Tokyo a la Mode. Web Magazine for Japanese Fashion and Urban Culture
Fashion: 11
The World of Nana
By Bobby / Dec 12, 2006
(7) Comments •
(13) Trackbacks •
Permalink
[I’m filing this story under fashion trends because of the influence Nana has on Japanese fashion and pop culture.]
Nana by Ai Yazawa is one of Japan’s most popular shojo manga since its debut in 1999. The story is about two young women trying to make it big in Tokyo. One is immature and cute, the other is independent and sings in a rock band, and both are named Nana.
Beyond the successful comic book, the Nana franchise has spawned an anime series, hit songs, video games, and two live action movies. The second of which was released on Dec. 9 in Japan starring Mika Nakashima and Yui Ichikawa (who replaces Aoi Miyazaki from the first film).
Here in the U.S. Nana is serialized in Shojo Beat magazine, but the first film has not been released in theaters or DVD. Even so, there is a growing fan base for Nana outside of Japan thanks to fansubs and websites.
As a manga for young women, Nana is driven by fashion. Unlike most comics where the the characters always wear the same clothes, the characters in Nana have their own styles and maintain a wardrobe and accessories. The source of Nana’s fashion inspirations come from Vivienne Westwood with some of the illustrations drawn directly from real articles of clothing.
Nana Osaki, the punk rock girl, is a fan of the Sex Pistols. She dresses in black leather and short plaid skirts with plenty of chains for accessories. Nana Komatsu, the cute girl, is a Tokyo city girl (even though she came from the suburbs). She likes to wear pretty dresses and manages to keep up with the latest trends even though she has no money.
Fans of Nana can watch a special screening in New York City on Dec. 18 with special guest appearances by Mika Nakashima and Yui Ichikawa. Go to http://film.newyork-tokyo.com for more details.
.
.
.
.
NANA 2 MOVIE TRAILER
Cool Nana links:
http://www.nana2-movie.com/ - official movie site
http://www.s-woman.net/nana2/top.html - Nana goods shopping
http://www.nana-nana.net/ - fan site with lots of cool pics
Oh my goodness! well, i must say, i have found the show on you tube after reading the first chapter of the manga-oh the addiction! i love it so much, it’s like an actually good soap opera. i didnt really like the live movie much but hopefully the second will be neat. i cant wait to watch it!
oh, i am not giving it justice at all…
By Karin on 2007 01 12
Nana 2 , i can’t wait to wacth that movie too ^^~
uhm do you know the actor who plays Shinichi Okazaki, the one with the gray hair, in Nana 2 shinichi okazaki will be played by a 16 years old actor, his name is Kanata Hongo, im a fan of him!!
By AlizeRosenkreuz on 2007 02 18
Nana you’re so gorgeous. Cant wait for the movie!
<3^.^!!
By Sa Lin on 2007 03 16
OMG! It comes out on my BIRTHDAY!!! A Present 4 myself… <3^.^!!!
By Sa Lin on 2007 03 16
The manga is great.I love it,but I can’t seem to find the volumes after 13.....I think I’ll buy the movie,must be marvelous being a manga character...a beautiful one at the least.
(I actually got into the manga because the main character looks like my sister,it’s ridiculous.)
By Ringo on 2007 05 17
i love nana ever sine i red the first manga.
my boyfriend tells me im just like her minus the cursing and smokig. lol,
By riami osaki on 2008 06 06
oh yeah, i meant nana osaki, cause im in a rock band and everything + i dress just like her. could i be a poser i wonder. anyway nana i like my total inspiration, shes cool man. and she has ren, riami’s soooooooo jealous. physk, i think my mans like rei kashino. yknow from mars. i have like every manga and has seen the movie and anime.
ai yazawas a genius man. i looooooooove nana (lol)
By riami osaki on 2008 06 06
Mode Shop
