In the year 2000, shoujo fans were captivated by the story of two young women with the same name, moving to the same city. Now, 15 years later, old and new fans of the popular manga, NANA, received word that the manga’s nearly decade-long hiatus finally comes to an end. Manga author Ai Yazawa announced that the story is in its final stages and that she has plotted out all the final endings to the story. Currently, Yazawa has no firm release date, but a proper plot for the ending, giving fans hope that the manga will return in the next year. Fans everywhere are overjoyed, while some are still in disbelief that this story will have a proper conclusion.
The Story of NANA
Our story is centered around Nana Komatsu, who is later nicknamed ‘Hachi, and Nana Osaki, who meet by getting stuck on a train while both are headed for Tokyo. Both of these women, in their early 20s, are moving to the big city to pursue their own passions. Nana O. is moving to establish her career as a musician, while Nana K. is moving to be with her friends and boyfriend.
These two have completely opposite personalities and sense of style, but by some fate, they both become roommates in Tokyo. While the premise may sound simple enough, Yazawa puts a lot of depth into these characters and their struggles, flaws, and ambitions, which is what makes this story so powerful. There is romance within the manga with Nana O. reuniting with her former lover, Ren Honjo, and Nana K. and her messy attempts with romance among a few love interests. Many fans enjoy this series because they can relate to one or both Nanas and their struggles to navigate the terrifying world of being an adult while chasing or finding their dreams.
The Loyal Fanbase
There has been a resurgence of fans of this manga since its 2006 anime adaptation. NANA also had a live-action adaptation done in 2005, but a lot of new and old fans have a lot of love to give for the anime series. The 21st volume of NANA was published in 2009, and was thought to be the final volume ever, once Yazawa went on hiatus due to poor health.
But fans never gave up hope; they simply spread their love for this story with new fans online in hopes of keeping the fan base alive while they wait to hear if the series will be continued. This news has brought back the hope that we will see the conclusion to Nana O. and Nana K.’s story.
Some fans are hesitant that the ending will ever see publication, given that it has been 15 years since the last volume’s release. However, Viz Media’s Shoujo Beat franchise reprinted the manga series in 2022, which they plan on releasing deluxe 2-in-1 editions with a refreshed design in Fall 2025. The reprint allows for new fans to discover the series and new potential collectors to get involved once the continuation does happen.
The Future of NANA
Nana Komatsu said, “No matter how much or how often people hurt each other, loving someone is never a waste.” This sentiment parallels the love and dedication the fans have for this story and this series. Even when all hope seemed lost, the love for the story, the characters, and the music kept fans going in hopes that one day they would see the ending.
No matter if you’re watching for the first time or the fifteenth time, the story of NANA will always be a powerful and passionate tale of finding your dreams and the love and loss we experience along the way. For now, as fans await a release date, you can always return to apartment 707 by rereading the manga or watching the beloved anime on Hulu.
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