#Japan #Tokyo #Look Back #Kiyotaka Oshiama #Anime Exhibition

The Look Back Exhibition: Emotions of Lines

The Look Back Exhibition is set to debut on January 16, 2026, at the Azabudai Hills Gallery in Tokyo. This highly anticipated event centers around the popular animated film Look Back, directed by Kiyotaka Oshiama.

Following its theatrical release, Look Back garnered immense commercial success, amassing over 4.4 billion yen in revenue, despite having a runtime of only 58 minutes. The exhibition serves as an exploration of how Oshiama and the talented creators behind the film translated the narrative from manga to animation. Visitors will gain insights into the meticulous process that shaped Look Back, celebrating the intricacies involved in the adaptation.

Oshiama's journey as a creator brings forth a poignant message. In his exploration of creativity amidst the rise of AI, he poses a vital question: Why do artists continue to create when technology can generate art? This exhibition extends beyond mere visuals; it aims to dissect the emotional and intellectual trails left behind during the creative process.

Oshiama states, "The film Look Back is a reflection on the inevitable changes in our times and serves as a survival strategy. I do not intend to reject technology; rather, I embrace its influence while believing that the true essence of creation lies in the human impulse to express oneself, even when faced with overwhelming technological advancements. This exhibition isn't just a record of the final film; it aims to make visible the emotions and thoughts that were both captured and omitted throughout the artistic journey."

Beyond showcasing finished art, the exhibition will feature works that did not make it onto the screen, offering a comprehensive view of the creation process. Oshiama asserts that manga and animation are supported by the accumulated wisdom of previous generations. The artwork and its emotional weight are a testament to the passion and tenacity embedded within each stroke.

Kiyotaka Oshiama: A Brief Biography

Kiyotaka Oshiama, born in 1982 in Fukushima, began his career as an animator in 2004. His notable work includes serving as animation director for Dennou Coil in 2006. He has since played various roles in multiple projects, including directing, screenwriting, and designing. In 2017, he founded his own animation studio, Studio Dorianc, and produced the short film SHISHIGARI. Look Back debuted in 2024, showcasing his skills in direction, screenplay, character design, and animation direction. Oshiama is also the author of The Comprehensive Guide to Animation: Oshiama's Techniques.

Synopsis of Look Back

The story centers around Fujino, a fourth-grade student who publishes a four-panel comic strip in her school's newspaper. Confident in her artistic abilities, her world turns upside down upon reading the outstanding comic of a classmate, Kyo—who has been absent from school. Challenged by Kyo's talent, Fujino spirals into a struggle with self-doubt and eventually decides to quit drawing.

However, on graduation day, she encounters Kyo and learns that Kyo has admired her work all along. Inspired, the two girls start creating comics together, their mutual passion for art strengthening their bond—until an unexpected event disrupts their journey.

Event Details

• - Exhibition Name: Look Back Exhibition: Emotions of Lines by Kiyotaka Oshiama
• - Organizers: Azabudai Hills Gallery, Studio Dorianc, Avex Pictures
• - Support: Shueisha, Mix Green
• - Duration: January 16, 2026 – March 29, 2026 (Open throughout the run)
• - Location: Azabudai Hills Gallery

(A MB Floor, Azabudai Hills Garden Plaza, Minato, Tokyo)

• - Official Site: Look Back Exhibition

For updates on ticketing and event hours, please check future announcements and follow the official Azabudai Hills Gallery on Instagram and TikTok.

This exhibition is not to be missed—mark your calendars to discover the emotions and thoughts behind the lines that shape our artistic expressions!

For inquiries, contact: [email protected].