JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Manga: Look Back by FUJIMOTO Tatsuki

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June 10 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT

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Thank you to all those who participated in JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – Manga: Look Back by FUJIMOTO Tatsuki!

 

Sharing some comments from our participants!
“Thank you for organizing this wonderful discussion. I really liked how everyone had similar conclusions to the parts of the story but took different paths / views to the same conclusion / destination. Every answer to a question was built on the previous answer and I loved that!
Also, thank you for those questions! As an analyst, I really appreciate a great set of questions to a complex story and I am absolutely amazed at how thought proving the questions were. The questions and the discussions helped me learn so many new things about this story. I appreciate even more now.
The words clouds were very interesting too. Thank you for adding that as well. Oh and the Padlet intros too, that is amazing. So many interesting choices!
Finally, I hope everyone had as much fun as I did. As always Emi-san and Risa-san, thank you for your amazing work! Looking forward to the next one.”
—Johan
“I really loved the experience, I have been looking for a space like this where I can learn as much as I can on japanese culture being a non-japanese person. Thank you for the experience! Looking forward to participate on more activities..”
— @danicrg93
 
Please continue to check the JFT’s website and newsletters for future book club information. 


For the upcoming JFT Book Club (Hybrid), we will discuss FUJIMOTO Tatsuki’s manga: Look Back (The original Japanese version: 藤本タツキ作『ルックバック』, translated into English by Amanda Haley). Join us to explore the joy and struggles of creative friendship and manga making through this poignant story of two young manga artists! 

This hybrid book club is perfect for anyone intrigued by the medium of manga (Japanese comics) , the creative journey of artists, and/or a masterful coming-of-age story. Whether you’re in the GTA or joining virtually from other parts of the world, connect with fellow manga lovers to gain deeper insights into the story that you might not discover on your own!

We also have a limited number of “Observer” slots available for those wanting to listen this time, or for anyone curious about how a book club works without the pressure to speak – first-time participants are welcome!

Register Here

*Please be aware that space may be limited.

*Depending on the number of participants and how the discussion goes, we might extend the end time until 7:30 pm (EDT). However, if you have other commitments, feel free to leave at 7:00 pm.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email us at library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp


Show WHY JOIN JFT BOOK CLUB?

WHY JOIN JFT BOOK CLUB?

You can read a book by yourself, but when you read something thought-provoking or moving, it’s natural to want to discuss it with someone else. This will be an exciting opportunity to connect with other book lovers from different cultural backgrounds, find new and interesting books, authors, or themes, and develop a richer understanding of Japan that you wouldn’t gain from reading alone!


Show HOW DOES THE UPCOMING JFT BOOK CLUB WORK?

HOW DOES THE UPCOMING JFT BOOK CLUB WORK?

1. Once you register for the event, you will receive guiding questions to help you think more deeply about the manga.

2. On the day of the event, we will meet via Zoom and in person at Japan Foundation Toronto Library (2 Bloor St E #300, Toronto, ON M4W 1A8 Canada). *How to find us: https://tr.jpf.go.jp/about-us/how-to-find-us/

3. We will start with a quick introduction & ice-breaking activity (*Light refreshments will be served for in-person participants)

4. Depending on the number of the participants, we will break into a few small groups to discuss questions so that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts.

5. After each breakout session, each group will share what they have discussed with other groups.

*There is no right or wrong answer. Different perspectives make discussion more fun and vibrant!


Show WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE BOOK?

WHERE YOU CAN FIND THE BOOK?

Look Back (physical copies and ebooks) and the original Japanese versionルックバック(physical copy) are available at JFT Library! The checkout of the physical copies are limited to JFT Book Club participants for a 1-week loan period (non-renewable). 

To get a new library card or to renew your existing card, please follow the instructions found here.

  Borrow Ebook      Email Library to place hold (physical copy) 

  For more information about the book or where else you can get the physical copies, click here.


Show ABOUT THE BOOK

ABOUT THE BOOK

Look Back

(The original Japanese version:『ルックバック』)

Story and Art by FUJIMOTO Tatsuki

Translated by Amanda Haley

Published by Shueisha, 2021 / VIZ Media, 2022

 

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 that only Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, could have crafted.

from Publisher’s website


Show ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FUJIMOTO Tatsuki won Honorable Mention in the November 2013 Shueisha Crown Newcomers’ Awards for his debut one-shot story, “Love Is Blind.” His first series, Fire Punch, ran for eight volumes. His breakout hit Chainsaw Man began serialization in 2018 in Weekly Shonen Jump. The award-winning Look Back was published in 2021.

 

RELATED PROGRAMMING

The Japan Foundation, Toronto @ TCAF 2025!

The Toronto Comic Arts Festival (TCAF) returns in June 2025! This year, The Japan Foundation, Toronto (JFT) is excited to participate in a variety of ways – including a panel discussion, a special guest lecture, and an exhibitor booth. Let’s celebrate your love of manga with us!


TCAF Libraries & Education Day (LED) 2025

Friday, June 6, 8:30-5:00 (ET)
In-person @ Toronto Metropolitan University Special Collections & Archives | Admission Free | Registration Required

TCAF LED is a FREE to attend, all day slate of programming open to library workers, students, educators, comic scholars, creators and anyone who wants to talk and learn more about comics, graphic novels, and education.
*Registration is now full, but waitlist is available on TCAF’s website.

Join the Waitlist Here



TCAF Exhibitor Booth

Saturday, June 7 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM & Sunday, June 8 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (ET)
In-person @ Toronto Metropolitan University Mattamy Athletic Centre | Admission Free | No Registration Required

The Japan Foundation, Toronto will set up a exhibitor booth at TCAF! Stop by our booth, learn about our centre and programs for those who are interested in Japan and Japanese culture, and say hello to our staff!

*Meet us at the Booth #108 @ Ice Rink! 

Details Here


 

So, What is Manga and Why Does It Matter? A Walkthrough with School Librarian Jillian Rudes

Saturday, June 7, 10:00-11:30 AM (ET)
In-person @ The Japan Foundation, Toronto Event Hall | Admission Free | Registration Required

Join us for a lecture with Jillian Rudes, author of Manga in Libraries and a New York-based school librarian, as we explore what manga is, why it matters, and how to integrate it into library collections and educational settings. 

RSVP Here

 


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Details

Starts:
June 10 @ 6:00 pm
Ends:
June 10 @ 7:30 pm
Event Category:
Doors Open:
5:30 pm (in person)
Registration:
Required
Language:
English, Japanese
Language Requirement:
English

Organizer

The Japan Foundation, Toronto Library
Phone:
416-966-2935
Email:
library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp
Website:
View Organizer Website

Venue

The Japan Foundation, Toronto
2 Bloor St. East, 3rd Floor
Toronto, ON M4W 1A8 Canada
+ Google Map
Phone:
416-966-2935
Website:
View Organizer Website