Nana, written and illustrated by Ai Yazawa, has long been considered a landmark in the manga world, particularly within the josei genre. Initially serialized in Cookie magazine in 2000, Nana not only captivated readers with its compelling characters and unforgettable plot but also helped redefine and elevate the josei genre in ways that continue to influence manga today.
The josei genre, typically targeted at adult women, is known for its mature themes, realistic romance, and exploration of relationships, careers, and personal growth. Prior to Nana, josei manga was often overshadowed by shōjo (targeted at younger girls) and shōnen (targeted at young boys) genres. However, Ai Yazawa’s Nana turned this dynamic on its head, introducing a complex narrative that combined love, heartbreak, ambition, and the struggle of balancing dreams and reality.
So, how exactly did Nana redefine the josei genre in manga history? Let’s explore.
- Complex Female Characters and Relationship Dynamics
One of Nana’s most groundbreaking features is its deep exploration of the lives of its two female protagonists—Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu (Hachi). In many earlier josei works, women were often portrayed in more traditional or one-dimensional roles. However, Nana provided two distinct, multifaceted characters, each with her own struggles, dreams, and flaws. These women were not simply defined by their relationships with men, but by their individual ambitions, personal growth, and deep emotional journeys.
Nana Osaki is a punk rock singer with a fierce personality, battling against the pressures of fame and the haunting memories of her past. Hachi, on the other hand, is a romantic who struggles with her own sense of self-worth, often finding herself in unhealthy relationships as she searches for happiness. Together, these two women represent the broad spectrum of experiences and emotions that real women face in their twenties and thirties, which was something relatively new for josei at the time.
By creating such complex and relatable female characters, Nana appealed to a wide audience of women, providing a nuanced portrayal of womanhood that wasn’t confined to traditional stereotypes.
- Blending Romance, Music, and Career Aspirations
One of the most unique aspects of Nana is how it blends romance with the pursuit of individual goals and careers. In many josei series before it, romance was often the central focus, sometimes overshadowing other aspects of life. Nana, however, introduces the music industry as a backdrop to the romance, providing a fresh perspective on the balance between professional ambition and personal relationships.
Nana Osaki’s dream to become a successful musician, alongside her turbulent romantic relationships, brings forth a complex narrative about how pursuing one’s dreams can both lift and tear apart individuals. Similarly, Hachi’s journey is marked by her relationships with men and her own struggles to define her career aspirations, offering readers a broader understanding of how careers and romance can intersect, often in difficult ways.
This fusion of romance and career-driven ambition was revolutionary for the josei genre, as it broadened the scope of what a josei series could explore. It wasn’t just about love; it was about love in the context of personal and professional growth, illustrating that women in their twenties and thirties don’t just think about romance—they think about who they are, what they want to do, and how to achieve their goals.
- Deep Emotional Exploration of Love and Heartbreak
While many josei series focused on the ups and downs of love, Nana took a more profound and realistic approach to emotional struggles. Yazawa’s portrayal of romantic relationships—both healthy and toxic—was deeply complex. For example, the relationship between Nana Osaki and Ren Honjo is filled with intense passion, but it’s also marred by miscommunication, insecurities, and sacrifice.
What sets Nana apart from other works in the josei genre is its willingness to showcase not just the blissful moments of love, but also the painful consequences of failed relationships. Nana’s grief after Ren’s death and Hachi’s heartbreak after her turbulent relationship with Takumi are portrayed with such raw emotion that it resonates with readers on a personal level. The manga never shies away from showing how love can both elevate and devastate, exploring the emotional depth of heartbreak, betrayal, and the struggle to move on.
This nuanced approach to romance made Nana a standout in the josei genre, setting a new standard for how love stories could be told with emotional complexity and depth.
- Breaking Away from Traditional Gender Roles
Nana also stood out for its progressive portrayal of gender roles, particularly through the lens of the music industry. In a world dominated by men in many parts of the entertainment industry, Nana features strong female characters like Nana Osaki, who strives to succeed as a rock star in a male-dominated environment. She doesn’t conform to traditional gender expectations; instead, she challenges them by being unapologetically herself, often acting as the antithesis to the stereotypical “feminine” image.
Furthermore, the series explores how gender dynamics play out in relationships. While characters like Takumi (Hachi’s eventual husband) and Ren are portrayed as strong and sometimes domineering, the women in Nana don’t passively follow their lead. Instead, they fight for what they believe in, confront their emotions, and make difficult choices that reflect their evolving identities.
By challenging the traditional gender roles that were often present in other josei works, Nana provided a more empowering narrative for women, showing that they could pursue their dreams, love fiercely, and define their own paths.
- Lasting Cultural Impact
The success of Nana extended beyond the manga pages, inspiring a thriving fanbase, a popular anime adaptation, and live-action films. This cultural influence further solidified its role in redefining the josei genre. The fashion, music, and emotional themes of Nana made it a trendsetting phenomenon, with fans adopting the characters’ distinctive styles and celebrating the series’ portrayal of complicated, yet deeply human, relationships.
The fashion elements, in particular, became iconic, with Nana Osaki’s punk-inspired wardrobe and Hachi’s more feminine, romantic style becoming cultural touchstones. Nana’s influence on early 2000s fashion, music, and even pop culture continues to be felt, as many fans still reference the series for its style and emotional resonance.
Final Thoughts: Nana’s Legacy in the Josei Genre
Nana is more than just a manga; it’s a milestone in the evolution of the josei genre. Through its multifaceted characters, realistic portrayals of love and heartbreak, and its exploration of personal and professional growth, Nana pushed the boundaries of what josei could be. By capturing the complex emotional lives of its characters, Ai Yazawa created a story that resonated with readers on a deeply personal level, earning Nana its place as one of the most influential works in manga history.
Today, Nana stands as a testament to the potential of the josei genre to tell powerful, emotionally rich stories about women, love, and self-discovery. Its impact continues to be felt in manga, anime, and beyond, proving that Nana didn’t just change the genre—it redefined it.