Ajin: Demi-Human: A Deep Dive
An exploration of what makes Nana an essential manga.
Story Summary of Nana
Nana, created by Ai Yazawa, is a compelling shojo manga that follows the intertwined lives of two young women named Nana. Despite sharing the same first name, Nana Komatsu (nicknamed "Hachi") and Nana Osaki are vastly different. Hachi is a naive and romantic girl who often falls in love easily and is searching for love and stability. Nana Osaki, on the other hand, is a strong and independent punk rocker who aspires to achieve musical stardom with her band, Black Stones (Blast).
The story begins when the two Nanas coincidentally meet on a train to Tokyo. Both are heading to the city for different reasons: Hachi to follow her boyfriend, Shoji, and Nana Osaki to pursue her music career. They find themselves drawn to each other and eventually decide to become roommates in Apartment 707.
As they navigate the challenges of adulthood, love, and ambition in Tokyo, their friendship deepens. They support each other through heartbreaks, career obstacles, and personal growth. The manga explores themes of identity, independence, the complexities of relationships, and the sacrifices people make for their dreams.
Key Characters and Their Roles
- Nana Komatsu (Hachi): A young woman driven by her desire for love and a stable relationship. Her naivety often leads her into complicated situations, but she has a kind heart and genuinely cares for those around her.
- Nana Osaki: A fiercely independent and determined punk rocker. She's the lead vocalist of Blast and is committed to achieving success in the music industry. Her past relationship with Ren Honjo, the guitarist of the rival band Trapnest, plays a significant role in her story.
- Ren Honjo: Nana Osaki's former lover and the guitarist of Trapnest. Their complicated past and enduring feelings for each other create significant drama throughout the series.
- Takumi Ichinose: The charismatic and somewhat enigmatic leader of Trapnest. He is known for his calculating nature and has a complex relationship with both Nana Osaki and Hachi.
- Shinichi Okazaki (Shin): The young and rebellious bassist of Blast. He develops a close bond with Nana Osaki and struggles with his own identity and desires.
- Yasu (Yasushi Takagi): The drummer and leader figure of Blast. He acts as a mentor and confidant to Nana Osaki and provides stability to the band.
- Shoji Endo: Hachi's boyfriend at the beginning of the story. His actions and eventual relationship with another woman significantly impact Hachi's emotional journey.
Thematic and Narrative Analysis
Nana is notable for its realistic portrayal of relationships and the complexities of human emotions. Ai Yazawa masterfully explores themes such as:
- Friendship: The central theme of the manga is the deep and supportive friendship between the two Nanas. They rely on each other for emotional support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of adulthood.
- Love and Relationships: The manga delves into various aspects of love, including romantic love, unrequited love, and the sacrifices people make for their relationships. The characters grapple with issues of commitment, trust, and communication.
- Identity and Independence: Both Nanas struggle with finding their own identities and achieving independence. Nana Osaki seeks independence through her music, while Hachi searches for it through her relationships.
- Dreams and Ambition: The pursuit of dreams is a significant theme, particularly for Nana Osaki, who is determined to make it big in the music industry. The manga explores the challenges and sacrifices required to achieve one's ambitions.
The narrative structure of Nana is also noteworthy. The story is told from the perspectives of both Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki, providing insight into their thoughts and feelings. The use of flashbacks helps to reveal the characters' backstories and motivations, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The manga's open-ended and ongoing hiatus has left many fans eager to see the conclusion of the story.
While a chapter breakdown isn't readily available due to the manga's length and ongoing status, each volume typically focuses on specific events and character developments, moving the overall narrative forward and exploring the different relationships and conflicts within the story.
Note: The Nana manga is currently on hiatus due to Ai Yazawa's health issues. While there are no official updates on when the manga will resume, fans remain hopeful for a continuation of the story.