Title: Nana, Vol. 12
Author: Ai Yazawa
First published March 15, 2005
208 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781421518794 (ISBN10: 1421518791)
Rating: 4.48
Overview
Nana, Vol. 12 by Ai Yazawa is an incredible manga series that has reached over 38.3 million copies sold in Japan alone.
Its popularity has inspired an anime series, live action movies, music CD, and PS2 game. This book is a top-ten title in Japan and was named one of the Top 50 Manga Properties in 2006 by ICv2.
Yazawa’s contribution to the Courtney Love inspired series, Princess Ai, was an immediate hit. In this volume, Hachi finds herself torn between her future with Takumi and her past with Nana and the rest of Blast, especially Nobu.
When Hachi’s wedding is postponed in favor of Nana and Ren’s nuptials, she must face another delay in her happily-ever-after. Can Hachi handle the added stress, or will she crumble under the pressure?
Find out in the latest installment of Nana.
About the Author
Ai Yazawa, a Japanese manga author, gained her pen name from the famous Japanese singer Eikichi Yazawa, whom she admires. Yazawa entered the manga publishing world in 1985, and in 15 years, she authored over 10 series for Ribon magazine.
While most of Yazawa’s manga is still published in Japan by Shueisha, the publishers of Ribon and Cookie (the magazine in which Nana is serialized), some of her series, such as Paradise Kiss, now appear in other magazines like Zipper, published by Shodensha.
Some of Yazawa’s most famous manga include Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai (I’m Not an Angel), Gokinjo Monogatari (Neighborhood Story), Paradise Kiss, and Nana. In 2003, her work, Nana, won the Shogakukan Manga Award.
Some of her manga series have been made into anime and live-action movies.
Yazawa’s works are primarily popular among women and young girls, with storylines usually focused on young women and their relationships, something with which her young fanbase can identify. Her characters are always fashionable, and she is well-known for her hip sense of fashion.
After finishing high school, Yazawa attended a fashion school, although she did not finish her studies there. Another essential aspect of her works is the unique, often rebellious characters who contrast with the more traditional ones.
Yazawa has also published three artbooks. Her notable works, in chronological order, include 15-nenme (1986), Love Letter (1987), Kaze ni Nare! (1988), Escape (1988), Ballad Made Soba ni Ite (1989, 2 volumes), Marine Blue no Kaze ni Dakarete (1990–1991, 4 volumes), Usubeni no Arashi (1992), Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai (1992–1995, 8 volumes), Gokinjo Monogatari (1995–1998, 7 volumes), Kagen no Tsuki (1998–1999, 3 volumes), Paradise Kiss (2000–2004, 5 volumes, published by Shodensha), Nana (2000–ongoing, 21 volumes – on hiatus), and Princess Ai (2004–2006, 3 volumes) (character designs only).
Editoral Review
Nana, Vol. 12 by Ai Yazawa is the final volume in the Nana manga series, first published on March 15, 2005.
Set in contemporary Japan, Nana is a romantic drama that follows the lives of two young women, Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki, who meet by chance on a train to Tokyo and become roommates. As they navigate the ups and downs of their careers, relationships, and personal struggles, they form a deep bond that transcends their differences in personality and background.
Ai Yazawa’s writing style is characterized by its emotional depth, vivid imagery, and realistic portrayal of modern Japanese society. The themes of love, friendship, ambition, and identity are explored with sensitivity and nuance, making Nana a compelling and relatable read for audiences of all ages.
In the final volume of the series, Nana Komatsu faces a difficult choice between her two love interests, while Nana Osaki must confront the consequences of her past decisions and reconcile with her estranged mother. The two Nanas’ friendship is put to the test as they navigate these challenges, and the series culminates in a poignant and bittersweet conclusion that will leave readers both satisfied and yearning for more.
One of the strengths of Nana, Vol. 12 is its character development.
Over the course of the series, Nana Komatsu and Nana Osaki undergo significant growth and transformation, learning from their mistakes and becoming stronger and more independent individuals. The supporting characters are also well-developed, each with their own distinct personalities and motivations that add depth and complexity to the story.
Another highlight of the series is its portrayal of contemporary Japanese culture, particularly its music and fashion scenes. Yazawa’s detailed and stylish artwork captures the essence of these subcultures, adding a visual dimension to the story that enhances its emotional impact.
However, one weakness of Nana, Vol. 12 is its pacing.
The final volume feels rushed compared to the earlier volumes, with some plot threads left unresolved and character arcs truncated. Some readers may also find the ending unsatisfying, as it leaves several key questions unanswered and hints at a continuation that never materialized due to the author’s health issues.
Overall, Nana, Vol. 12 is a must-read for fans of romantic drama and manga.
Its engaging characters, rich themes, and stylish artwork make it a standout in the genre, and its exploration of contemporary Japanese culture adds cultural and historical significance that is relevant to current events and issues. Despite its flaws, the series as a whole is a masterpiece that deserves to be read and cherished by generations of readers to come.
Rating: 4/5 stars. While the final volume is not as strong as the earlier volumes, the series as a whole is a triumph of storytelling and character development that will leave a lasting impression on readers.
