The anime film Look Back has taken home the prestigious Fukiya Koji Award at the 3rd Niigata International Animation Film Festival! This big win cements the film’s place as one of the standout animated works of the year, and fans couldn’t be happier.
A Touching Story That Resonates
Directed by Kiyotaka Oshiyama, Look Back is an adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto’s one-shot manga, the same genius behind Chainsaw Man. The film tells the emotional story of Fujino, a young artist who loves making four-panel manga for her school newspaper. But when she meets Kyomoto, a talented but reclusive classmate, her world turns upside down. Their relationship – filled with rivalry, admiration, and friendship – makes for a deeply personal and moving film.
Celebrating Anime’s Finest
Winning the Fukiya Koji Award is a huge deal in the anime world. This award recognizes creators who have made a major impact on animation. Alongside Look Back and its director, other winners included:
- Toshiyuki Inoue, an animator known for The Boy and the Heron and Look Back.
- Eriko Kimura, a sound director for The Boy and the Heron and The Colors Within.
- Yuki Hayashi, a composer famous for the music in My Hero Academia and Haikyu.
The Growing Influence of the Niigata Animation Festival
Though still a relatively new event (first launched in 2023), the Niigata International Animation Film Festival has already become a major platform for anime films. It aims to promote Niigata’s anime culture globally, and this year’s event, held from March 15 to 20, 2025, was filled with exciting screenings and industry panels.
Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s Impact on Anime
Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama is no stranger to the anime world. Before Look Back, he worked on hits like The Wind Rises, Evangelion: 2.0, The Secret World of Arrietty, and Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos. His directorial debut, Flip Flappers, proved he had a unique creative vision, and now, with Look Back, he continues to show his storytelling strength.
A Well-Deserved Win for Look Back
The success of Look Back at the Niigata International Animation Film Festival is proof of the film’s powerful storytelling and artistic achievement. It’s also a huge win for fans of Tatsuki Fujimoto, who continues to leave a mark on the anime industry.
With festivals like Niigata growing in importance, anime culture is only becoming more recognized and celebrated worldwide. Look Back’s win is not just about one film—it’s about pushing anime forward as an art form that connects with audiences on a deep level.
