Originally airing in 2006 and 2007, and adapted from Ai Yazawa’s manga of the same name, NANA is an anime series that tells the captivating story of two 20-year-old women who share the name “Nana.”

A Refreshing Coming-of-Age Premise

Coming-of-age narratives are typically associated with adolescence, but there is something to be said about the transitional period between adolescence and adulthood as well. Hachi, a young woman who dreams of moving to Tokyo and having the perfect romance, must learn to shed her naivety about love and become independent. On the other hand, Nana Osaki, an aspiring rock band lead singer, must learn to rely on others while proving herself. By bringing these two young women together as roommates, they give each other the support and guidance they need to navigate through life.

Nana Komatsu’s Romance Journey

Hachi’s romantic journey is filled with ups and downs. From her infatuation with older men to a devastating heartbreak, she learns the hard way about love and relationships. Through her friendship with Nobuo, the guitarist of Nana Osaki’s band, she discovers the kind of love she truly deserves. The contrast between Nobuo and Takumi, the leader and bassist of the rock band Trapnest, opens Hachi’s eyes to what real love looks like.

Nana Osaki’s Engrossing Rock Star Journey

Nana Osaki, with her calm and collected demeanor, has her own emotional vulnerabilities. Abandoned by her mother and raised by her stern grandmother, she struggles to form connections with others. But when she meets Ren, her life changes. As the lead singer of the band BLAST, Nana embraces her passion for music and fights to make a name for herself. Along with Hachi, she faces challenges in their friendship as their individual lives interfere.

Nana and Hachi’s Down-to-Earth Friendship

From their chance meeting on a train to becoming roommates, Nana and Hachi hit it off from the start. They form a deep bond and support each other through thick and thin. However, their friendship faces obstacles as they pursue their own dreams and navigate the complexities of love. Their journey showcases the ups and downs of genuine friendship and the hardships that come with it.

The Supporting Characters

Both Nana and Hachi are surrounded by a cast of characters that both support and hurt them. From Hachi’s pragmatic friend Junko and her boyfriend Kyousuke to Nana’s best friend Nobuo and her lover Ren, each character plays a crucial role in the development of the story. Through these relationships, Nana and Hachi learn valuable lessons about love, maturity, and self-discovery.

The Music Rocks…Literally

Music plays a central role in NANA, with its soundtrack adding depth to the character arcs of Nana and Hachi. The opening theme “Rose” represents their adjustment to life in Tokyo, while the ending theme “A Little Pain” embodies their healing and growth as individuals. The music in NANA resonates with the audience and enhances the emotional journey of the characters.

An Ode to the Different Kinds of Love

NANA challenges the notion that romantic love is the sole source of happiness. Hachi’s pursuit of romantic love teaches her the importance of friendship and self-love. Meanwhile, Nana finds strength in her passion for music but longs for platonic love. Both characters realize that the love they want may not be what they need, leading to personal growth and resilience in their friendship.

With its complex female leads, compelling cast of characters, and a heart-piercing soundtrack, NANA is an anime series that every fan should watch at least once. It is a testament to the difficulties of adulthood, pursuing goals, and the power of love and support. Join Nana and Hachi on their remarkable journey, and discover the true essence of friendship, love, and rock n’ roll.

–Fecomic