From “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (Bessatsu Taiyo “Taiyo no Chizu-cho”)
A Deep Dive into the World of NANA: The Special Mook “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” is a Huge Success!
The special mook, “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (The World of Yazawa Ai’s ‘NANA’), which captivatingly unravels the universe of the globally beloved shoujo manga NANA through its iconic fashion and music, has already received a significant reprint just one month after its release. Launched on August 7, 2025, to commemorate Yazawa Ai’s impressive 40th anniversary as an artist and NANA’s 25th serialization anniversary, this eagerly anticipated mook has been met with an enthusiastic reception across bookstores nationwide, captivating countless readers.
“Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” was meticulously crafted with the full support and cooperation of both the celebrated author, Yazawa Ai, and Shueisha, the esteemed publisher of the series. This special mook is a treasure trove, packed with a plethora of previously unreleased drafts and invaluable production materials. Through exclusive, newly drawn illustrations and a rare, insightful interview with Yazawa Ai herself, the publication offers an unprecedented deep dive into the enchanting allure of NANA, a work that continues to attract passionate fans from all corners of the globe.
Unveiling NANA’s Enduring Charm and Artistry
Novelist Tsujimura Mizuki, who pens the special introductory essay for the mook, eloquently captures NANA’s widespread appeal. She boldly states, “I think it’s safe to say there’s no one from our generation onwards who hasn’t been influenced by Yazawa Ai’s works.” This sentiment perfectly sets the stage for what awaits readers. The special introductory feature, aptly titled “NANA Illustration Gallery,” is a visual feast, offering a collection of stunning illustrations accompanied by personal commentary from Yazawa Ai. Here, she shares her heartfelt thoughts on the series and provides fascinating technical insights into her unique artistic process, truly enriching the reader’s understanding of her creative genius.
From “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (Bessatsu Taiyo “Taiyo no Chizu-cho”)
Within the “NANA Illustration Gallery,” fans will also be thrilled to find captivating image illustrations of the popular in-story rock band, Tranes, bringing their iconic presence to life on the pages.
From “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (Bessatsu Taiyo “Taiyo no Chizu-cho”)
Journey Through NANA with its Iconic Characters
Furthermore, a truly unmissable feature titled “Travel Through NANA with its Characters” meticulously unravels the intricate personalities of the series’ diverse cast. This section is a must-read, offering profound character explanations penned by Yazawa Ai herself, providing unparalleled insight directly from the creator.
From “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (Bessatsu Taiyo “Taiyo no Chizu-cho”)
From “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (Bessatsu Taiyo “Taiyo no Chizu-cho”)
The introductions to key characters, including the beloved protagonist Hachi (Komatsu Nana), feature never-before-seen, valuable drafts personally selected by Yazawa Ai, offering a glimpse into their initial conceptualization. The detailed explanation for the other protagonist, Nana (Oosaki Nana), also includes a particularly fascinating exploration of British punk culture, drawing insightful connections between this iconic fashion movement and Nana’s strong, distinctive character persona.
From “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (Bessatsu Taiyo “Taiyo no Chizu-cho”)
Beyond the characters, the mook’s pages delve even deeper into the cultural tapestry that inspired NANA. It features an engaging article that meticulously examines the legendary British punk fashion icon, Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols, exploring his profound and undeniable connection to the character Honjou Ren from the NANA series.
From “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (Bessatsu Taiyo “Taiyo no Chizu-cho”)
Fashion, Culture, and NANA’s Lasting Legacy
Another compelling aspect of this book lies in its comprehensive and insightful critiques on fashion and culture. It offers a particularly compelling look at the inseparable relationship between NANA’s vividly portrayed world and the enduring legacy of Vivienne Westwood, discussed from the knowledgeable perspective of various experts. Additionally, the “NANA Character Encyclopedia,” which includes further comments from Yazawa Ai herself, is an absolute must-see, providing even more depth and detail on the beloved cast.
From “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai” (Bessatsu Taiyo “Taiyo no Chizu-cho”)
The special mook “Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai,” a meticulous exploration of NANA’s universe through its fashion and music, is available for 1,650 yen (tax included). Since its serialization began 25 years ago, NANA has consistently captivated and expanded its readership across generations and national borders. This book offers a unique opportunity to delve into the deepest layers of charm that make NANA a true symbol of Japanese culture in the 2000s.
Nakase Koutarou
Table of Contents
- Special Introductory Pages
- NANA Illustration Gallery with commentary by Yazawa Ai
- Introductory Essay
- “Our Standard” Given by Yazawa Ai’s Works (Text by Tsujimura Mizuki)
- Special Features
- “110 Questions” to Know Yazawa Ai
- Yazawa Ai Discusses “Secrets of Her Art”
- Introduction to NANA
- Depicting the Dreams and Realities of Two Girls with the Same Name: A “Legendary Shoujo Manga” Symbolizing the 2000s
- NANA Character Relationship Chart & Character Encyclopedia
- Travel Through NANA with its Characters
- [1] Komatsu Nana: Hachi’s Fashion, Wavering Between Trendy and Conservative
- [2] Oosaki Nana: Seeing Nana’s Phantom in “Girls’ Punk,” which Led British Punk
- [3] Honjou Ren: Sid Vicious as a Fashion Icon and His Way of Life
- [4] Terashima Nobuo: The Culture of “Punk” as Seen Through Johnny Rotten-esque Fashion
- [5] Takagi Yasushi: “Rude Boys” and “Skins.” Yas as a Man, Seen Through British Youth Fashion
- [6] Okazaki Shinichi: Shin’s “Lip Chain” and Body Modification
- [7] Ichinose Takumi: Takumi and Malcolm McLaren. What are the commonalities of band creators?
- Critiques
- London Punk and the Era of the Sex Pistols
- Everyone Clad in Their Own Battle Gear – The Eternal Vivienne Westwood
- NANA, Shiina Ringo, and “July of 1999”
- NANA as Seen in the Lineage of “Going to Tokyo” Stories
- Why the Live-Action Film NANA Became an Epoch-Making Work
- Column: Deep Dive into NANA
- 1. Endou Shouji and Grunge Fashion
- 2. Room 707 and New York’s Chelsea Hotel
- 3. Uehara Misato (Tsuzuki Mai) Rescued by “Goth Loli” and Music
- 4. “Layla, My Love” and Persian Literature
- 5. Ren’s Beloved Car: The 1965 Shelby GT350
- My NANA
- Actress Nakata Kurumi: “I learned both fashion and music from NANA. It’s the standard for my life.”
- Map of Masterpieces
- Walking Through London of the 1970s, the Cradle of “Punk Spirit”
- Visiting the Stages of the Masterpiece
- Nana and Hachi’s 20-Year-Old “Tokyo” Life
- Yazawa Ai: Data on First Appearance in Magazines & First Collected Volumes / Brief Chronology
Publication Details
- Title: Yazawa Ai ‘NANA’ no Sekai
- Series: Bessatsu Taiyo Taiyo no Chizu-cho
- Edited by: Taiyo no Chizu-cho Editorial Department
- Authors: Uno Koremasa, Okazaki Takeshi, Onohara Noriko, Satou Seijirou, Sugiyama Ryouichi, Taguchi Tetsuya
- Release Date: August 7, 2025
- Format: B5 size / 112 pages / Softcover / All Color
- Price: 1,650 yen (10% tax included)
- ISBN: 978-4-582-94634-5
- Publisher: Heibonsha
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