Tatsuki Fujimoto, widely recognized for his work on the explosive and gruesome shonen series “Chainsaw Man,” has also delved into more emotional and heart-wrenching narratives throughout his career.
One such work is “Look Back,” which is set to make its anime adaptation debut in Japanese theaters on June 28th. Before its domestic release, the film will premiere at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.
In a recent interview with Oricon, the film’s director, Kiyotaka Oshiyama, revealed some surprising details about the production process.
Look Back Director Finalized Work on the Movie Just Ahead of Its Premiere
Oshiyama shared that the movie was completed just days before its premiere. Reflecting on the intense final days of production,
he recounted, “I was drawing until noon yesterday. Then, I heard that there was an event today, so I didn’t have any clothes to wear, so I worked hard at noon and bought some at night. So everything is new.” This last-minute push indicates the dedication and effort put into ensuring the film’s timely completion.
Interestingly, Oshiyama disclosed that even the staff involved in making “Look Back” have not yet seen the final product. He compared the experience to a grueling triathlon, highlighting the daily challenges and relentless pace.
“Every day was so thrilling, and it’s finally over,” he said. “It’s still too soon to finish, so it doesn’t feel like it’s over yet, so I thought that having everyone see it today would finally make me feel like it’s over.
I was drawing until yesterday afternoon and finished it yesterday night. I stayed at the office all day for about two and a half months. Finally, I went home yesterday and slept in my futon at home. I think I’ve accumulated quite a bit of sleep debt.”
For those unfamiliar with the poignant tale of “Look Back,” it offers a stark contrast to Fujimoto’s more chaotic works like “Chainsaw Man.” The manga follows the story of two small-town girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, who are brought together by their shared passion for drawing manga despite their vastly different personalities.
The official description of “Look Back” provides a sneak peek into its touching narrative: “The overly confident Fujino and the shut-in Kyomoto couldn’t be more different, but a love of drawing manga brings these two small-town girls together. A poignant story of growing up and moving forward.”
As fans eagerly await the film’s release, the dedication and hard work of Oshiyama and his team are evident. The emotional depth of “Look Back” promises to resonate with audiences, showcasing another facet of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s storytelling prowess.
