Manga I love ... Nana

I learned a new word when I looked up the wiki for Nana. As opposed to shojo, "Josei" manga is written for women from their late teens to adults. "LadyComi" is also for adult women but usually contains erotic content (who knew?). The josei nature of Nana may be why it really affected me. At a time when I was reading shojo after shojo after shojo, I found Nana and it was unique and refreshing.  

Nana is written by Ai Yazawa. It follows two different women who share the same name. They meet as they are both moving to Tokyo to pursue their dreams. One wants make it big with her band Black Stones, and the other ... well, I'm not sure. She works in a furniture store and gets dumped by her cheating, long-time boyfriend. I can't say too much more other than your emotions will be all over the place. It was adapted into an anime and even inspired two live-action movies in Japan.

Talk about heart crushing! It's been at least 5 years since I read/watched it, and just thinking about it causes a ball of frustration to form in my stomach. You did this to me Ai Yazawa! I'll admit, I went through a little "phase" when I was reading this manga. I downloaded all the music from the anime (look for the album "Nana Best" which features Japanese artists Olivia and Anna Tsuchiya performing songs inspired by bands from the anime) and even dressed up like an 80's rocker for Halloween. That is one photo I refuse to share. But I came out of it okay. I'm totally normal now. :) Totally.

From Youtube, Nana opening 1:
 

 Olivia inspired by Reira of Trapnest:

Nana is supposed to be ongoing, but the author was hospitalized in 2010 and has yet to publish another volume. I'm not expecting a happy ending. Happy endings are boring, anyway. 

Jess

 
“The longer we live, the more weight we carry in our hearts.”
- Ai Yawaza