Ai Yazawa’s Nana is far more than just a story about love, friendship, and music—it’s a deep, emotional journey through the messy and complicated aspects of life. Despite being a manga that began in the early 2000s, Nana still connects with fans today because of its raw honesty and the relatable struggles its characters go through.
Here are 10 powerful life lessons from Nana that still resonate today:
- Not All Friendships Are Perfect—And That’s Okay
The relationship between Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu (Hachi) is the emotional core of the story. It’s not flawless; it’s full of miscommunications, jealousy, and distance. But that’s what makes it real.
Lesson: Friendships don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. It’s okay to grow apart or struggle—it’s part of life. What matters is the love and the impact you leave on each other’s lives.
- Love Can Be Both Beautiful and Destructive
Nana doesn’t sugarcoat romance. It shows us different types of love—obsessive, one-sided, toxic, and passionate. Some of it lifts the characters up, and some of it tears them down.
Lesson: Love isn’t always what we imagine it to be. It’s powerful, messy, and sometimes painful. Learning when to hold on and when to let go is key.
- You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out in Your 20s
Most characters in Nana are in their early twenties, and none of them have their lives completely together. They’re figuring things out—relationships, careers, identity.
Lesson: It’s okay to be confused or lost in your 20s. It’s a time for growth, trial and error, and making mistakes that help shape who you are.
- Ambition Comes With Sacrifices
Nana Osaki’s dream to become a professional musician means she has to leave people behind, make hard decisions, and sometimes choose her passion over her relationships.
Lesson: Pursuing your dreams is fulfilling, but it’s rarely easy. Success often requires sacrifice, dedication, and resilience.
- People Change, and That’s Natural
Whether it’s Hachi growing more independent or Nobu becoming more emotionally mature, Nana reminds us that people are constantly evolving.
Lesson: Change is part of life. Growing as a person sometimes means outgrowing others, and that’s not something to fear—it’s something to embrace.
- Music (or Any Art) Can Be a Lifeline
For many characters, music is more than a job or hobby—it’s an emotional outlet and a form of connection. For Nana Osaki, singing is how she survives heartbreak and loneliness.
Lesson: Creative expression can be healing. Whether it’s music, writing, drawing, or dancing, finding an outlet helps process life’s challenges.
- Boundaries Are Necessary for Mental Health
Many relationships in Nana blur emotional boundaries, leading to painful outcomes. Hachi often loses herself in love, and characters like Ren struggle with addiction and trauma.
Lesson: Setting emotional boundaries and caring for your mental health isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Knowing your limits helps you protect your peace.
- Family Isn’t Always Blood
Hachi and Nana create a chosen family. Despite their differences, the members of Blast, Hachi, and others form deep bonds of trust and support that feel more real than some biological relationships.
Lesson: True family is about connection and love, not just blood. It’s the people who support you, stand by you, and accept you as you are.
- It’s Okay to Make Mistakes—What Matters Is How You Grow
Every character in Nana makes major mistakes. Hachi cheats. Nobu gets reckless. Takumi manipulates. But through those mistakes, they evolve.
Lesson: Mistakes don’t define you. What matters is learning, taking accountability, and trying to be better.
- Some Stories Don’t Have Perfect Endings—And That’s Real Life
Nana itself doesn’t have a proper ending due to the manga being on hiatus, and many of the storylines are left unresolved. But somehow, that makes it even more poignant.
Lesson: Life doesn’t always tie up in a neat bow. Sometimes, things are left unfinished, people disappear, and questions remain unanswered. It’s not ideal—but it’s honest.
Final Thoughts
Nana isn’t just a drama about rock bands and romance—it’s a reflection of real life, with all its highs and lows. The emotions, conflicts, and themes are timeless, which is why it continues to resonate with fans around the world. Whether you’re facing a turning point in your life or just need a reminder that you’re not alone in your struggles, Nana offers comfort, catharsis, and powerful lessons worth holding on to.