About Nana

Nana (ナナ?) is a Japanese josei manga series written and illustrated by Ai Yazawa, serialised in Cookie published by Shueisha. There is an anime adaptation, as well as two live-action films. The first twelve volumes of the manga series have cumulatively sold over 22 million copies.[1] As in 2005, it has sold over 34,500,000 making it the fourth best selling shōjo manga worldwide.[2] The manga derives its title from the name of the two main characters, both of whom are called Nana. What sets them apart, however, is the stark difference between their lives. One Nana comes from a small town, following along with her friends and boyfriend to Tokyo with the hope of having the dream life that she wishes for. The other Nana, on the other side, comes to Tokyo with the goal of making it big with her band, Black Stones. The two Nanas are brought together in what has become a major success for Ai Yazawa and the shōjo genre.[citation needed]

Nana is presently being released in North America by Viz Media. It ended its serialization in the August 2007 issue of Shojo Beat and was replaced by Honey and Clover. It will continue, however, to be released in tankōbon (graphic novel format).[3] The manga has also been adapted into a highly successful live-action film with a sequel released on December 9, 2006, and an anime adaptation that premiered on April 5, 2006. The anime adaptation has subsequently been announced as licensed for release in North America by Viz Media.[4] In 2003, the manga won the Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo.[5]

In June 2009, the series was put on hiatus as Yazawa became ill and unable to work.[6] It is unknown when it will return, but the hiatus is expected to last several months.

As of July 7, 2009, there are 17 volumes available in English in the United States. With the current release schedule, the United States will catch up Japan with Volume 23 in July 2010.

Nana Osaki is a punk singer who wants to debut with her band Black Stones (BLAST for short). Nana was the lead vocalist in their old band with her boyfriend, Ren, and they lived together as lovers since she was 16. When Ren was offered a chance to debut in Tokyo as a replacement member of the popular band Trapnest (Toranesu in Japanese), Nana chose to cultivate her own band after Ren left her and Black Stones for Trapnest. Having too much pride to simply follow Ren to Tokyo and happily be a rockstar's girlfriend, she stayed behind. She leaves for Tokyo at the age of twenty, and to start her musical career.

Nana Komatsu, the other Nana, is called with the nickname Hachi (after Hachikō) as she has weak mental characteristics that resemble a puppy. With a habit of falling in love at first sight all the time, Hachi has always depended on other people to help her. When her friends and then boyfriend leave for Tokyo, she decides to join them a year later after having saved enough money at the age of twenty.

Nana and Hachi meet in a train by chance, both on their way to Tokyo. After a string of coincidences, they come to live together in an apartment numbered 707. Despite having contrasting characters and ideals, the Nanas like and respect each other.

While the Black Stones begin to gain popularity at live gigs, other issues need resolving, especially in the areas of romance. The story of Nana revolves heavily on the romance and relationships of the two characters as one seeks fame and recognition while the other seeks love and happiness.



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