Nana, created by Ai Yazawa, is one of the most iconic and beloved manga series of all time. With its emotional depth, unforgettable characters, and exploration of love, loss, and ambition, Nana has captured the hearts of manga fans around the world. Whether you’re a long-time fan or someone new to the world of Nana, knowing where to start can be a bit daunting, especially since the series has been ongoing with long breaks.
In this 2025 guide, we’ll help you navigate the world of Nana manga and give you a clear path for where to start and how to enjoy this masterpiece. Let’s dive in!
- Understanding Nana: The Premise
Nana is the story of two women, both named Nana, whose lives intertwine in unexpected and emotionally charged ways. One Nana, Nana Osaki, is a punk rock singer with a tough exterior, struggling to achieve fame and reconcile with her past. The other Nana, Nana Komatsu (Hachi), is a naive and idealistic girl who constantly seeks love and emotional stability. Their destinies cross when they meet on a train to Tokyo, and they end up sharing an apartment and facing life’s ups and downs together.
The series explores themes of love, heartbreak, ambition, and the pursuit of self-identity, set against the backdrop of the music industry and the complicated lives of young adults. Nana is known for its deep emotional storytelling and its exploration of complex relationships, making it a must-read for fans of drama and romance.
- Where to Read Nana Manga in 2025
As Nana has been on hiatus since 2009, with no official conclusion, it’s important to know where to access the series legally. Here are the best platforms to read Nana in 2025:
a. Official Manga Platforms
VIZ Media: Nana is officially available for purchase through VIZ Media’s digital manga platform. This is the best option for those who want to read the series legally while supporting the creators.
ComiXology: Another digital platform where Nana can be found. ComiXology, part of Amazon, offers Nana volumes for purchase, allowing you to read digitally on any device.
Kodansha’s Official Site: Some older chapters and volumes may still be available through Kodansha’s official platform, as they were the original publishers for Nana in Japan.
b. Library Services
OverDrive or Libby: Many libraries offer digital borrowing through OverDrive or the Libby app. If your local library has Nana in its collection, you can borrow the manga digitally for free with a library card.
c. Print Editions
If you prefer physical copies, Nana was released in English by VIZ Media, and you can often find the printed volumes through:
Amazon: Physical volumes are available for purchase through Amazon. While new volumes may be harder to find due to the hiatus, used editions or complete box sets are often available.
Barnes & Noble: This is another good place to find physical copies, particularly for collectors.
Secondhand Market: Used manga bookstores or platforms like eBay and thrift shops are great places to look for out-of-print editions.
d. Scanlation Websites (Not Recommended)
While scanlation websites offer free, unofficial translations of Nana, these sites are illegal and can be harmful to the manga industry. It’s always recommended to read Nana on official, licensed platforms to support Ai Yazawa and the publishing industry.
- Which Volume Should You Start With?
If you’re new to Nana, it’s best to start from the very beginning. The series begins with the first volume, where readers are introduced to the two Nanas and their initial meeting. Starting from volume one gives you the chance to follow their development and understand the emotional stakes of their lives.
Nana has been serialized in 21 volumes, and while the manga is still incomplete due to the hiatus, it’s still worth starting from the beginning as it provides an excellent setup for the relationships and struggles that develop throughout the story.
- Understanding the Manga’s Pacing and Themes
As you begin reading Nana, it’s important to understand its pacing. Early chapters focus heavily on character development, setting up the personalities and backgrounds of the two Nanas, as well as introducing their friends and romantic interests. While the manga contains moments of humor, the tone often shifts toward deep emotional drama, focusing on the complexities of relationships, the music industry, and personal growth.
One of the standout features of Nana is its exploration of the theme of ambition versus love. Both Nanas have different goals in life—Nana Osaki strives for fame with her band, while Hachi desires a perfect romantic relationship. The tension between personal dreams and love interests is a recurring theme that defines much of the series.
As you read, be prepared for moments of heartbreak, confusion, and deep emotional revelations. The characters grow, evolve, and make difficult decisions, making Nana a journey worth taking for any manga fan.
- Manga vs. Anime: What You Should Know Before Reading
The Nana anime, which aired in 2006, covers a significant portion of the manga’s story but does not provide a conclusion due to the hiatus. If you’ve seen the anime, you may already be familiar with the basic plotlines and characters, but the manga offers much more in-depth character exploration and side stories that aren’t covered in the anime.
While the anime adaptation is praised for its faithful representation of Ai Yazawa’s art style and emotional tone, the manga has a lot more content that hasn’t been animated yet. This makes the manga the essential choice for those who want the full Nana experience, especially since the anime stops short of providing a resolution.
- What to Expect as You Continue Reading
Nana is known for its slow-burn storytelling and character-driven plot. As you progress through the series, you’ll witness the development of key relationships, intense emotional moments, and the ups and downs of the characters’ lives. The romance, drama, and personal growth are the pillars of the series, and each chapter builds upon the last, adding layers of depth to the overall narrative.
The manga is also known for its stunning artwork, with Ai Yazawa’s delicate yet expressive drawings adding an extra layer of emotional impact to the story. Fans often cite the art style as one of the main reasons they fell in love with the series.
- Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
Starting Nana in 2025 is an exciting and emotional journey. Whether you’re new to manga or a seasoned reader, this series will provide an unforgettable reading experience. With its rich character development, emotional depth, and exploration of life’s struggles, Nana remains one of the most iconic manga series to date.
To begin, pick up the first volume and immerse yourself in the world of Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu. Follow their lives, learn from their challenges, and experience the highs and lows of their journeys. While the hiatus remains an open question, Nana’s impact on manga history and its emotional resonance will continue to make it worth reading for years to come.