In the emotional rollercoaster that is Nana, written and illustrated by Ai Yazawa, two women with the same name take center stage. One of them is Nana Komatsu, affectionately nicknamed “Hachi.” While often overshadowed by her more rebellious and intense counterpart, Nana Osaki, it is Hachi who acts as the emotional backbone of the series. Her journey, though quieter, is deeply relatable, complex, and heartbreakingly real — and it’s this quiet strength that makes her the true heart of the Nana manga.
💫 Who Is Nana Komatsu?
Nana Komatsu is a small-town girl with big dreams, but no clear direction. At the beginning of the story, she is portrayed as naïve, boy-crazy, and emotionally dependent. She tends to fall in love easily, often confusing affection with love, and seeks security in romantic relationships.
But over time, we begin to see her layers. Hachi is a kind, thoughtful, and incredibly empathetic person. She forms deep connections, not just romantically, but with friends who become her true family in Tokyo. While her flaws are obvious and often frustrating, they’re what make her human.
🧠 Why Do Fans Often Misjudge Her?
Some fans criticize Hachi for being indecisive or weak, especially when compared to the fierce and independent Nana Osaki. But this criticism often misses the point of her character. Hachi is not meant to be a rockstar or a rebel. She is meant to represent the everywoman — the one who learns through pain, makes mistakes, and grows slowly.
Her emotional vulnerability isn’t weakness — it’s courage in a different form. She survives betrayal, heartbreak, and uncertainty, all while trying to protect the people she loves. Her desire for a stable home, a family, and unconditional love is portrayed with sincerity, and it’s something that resonates with many readers on a deep level.
🍼 The Pregnancy Arc: A Turning Point
One of the most significant and heart-wrenching moments in Hachi’s story is her unexpected pregnancy with Takumi’s child. Her decision to keep the baby and marry Takumi — despite lingering feelings for Nobu — was controversial, but also deeply mature.
It marked a turning point in her journey: Hachi moved from a girl who chased after fleeting love to a woman who prioritized her child’s future over her own desires. It was no longer just about what she wanted — it was about becoming responsible, even if it meant living a more difficult life. This arc challenges readers to think about what it means to grow up and make sacrifices.
🤝 Her Relationship with Nana Osaki
The core of Nana is not romance — it’s friendship. And the most powerful relationship in the manga is undoubtedly the one between the two Nanas.
Hachi and Nana Osaki balance each other like yin and yang. Where Nana Osaki is tough, Hachi is soft. Where Hachi needs comfort, Nana provides protection. Their friendship is raw, messy, and real — filled with jealousy, deep love, misunderstandings, and co-dependence.
Their emotional connection goes far beyond what we usually see in manga. It reflects the kind of bond that leaves a permanent imprint on someone’s soul. When Hachi and Nana begin to drift apart, readers feel the loss just as intensely as any romantic breakup.
🎭 Symbolism of “Hachi” — A Loyal Dog
Nana Osaki gives her the nickname “Hachiko” (later shortened to Hachi), referencing the famously loyal dog in Japanese culture. It’s a playful jab, but also a bittersweet truth. Hachi is loyal — sometimes to a fault. She stays even when she’s hurt. She forgives easily. She gives more than she receives. But this loyalty also becomes her superpower.
Unlike others in the series who burn out, fade away, or self-destruct, Hachi endures. She may cry and fall, but she keeps standing back up. That kind of quiet endurance is what makes her character so powerful.
🧭 A Journey of Growth
By the later chapters of Nana, Hachi has changed dramatically. She’s no longer the girl who needed saving. She becomes a mother, a stable figure, and someone others depend on. She makes peace with her choices, even the painful ones. And through her evolution, we see the message of the manga: growing up means accepting that life is complicated, and love is never simple.
📝 Final Thoughts
Nana Komatsu may not be everyone’s favorite at first glance. But she is the emotional thread that holds the Nana story together. Her growth, sacrifices, and emotional vulnerability add a layer of realism that makes the series more than just a tale of punk rock and romance. Through her, Ai Yazawa tells a story about finding meaning in heartbreak, discovering strength in softness, and navigating adulthood with all its confusion and compromise.
So, if you ever feel frustrated with Hachi, take a second look. You might find that she represents the part of ourselves that just wants to love and be loved — and that’s something truly beautiful.