Unless you live in Asia, you may be forgiven for not having heard of NANA, although possibly, not for very much longer. NANA has already been spotted appearing regularly in the USA and it must be assumed that Europe cannot be far behind. NANA's influence across Asia has been widespread and undeniable, invading everything from comic books and clothing lines to restaurants and video games. In 2005 it seemed to reach its natural peak, but the plans for 2006 have surfaced and there appears to be no letting up. So what exactly is NANA? In truth, it can no longer be described as one thing, or one person, but rather, NANA has become a movement, a trend, even a lifestyle choice, that all started with a manga.
NANA is a name shared by two young women created by writer Ai Yazawa in 1999. An accomplished writer and artist, Yazawa had already tasted success in the shojo - or "girls' manga" - market with her underground series Neighborhood Story and Paradise Kiss. Focusing heavily on the fashion world, with vividly illustrated stories of young love from a female perspective, Yazawa had developed a loyal cult following of readers. But as popular as these titles were, they were still aimed very much at a particular niche market, and when Yazawa was asked to create something with broader appeal, she struck upon the idea that would become NANA's unique selling point.
"I came up with a story about two girls," says Yazawa, "with the same name but totally different characteristics. I thought people would empathize with one of them." And indeed they did. Nana Komatsu is a picture of innocence, cute and sickly sweet to the point of distraction, who lives for her boyfriend and to please other people. Because of these characteristics and her doting, submissive nature she earns herself the nickname Hachi, which literally means puppy. Nana Osaki, on the other hand, could not be more different. Strong, independent and guarded - she has had to fend for herself from a young age and knows that reliance upon others often leads only to disappointment.
The two girls' images and fashion sense reflect their own personalities too, but in doing so, could not be further removed from each other. Hachi is a classic embodiment of Japanese "kawaii culture", a fashion trend popular throughout Asia with women ranging from their teens through to their early thirties. The style embraces an innocent and almost childlike cuteness, veering away from a sexualized image of femininity. The style includes a lot of pink clothing, bows and ribbons, worn in a demure and modest manner. The girls' behavior also often veers towards the helpless, dependent and the overtly shy. Nana O, on the other hand, is an avid fan of British fashion icon Vivienne Westwood. Her smoky eyes, short skirts, stockings and biker boots make for a far more aggressive image that harks back to the punk movement of the 1970s and effortlessly compliments the style and attitude of Nana's band, The Blackstones. She exudes an image very in tune with her sexuality but at the same time not pandering to any male aspirations of how she should present herself.
At the beginning of the story, Nana and Hachi meet on a train bound for Tokyo, where both are heading in pursuit of their dreams. Hachi is moving to the big city to be closer to her boyfriend, whereas Nana seeks fame and fortune as a rock star with her band. Due to a series of coincidences the two girls end up moving in to the same apartment and over time become best friends. These two girls, who on the surface have nothing to unite them save for their names, find common ground struggling to make a new life in the big city. Together they tackle the harsh realities of friendships, failed relationships, broken hearts and all the other highs and lows faced by many young people around the World. And it was by addressing these issues that seems to set NANA apart from other shojo, and has attracted a wider audience spanning many demographics.
Now on its 15th volume, NANA has sold more than 22 million copies and has attracted more male readers than any other shojo title before it. Are they looking for an insight into the female psyche? Or do they simply find this heightened realism a refreshing change from the hero-worship fantasy adventures that perpetuate many boys' manga? Many male fans have confessed that while Hachi often closely resembles their own girlfriends, their fantasy woman would be more like Nana! And in many ways the two girls embody the reality and fantasy of their readers' lives. Whilst Hachi struggles to find a perfect relationship and a good job - challenges faced by most young people on a daily basis - Nana strives with confidence towards her dreams of fame and fortune - a fantasy shared by many, but rarely accomplished.
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