Few Shojo manga have garnered the same critical acclaim and devoted fan base as Ai Yazawa’sNANA. The manga classic kept fans entranced and hungry for more until it was put on an indefinite hiatus in 2009. Now, after almost two decades of relative silence, Ai Yazawa just gave fans their first ray of hope in 16 years.
According to a post byX user Shae, Yazawa recently spoke for a Q&A with aNANAfanzine. Though Yazawa was coy about her response and gave no definitive timeframe for whenNANA’sstory would continue, she did promise that the series isn’t over and that she does intend to finish it one day.
The story of NANA is already in the final stages, so it’s pretty much decided. But it’s my manga that doesn’t necessarily mean that… (laughs). No matter how the story goes, I will do my best to ensure everyone reads it again.
Most notably, Yazawa promises thatNANA’sstory is in its final stages, giving many fans hope that a continuation could be imminent.
Why NANA’s Continuation Has Shojo Fans Ecstatic
Running from 2000 to 2009,NANAfollows two young women named Nana as they navigate early adulthood, dating, and their burgeoning careers. With a focus on rock music, deep characters, and gorgeous artwork,NANAbecame a sensation when it was released, and its popularity continues to this day.
In addition to Yazawa’s original manga,NANAhas been adapted into two live-action films, an anime, and a trio of video games published by Konami. ThoughNANAmight not be quite as big as fellow Shojo series likeSailor MoonorFruits Basket, the series' focus on older characters has earned it a legion of fans.
Unfortunately, though,Ai Yazawa’s health issues meant thatNanahad to go on hiatus in 2009, putting it among the great works of manga likeVagabondandDragon Ball Superthat went on hiatus and never returned. This is why it’s so encouraging to see Yazawa commit to giving her beloved series a proper ending.
NANA is Another Victim Of The Manga Industry’s Rough Conditions
As unfortunate as it is, great manga often comes at great personal cost to creators. Just recently,Jujutsu Kaisencreator Gege Akutami opened up about his struggleswith health issues toward the end of his series.
Another great manga,Hunter x Hunterhas also faced numerous hiatuses due to the health problems faced by series creator Yoshihiro Togashi. The tight scheduling, psychological stress, and physical strain of making manga is no joke, and can lead to creators developing life-long problems with their well-being.
Given all these factors, it’s understandable why Ai Yazawa would putNANAon indefinite hiatus. Hopefully, she takes her time and gives fans the knockout finale that fans ofNANAhave been waiting for.
