Alternative TitlesJapanese: ナナ
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 47
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 5, 2006 to Mar 27, 2007
Duration:
23 min. per episode Rating:
R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.721 (scored by 14224 users)
Ranked: #252
Popularity: #105
Members: 27,542
Favorites: 2,399 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
drama music romance shoujo |
SynopsisKomatsu Nana moves to Tokyo, following after her boyfriend Shouji to gain a life she has always dreamed of. On a train bound for Tokyo, she meets Osaki Nana, the vocalist for the punk rock band "Blast", also moving to Tokyo to achieve her dreams of becoming a professional. Sharing the same name, the two of them perhaps through a twist of fate, ended up becoming flat mates in Tokyo, where together they support each other through each of their love lives and careers. Based on the manga by Yazawa Ai. |
Related AnimeAdaptation: NANA Summary: NANA: Specials
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Licorice
21 of 26 people found this review helpful
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47 of 47 episodes seen
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| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
10 |
| Character |
8 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
"Say, Nana... Do you remember the first time we met?"
These words are the introduction of the beautiful world of "Nana". Ai Yazawa is probably the most convincing shoujo manga writer ever. With colourful, realistic characters, breathtaking events and just a pinch of music she creates a world in witch every girl can forget about reality and fall into the embrace of romantic fantasies.
One of the best things about "Nana" are the characters - we can actually see the reflection of ourselves in some of them and believe, that someone like that can really exist. This is proof that you can make a good anime without the conventional tsundere, moe or annoying childhood friend.
One thing I didn't like though is Hachi's personality. Her behaviour at times is despicable. Mainly because she has no ideals or dreams (except getting married witch is pretty boring compared to the rest of the characters).
The story is also one of Nana's strong points. Ai Yazawa worked really hard on it, and did her best to create a realistic world so that the reader can almost become part of it and experience it emotionaly.
Even though the plot is a typical shoujo tearjerker (with a bit of music) it has that magical something that makes you cheer unconsciously for some characters and experience emotionally some events almost as strongly as the characters themselves. Another good thing about the story is that it exposes the hard, cruel reality, which has no happy endings and pure loves. Yazawa-sensei gives her characters a big imagination (especially Hachi) But the world they live in is just like ours.
As for the art, it wasn't that impressive. It annoys me how all the characters are so thin and tall. Other that that I think the art matched the story pretty well. There were lots of details regarding shadows and highlights. That's in order to underline the mood of certain moments, mainly in room 707.
Nana has one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. The openings and endings were songs by the 2 fictional bands in the show, witch was a brilliant idea imo. Olivia Lufkin and Anna Tsuchiya fit the characters perfectly. Nothing much to add here: the music in Nana is brilliant. Period.
Overall, Nana is a must-see position for shoujo-fans. It tells us a lot about life, it's hardships and also teaches us an important lesson about the mistakes, that we shouldn't make.
This is my first review, so please don't be hard on me ;) read more
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algelic
106 of 142 people found this review helpful
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47 of 47 episodes seen
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| Overall |
9 |
| Story |
10 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
One of the things I like to see the most in anime is how they portray relationships. I’m a sucker for romance, but I hate the cheesy stuff you usually see in typical shoujo anime. Sometimes you’ll find an anime with realistic characters, with the typical flaws of human nature, and usually people love them. We can identify with them. Like in Evangelion many people who have dealt with depression could identify with Shinji (in some levels…).
For those of you who have watched your share of anime about love/relationships, I bet you could identify somehow with “Bokura ga Ita”, “Kimi ga Nozomu Eien” or “Kare Kano”. Or at least you felt connected with its characters. I have watched them all and know what I’m talking about.
Recently, I finally sat down and watched “Paradise Kiss”. It’s a short (12 episodes) anime that, to make it short, is about relationships and growing up. I was impressed by its maturity. The art style took a while to get used to, but afterwards I loved it. After watching it, I decided to watch “Nana”, which is by the same author and deals with similar issues.
