Growing Up with Nana
NANA: The Manga That Defined a Generation (and Changed My Teenage Life)
Every once in a while, a story comes along that doesn’t just entertain you — it stays with you, shaping the way you see art, music, love, and even yourself. For me, that story was NANA by Ai Yazawa.
I discovered NANA as a late teenager blooming into adulthood during my first year of college, and it hit me like no other manga ever had. The way Ai Yazawa told the story of two women, both named Nana — one a punk rocker chasing her dream, the other a hopeless romantic seeking love and belonging — felt raw, real, and deeply human. It wasn’t just about friendship or music or heartbreak; it was about growing up and trying to figure out who you are when the world feels too big and too complicated.
The Art That Speaks Volumes
What struck me first were the expressions. Ai Yazawa’s art style captures emotion with breathtaking precision — every glance, every smirk, every tear feels alive. The attention to detail in the characters’ faces and gestures made the story feel cinematic, almost like I could hear the soundtrack playing in the background.
And speaking of soundtracks — the music in NANA is its heartbeat. Yazawa drew inspiration from real-life punk and rock influences like the Sex Pistols, giving the manga an edge and energy that felt rebellious yet intimate. Even the fictional bands like Black Stones (Blast) and Trapnest carried the emotional weight of real musicians struggling with fame, love, and self-destruction.
image by Kinokuniya
The recent magazine/ art book released about Nana in August 2025 talks about the real world music that influenced Ai Yazawa. It includes 110 questions for Ai Yazawa and new illustrations! Had to pick this one up even though it was only released in Japanese, google photo translation comes in real handy!
Ai Yazawa also confirmed Nana is in its final arc! She intends to finish the story and stated her goal is to ensure fans can see how the story ends in the Q&A. We’ve been waiting for over a decade for her to return!
Fashion as Identity: The Vivienne Westwood Legacy
Nana wearing Vivienne Westwood
It’s impossible to talk about NANA without talking about fashion. Ai Yazawa’s own background in fashion design shines through every panel — from Nana Osaki’s signature punk looks to Hachi’s soft, feminine style.
The influence and feature of real Vivienne Westwood pieces is everywhere — in the accessories, the tartan skirts, the iconic orb jewelry — symbolizing rebellion, identity, and independence.
For many fans (myself included), NANA was a gateway into understanding how fashion could be more than clothes — it was a language of self-expression. It made me see how what we wear can tell our story.
Mike Nakashima as Nana Osaki
Live Action Nana
When singer Mika Nakashima was cast as Nana Osaki, it felt like a match made in heaven. Known for her cool, mysterious aura and powerful vocals, Mika captured the raw spirit of Nana — the punk rock queen of Black Stones who’s as fierce on stage as she is fragile off it.
Mika Nakashima decided to become a singer and to not attend high school or college to pursue her dream. So much like our heroine Nana Osaki pursuing her dream at all costs.
Nakashima sang “Glamorous Sky,” written by Hyde (from L’Arc-en-Ciel) as Nana Osaki, it became an anthem — not just for the film, but for a generation of NANA fans who lived and breathed that era of Japanese rock and visual kei aesthetics.
I instantly fell in love with Nakashima and couldn’t devour her music enough!
Ai Yazawa: The Woman Behind the Art
Ai Yazawa herself is just as fascinating as her work. Before becoming a manga artist, she studied fashion, and it shows in every design and stylistic choice. Her ability to blend aesthetics, emotion, and storytelling created a world that felt both glamorous and painfully real.
When Yazawa fell ill and NANA went on hiatus in 2009, fans across the world were heartbroken — not just because the story paused, but because we felt like we lost touch with a voice that understood us.
Check out my other blogs about Ai Yazawa’s other works!
End of Hiatus and Hopeful Return
Fast forward to today — the recent re-releases of NANA and news of Ai Yazawa’s return have been nothing short of monumental.
Nana, is returning in a deluxe, 2-in-1 omnibus edition format with collaboration with Vivienne Westwood’s signature plaid printed on the side pages. It is absolutely beautiful! If you are a long time fan this new addition is a must for the Nana collection!
After such a long silence, the thought of her revisiting this beloved world fills longtime fans (like me!) with excitement and gratitude. It feels like revisiting an old friend — one who once helped you make sense of youth, dreams, and heartbreak.
Why NANA Still Matters
Even years later, NANA remains iconic because it captured something timeless — the messy beauty of youth, the ache of growing up, and the power of friendship. It was bold, stylish, emotional, and way ahead of its time.
For me, NANA wasn’t just a manga — it was a mirror. It made me want to dress differently, dream bigger, and feel deeper. It was art, music, and emotion rolled into one unforgettable story.
So here’s to Ai Yazawa, to NANA, and to the generations of readers who found a piece of themselves in two girls who shared a name, but carved out very different lives.
