It’s been over a decade since Nana first hit bookshelves and screens, but the story still lives on — deeply rooted in the hearts of fans all over the world. With its punk rock aesthetic, raw emotional storytelling, and unfiltered look into young adulthood, Nana has never really gone out of style.
But what makes Nana still so relevant today, especially when there are thousands of new manga and anime series out there competing for attention?
Let’s break it down.
❤️ 1. Relatable, Imperfect Characters
At its core, Nana is about two young women—Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu—trying to figure out who they are and what they want in life. They mess up. They fall in love with the wrong people. They get lost. They get back up.
These aren’t perfect characters wrapped in fantasy. They’re us.
Nana O. is independent and fierce but emotionally vulnerable underneath.
Hachi is impulsive and romantic, often seeking love in the wrong places, but her heart is always genuine.
In a world where so much media portrays idealized lives and characters, Nana stands out by being real — and that realism hasn’t aged a day.
🌆 2. Realistic Adult Themes
Nana doesn’t shy away from mature topics — it dives into them headfirst:
Toxic relationships and emotional manipulation
Unplanned pregnancy
Addiction and self-destruction
Depression, loneliness, and trauma
The pressure of fame and public scrutiny
These issues aren’t just used for drama — they’re explored in depth, showing how they affect each character’s mental health, choices, and relationships. In today’s world, where conversations around mental well-being, toxic dynamics, and identity are becoming more open and important, Nana feels more timely than ever.
🎶 3. Music and Subculture That Still Speaks
Even if you’re not a punk rock fan, the music in Nana hits hard. That’s because the bands—Blast and Trapnest—aren’t just there to sound cool. They represent freedom, rebellion, connection, and emotional release.
Today’s youth still turn to music as a form of self-expression and escape, just like Nana Osaki and her band did. The themes of independence, passion, and healing through creativity resonate with a new generation discovering themselves.
And let’s be honest — the soundtrack still slaps.
💔 4. The Power of Female Friendship
So many manga and anime still struggle to depict authentic female friendships without drama, rivalry, or cliches. Nana shows us something different: a deep, messy, but beautiful friendship between two women who couldn’t be more different — and yet are everything to each other.
Nana and Hachi’s bond is intense, sometimes painful, and incredibly layered. Their friendship is passionate and co-dependent at times, full of misunderstandings and forgiveness. It’s not perfect — it’s real.
And in a world where people are craving connection more than ever, this portrayal of chosen family is powerful.
📱 5. It Mirrors the Millennial and Gen Z Experience
Nana was ahead of its time. It captured the uncertainty of your 20s — the feeling of being stuck between teenage dreams and adult responsibilities. Many fans who first read it in high school now relate to it even more as adults.
From struggling with money, chasing dreams, facing heartbreak, trying to “make it” in a big city, and figuring out who you are — all of that still hits today, maybe even harder than it did when it first came out.
It’s basically the manga version of journaling at 2 AM wondering if you’ve ruined your life (but make it punk rock).
✨ Final Thoughts: Nana Is Timeless
Even though the manga has been on hiatus for years, the world of Nana remains emotionally alive. The characters feel like old friends. The music still echoes. The emotions still hit.
In a constantly changing world of trends and short attention spans, Nana remains a rare story that sticks with you — not because of flashy action or fantasy, but because it dares to be raw, emotional, and real.
That’s why Nana is still relevant today.