Synopsis:
“On board the train to Tokyo to meet her boyfriend Shoji, Nana Komatsu ("Hachi") happened to sit beside Nana Osaki who was traveling to Tokyo to fulfill her dreams of becoming a musician. The vocalist for her punk band "Blast", Nana aims for a major debut for "Blast" in Tokyo where her boyfriend, Ren, is the guitarist for a popular band "Trapnest". Sharing the same name "Nana", both girls quickly form a bond of friendship. Their paths cross again when they encounter each other while searching for accommodation in Tokyo. Eventually they decide to live together in the same unit and this further strengthens their bond as the two "Nana(s)" go through their love lives and career.” – AnimeNewsNetwork
Story (10/10)
I almost have no words to express how it made me feel. It’s amazing. Incredibly realistic and moving. I started watching it without knowing a thing about it (not even synopsis), though the title “Nana” sounded familiar as something popular among anime fans. The anime was broadcasted in 2006, lasting 47 episodes, but the manga first came out in Japan in 2000 and is still ongoing.
The concept itself isn’t anything too extraordinary. People living together, people falling in and out of love, people trying to make it in showbiz and other stuff. You could say it blends many overused ideas, then twists them around and reinvents them, transforming itself into a completely original and brilliant idea. And it contains romance, drama and comedy, but the transition between them is really well done, so it doesn’t feel weird.
What really makes “Nana” shine is the incredible character development. The evolution of each character’s personality and relationships with other characters. The things we watch them go through seem so real, like we’d probably make the same mistakes and choices as they did. No one is perfect – that’s a fact. We often think to ourselves “If I was [him], I wouldn’t have made that choice”, but the truth is we are lying to ourselves. We are insecure, emotional beings, that often ignore rational thought and make reckless decisions. “Nana” is so realistic that it’ll blow your mind away.
This is a long series, but it’s not hard to watch. In the first episodes, the action often switches between the actual time and many flashbacks, but they really are important to understand a character’s background. At some point you might get the feeling that they’re repeating the flashbacks, but don’t worry. This isn’t a filler-filled series.
In the end I felt that the story was really well told. But they leave you in a sort of cliffhanger… because the manga isn’t finished yet. But they made it more than obvious that at some point there’ll be a second season of Nana, so don’t worry. In fact, I loved watching this and the way it ended wasn’t too frustrating because I’d just experienced an awesome series.
Visuals (8/10)
The way the characters look might be a little hard to get used to (at least imo), but I really like the art style. I don’t think there’s anything too impressive or revolutionary about the visuals here… which is a good thing. I think the plot alone would be enough to hold the audience and maybe if they’d done something too extravagant visually (*cough* Air *cough*) the viewer would get sidetracked from the story itself. I think the animation was very fitting for the anime.
The animation studio is Madhouse, which was also responsible for “Beck”, “CardCaptor Sakura”, “Paradise Kiss”, “Death Note” and a bunch of others.
Audio (9/10)
I watched the episodes with the original Japanese voice actors and English subtitles. As for the actors, I think they were perfect for their roles. KAORI gave her voice to Nana “Hachi”, which suited the character perfectly with the childish and girlish tone (but thankfully not an annoying high-pitched voice). For the tough rock singer Nana Osaki we have Romi Paku, who also voiced Edward Elric in Full Metal Alchemist. They knew that “Nana” would be an instant success, so they gave it a cast of famous actors and spared no expense.
At first this seems like an anime about music, but it doesn’t play that much of a part here. I mean, we hear lots of songs, but the story isn’t focused on showing us the making of the songs in detail. Compared to “Gravitation” or “Full Moon wo Sagashite”, music wasn’t as important here.
I loved the songs. The fictional bands’ songs are used as openings and endings. OLIVIA is the singing voice of Reira, and we hear many songs from her. My favourite was “A little pain”. It was the first Ending, and since each episode ended on a relatively sad tone, the song fit perfectly. When I heard the first words of the lyrics (“Travel to the moon…”) it almost made me want to cry.
