If you loved
NANA
Ai Yazawa · Series · 2006
What hooked you in NANA was the way the intensity of female friendship navigates the messy, inevitable transitions of young adulthood.
Books on the same thread
Norwegian Wood (ノルウェイの森)
Haruki Murakami · Book · 1987
Like NANA, this story explores the heavy toll of grief on young people, capturing the same melancholic atmosphere and the profound weight of navigating loss in an urban setting.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
Gabrielle Zevin · Book · 2022
This narrative mirrors the complex, decades-spanning creative partnership in NANA, focusing on how professional collaboration and personal history intertwine to shape the lives of two deeply connected friends.
Noughts & Crosses
Malorie Blackman · Book · 2006
Much like the turbulent romantic and social dynamics found in NANA, this story examines how deeply ingrained societal barriers threaten the intimacy of a long-standing, formative relationship.
Ghost World
Daniel Clowes · Book · 2001
If you valued the raw depiction of female friendship in NANA, you will recognize the same poignant, bittersweet reality of two best friends slowly drifting apart while growing up.
Films on the same thread
Your Name.
Makoto Shinkai · Film · 2016
This film captures the same sense of urban longing and cosmic timing found in NANA, emphasizing how the lives of two people can become inextricably linked despite vast differences.
Barbie and the Diamond Castle
Film · 2008
While lighter in tone, this story echoes the central premise of NANA by focusing on how a shared passion for music strengthens the bond between two inseparable best friends.
Lost in Translation
Sofia Coppola · Film · 2003
This film reflects the existential loneliness and cultural isolation present in NANA, portraying an unlikely, transient connection that provides comfort during a period of significant personal transition.
Past Lives
Celine Song · Film · 2023
This story mirrors the themes of fate and missed connections that define NANA, exploring how the choices we make define our lives long after childhood friendships have faded.
Podcasts on the same thread
Office Ladies
Audacy & Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey · Podcast · 2026
This podcast captures the genuine professional camaraderie and lasting bond between friends that you enjoyed in NANA, offering an intimate look at how deep relationships persist through creative work.
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend
Team Coco & Earwolf · Podcast · 2026
Much like the character-driven focus of NANA, this show centers on the complexities of human connection, specifically analyzing the nature of intimacy and the desire for meaningful, lasting friendship.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is NANA about two people living together?
Yes, NANA follows the story of Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu as they meet while traveling to Tokyo. After their initial encounter, they decide to become roommates and navigate their personal dreams while developing a close bond as best friends.
What is the primary theme explored in NANA?
The core theme of NANA centers on the balance between individual ambition and friendship. The series examines whether the pursuit of personal dreams in Tokyo can coexist with the deep emotional connection formed between the two protagonists as they live together.
Does NANA focus on the relationship between the two main characters?
Yes, the narrative of NANA focuses on the evolving relationship between Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu. Despite their drastically different personalities, the series explores how their lives intertwine as they support each other while striving to achieve their respective goals in the city.
How does the story of NANA begin?
The story of NANA begins when Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu meet while traveling to Tokyo. Following this chance encounter, the two decide to become roommates, setting the stage for their journey of self-discovery and the development of their close friendship throughout the series.