yet impressively concise one-hour film that deserves to be watched by anybody fascinated by the minds behind some of the biggest current anime and manga hits.
Look Back
Cast
Confident artist Fujino and reclusive Kyomoto bond over their shared passion for drawing manga. As they navigate the challenges of growing up and pursuing their artistic dreams, their friendship deepens. The story beautifully explores themes of creativity, dedication, and the impact of personal connections on their journey.