Characters (10/10)
As I’ve mentioned, the characters are the best thing about the anime. We get the chance to know a bit about each character’s history, motivations, thoughts and desires. They are so realistic that we just can’t help but being sucked in by them.
As the anime progresses, the characters gradually grow. This is a very “slice of life” genre of anime, so we watch them growing up. I love how they all interact and deal with their decisions. I love how they aren’t perfect… but as flawed as humans should be.
Overall (10/10)
I loved this anime and it will definitely become one of my favorite series of all time. I feel like watching it again and again, but since it is 47 episodes long and makes me very emotional, maybe it’ll have to wait until I have more time.
I don’t feel like reading the manga for the sole reason that it is too damn long. If it weren’t for that, I would have already ordered all the volumes. But I gained new respect for the mangaka Ai Yazawa.
There are 2 live-action movies for “Nana”. I haven’t watched them yet, but will soon. I’m curious as to how they squeezed all that plot into 2 movies (I’d say they have enough material to make a whole 11 episode drama or maybe something even longer).
The anime will have a second season… I’m sure of that. But for that to happen, we’ll have to wait until the manga is finished. Hurry up!
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Recommendations
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Ok, first the art of Nana and ParaKiss is very similar. Second, the plots revolve around people in showbiz (fashion - music). Third, love, sex and making one's way in life are told in a mature way...means more realistic, minus the teen angst...plus drama.
Nana and Paradise Kiss are similar in that they're both done by the same producers. This leads both shows to have a similar "drama" appeal. You're not quite sure what will happen to all the characters, even all the way up to the last couple minutes of the last episode. Both are directed toward more of the "girl" market, but they're entertaining enough for any type of drama/romance fan.
both mangas were written by the same author so the style of drawing is the same. Also the themes, young love, angst, rebellion, etc are present in both animes.
Both animes are very visually appealing, and the characters in both series are very trendy and have that cool-coffee house aura. It also has similar romantic themes. Enjoy!
Besides being from the same genuis author, both revolve around one thing. For Nana it was music and for ParaKiss it is fashion. Both have realistic and interesting characters, realtionships,friendships, and drama. Plus both animes end in a place where you didnt expect them to. TIAYWBH! (Try It And You Will Be Hooked):)
Well, aside from having been made by the same mangaka, I loved both Nana and ParaKiss. If you're into serious drama about love life, you must watch them!
They're done by the same artist as Paradise Kiss and has an amazing plot that had me crying...
Done by the same mangaka, Ai Yazawa, both works highlight fashion and the lifestyle of a select group of artistes, whether of the fashion world or the underground punk scene. The stories, starting out as simple and uncomplicated, soon branch out to explore the separate lives of other characters. While ParaKiss is a little more abbreviated than NANA, both have strong elements of soap opera in them. ParaKiss is actually the earlier work of the two but the art style of Ai Yazawa is echoed to some extent in NANA, featuring skinny characters with a strong sense of style.
Written by Ai Yazawa and both showcases creative fashion statements.
Wonderful shoujo by Mad House
Both series were created by the awesome Ai Yazawa. The story premises are similar except NANA is about music and ParaKiss is about fashion. What could be better? Both titles are a piece of Shōjo heaven.
It's more or less the same but its more NANA is more focused on music whereas Paradise Kiss is focused on fashion.
But they are both GREAT!
written by the same perso both stories are about love. Both are sad and have original story lines while nana deals with music paradise kiss is about fashion and modeling, both are really good and similar in drawing style.
Ai Yazawa - nothing more to say.
Similar characters not so much in story but you will definitley LOVE this show if uve seen either of them, and im pretty sure it was made by the same person that made nana.
its not a long show but trust me youll wish it was when its all over.
Like Nana, it's by Yazawa Ai. So, the type of story is very similar, a lot of drama and romance.
They are both made by Ai Yazawa.
The art for the two shows were originally done by the same person. Both are very realistic, and dramatic. There is romance, (more in NANA, but then again it's a longer anime), and characters discovering who they truly are. Be prepared for tears, or at least deep feelings, in both. (More in NANA, once again, it's longer)
Both are by Mad House and adapdated from the manga by Ai Yazawa.
