Look Back - Characters & Cast

Initially, her motivation is external validation and being the best. This evolves into a desire to create with and for her friend, Kyomoto. After the tragedy, her motivation becomes honoring Kyomoto's memory and the belief she had in her.

Fujino begins as a talented but arrogant child, motivated by the praise of her classmates. Kyomoto's superior skill wounds her pride, turning her motivation into obsessive, jealous rivalry. Her first interaction with Kyomoto, who reveals herself to be a huge fan, transforms her; she finds a deeper purpose in creating art for someone. Their partnership mellows her, but she retains a sharp, sometimes cruel edge, as seen when she belittles Kyomoto for wanting to go to art school. After Kyomoto's death, she is crushed by guilt and grief, forcing her to look back and understand that her connection to Kyomoto was her most important motivation all along. Her arc completes when she decides to continue drawing not for praise, but to honor her friend's memory.

Her primary motivation is her deep love for drawing and her immense admiration for Fujino, who she sees as her idol. This admiration fuels her desire to connect with Fujino and, eventually, to improve her own skills independently.

Kyomoto starts as a shut-in (hikikomori) with crippling social anxiety but prodigious artistic talent. She exists only through her drawings. Her admiration for Fujino's comics gives her the courage to emerge from her shell. The friendship and collaboration with Fujino empower her, allowing her to gradually leave her room and experience the world. She develops the confidence to pursue her own path by deciding to attend art school to improve her skills further, even if it means parting ways with Fujino. Though her life is tragically cut short, her arc is one of finding strength and a connection to the world through her art and her friendship with Fujino.