What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedNANA
Ai Yazawa · Series · 2006
If you loved NANA, start with Josee, the Tiger and the Fish (2020) — a film on the same thread. Below: 4 books, 4 films and 2 podcasts, each matched to NANA across media.
You were drawn to NANA for the way it captures the volatile, transformative beauty of female friendship against the backdrop of adulthood.
Books on the same thread
A Little Life
Hanya Yanagihara · Book · 2016
Explores: childhood trauma, enduring friendship, emotional endurance.
Like NANA, this story explores the raw, often painful intensity of deep bonds formed in the city, focusing on the endurance of friendship amidst personal history and emotional hardship.
And Then
夏目漱石 · Book · 1988
Explores: Existentialism, Social Change, Identity Crisis.
Much like the protagonists of NANA navigating Tokyo, this novel captures the existential tension of young adults attempting to define their identity against shifting societal expectations and tradition.
Kin
Tayari Jones · Book
Shares 2 threads with NANA: female friendship, coming-of-age.
This narrative mirrors the core of NANA by examining how life paths diverge for close companions and how shared history remains a tether even through significant personal change.
Ghost World
Daniel Clowes · Book · 2001
Shares a thread with NANA: Female friendship.
If the complex, bittersweet dynamic between the two leads in NANA resonated with you, you will appreciate this honest look at the inevitable friction of growing apart.
Films on the same thread
Your Name.
Makoto Shinkai · Film · 2016
Explores: Fate, Interconnectedness, Rural vs. Urban Life.
While NANA focuses on music and urban life, this story shares that same sense of fated connection and the profound impact two people can have on each other's paths.
Whisper of the Heart
Yoshifumi Kondo · Film · 1995
Shares 2 threads with NANA: Coming-of-age, Slice of Life.
This film captures the same passion for artistic dreams found in NANA, highlighting the delicate balance between pursuing one's personal calling and navigating the complexities of young love.
Kiki's Delivery Service
Hayao Miyazaki · Film · 1989
Explores: Finding your place, Self-discovery, Female empowerment.
Just as NANA depicts the daunting reality of moving to a new city, this story beautifully portrays the internal struggle of finding your place while maintaining your independence.
Josee, the Tiger and the Fish
Film · 2020
Shares 2 threads with NANA: Coming-of-age, Slice of Life.
This film echoes the character-driven heart of NANA, showing how two people with different backgrounds can push each other toward growth and inspire one another through shared adversity.
Podcasts on the same thread
Anime Grind
Podcast
Explores: Personal Growth, Goal Setting, Positive Mindset.
If you were motivated by the ambition shown in NANA, this podcast provides the practical fuel to translate those fictional dreams into your own daily personal growth.
Seis de Copas
Podcast
Shares a thread with NANA: female friendship.
This podcast captures the authentic, conversational intimacy of female friendship that defines NANA, offering a real-world space to explore the everyday life dynamics of close companions.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is NANA a story about roommates?
Yes, NANA follows two women named Nana who meet while traveling to Tokyo. After their chance encounter, they decide to become roommates and navigate the challenges of pursuing their respective dreams while building a close friendship together in the city.
What is the central premise of NANA?
The premise of NANA centers on two women with drastically different personalities who move to Tokyo to chase their dreams. The series explores how these two individuals manage their personal ambitions while maintaining a deep bond as roommates and best friends.
How do the two main characters in NANA meet?
In NANA, the two protagonists meet while traveling to Tokyo. This initial meeting serves as the catalyst for their relationship, leading them to decide to live together as roommates as they both attempt to achieve their individual goals in a new city.
Does NANA focus on the balance between friendship and ambition?
Yes, NANA focuses on whether the characters' biggest dreams have room for their best friend. The narrative explores the tension between pursuing personal aspirations in Tokyo and the commitment required to maintain the close relationship between the two roommates.