In both you’ll find romance, drama, and a group of friends with all their relationships, problems, and background stories.
Both have very pretty and detailed art, unique characters, and a good OST.
Parakiss is shorter, less romantic, and more sexual than Nana, and the latter is more dramatic, touching, and moving, but both are mature, enjoyable, and well-made.
Nana focuses on music and Parakiss on fashion, anyway if you loved one you’ll like the other as well.
From the same mangaka, now is related about a friendship and one of the characters pass for a suffering relationship with a famous person, and the protagonist is helped with any doubts about life.
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Music, music, music. Both series have great music scores to keep you entertained, not to mention the underlining drama that eats away at each character. Even if you're not a fan of the drama, you'll probably end up enjoying the music in some sense~
Nana feels like the love-child of Beck and Honey & Clover. If you liked Nana, I'd suggest Beck if you liked the struggling band/musical aspects of Nana. And vice versa. =)
Both are good music series. Competition of two bands, romance, drama, and of course good music. Must see both
Prominently-themed in Indie rock music and relationship experiences through growing up.
All about the music baby.
Both anime have a theme of music, BECK is more of a music fans anime while NANA is more centered toward a shoujo audience . never the less both anime are amoung my favourite. Although I feel BECK is my favourite anime of all time NANA is the closest anime you will get related to rock music. (next to BECK that is)
Rock and Punk go hand by hand.
For boys - Beck. For girls - Nana.
Both are music series.about competition of two bands with romance and drama, a slice of life feel at times and good comedy and good music.
Nana and Beck tell us about the musical industry and everything concerning the creative process. We'll meet naive novices and tycoons of record labels, rookies and stars. Although in Nana the story is focused on love and relationships, it's also about the life of musicians, including live shows in small clubs, the recording process, promotion and music videos. If you want to know more about the musical industry you'll enjoy watching these series.
Music and life.
Both are great anime about a group of friends trying to make a rock band.
Slice of life, drama, and romance are the predominant elements of both series (Nana is more girl-oriented, though).
There is also the competition between 2 rival bands.
We see the characters growing up during the series, and struggling to make their dreams come true.
Also, both anime are by Mad House, and Takumi and Ryusuke are similar.
Both NANA & Beck are focused on music. NANA has female main characters and the serie centers around them. Also, they're already in their twenties. Beck on the other hand has young boys as main characters. Their both great to watch and have their own amount of music and drama.
Revolving around music and in a way relationships. Beck is more of an anime I'd recommend if you enjoy having your adrenline pumping. Captivating, slow at times but worth every minute of every episode. Catchy music.
Nana, more if you want to have your heart thumping, rising, tears in your eyes. Yet still some essences of adreanline. Creative characters, good story lines. Overall both series are MUST-WATCH for all music fans be they pop music, indie, rock, heavy metal, punk.
There both are about trying to make it big in a band and falling in love.
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Opening Theme#1: "Rose" by Anna inspi' Nana ~Black Stones~ (eps 1-21) #2: "Wish" by Olivia inspi' Reira ~Trapnest~ (eps 22-36) #3: "Lucy" by Tsuchiya, Anna inspi' Nana ~Black Stones~ (eps 37-47)
Ending Theme#1: "A Little Pain" by Olivia inspi' Reira ~Trapnest~ (eps 01-08,10-18, 41) #2: "Rose" by Anna inspi' Nana ~Black Stones~ (ep 9) #3: "Starless Night" by Olivia inspi' Reira ~Trapnest~ (eps 19-29, 42) #4: "Kuroi Namida" by Anna inspi' Nana ~Black Stones~ (eps 30-40, 47) #5: "Winter Sleep" by Olivia inspi' Reira ~Trapnest~ (eps 43-44) #6: "Stand By Me" by Tsuchiya, Anna inspi' Nana ~Black Stones~ (eps 45-46)
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