Finished the NANA anime and now you’re wondering where the story goes? You’ve come to the right place to find the exact continuation point. Many fans feel the void left by the anime’s abrupt ending.
The NANA anime ends after adapting the events of Chapter 42, which is the first chapter in Volume 12 of the manga. To seamlessly continue the story, you should begin reading from Chapter 42 for a slight overlap or start fresh with Chapter 43. This provides the direct continuation point many viewers seek after the anime’s final episode.
Based on analysis of fan discussions on platforms like Reddit and MyAnimeList, this is the consensus transition point. This guide will give you the precise chapter, explain the manga’s current status, and help you decide the best way to dive into the rest of Ai Yazawa’s masterpiece. You’ll discover exactly why the manga is a must-read for any true fan.
Key Facts
- Definitive Transition Point: The anime adaptation concludes precisely at the end of Manga Chapter 42, which is located in Volume 12.
- Indefinite Hiatus: The manga has been on an indefinite hiatus since June 2009 due to the author Ai Yazawa’s health issues.
- Last Published Chapter: The story abruptly stops at Chapter 84, leaving a significant cliffhanger and an unfinished narrative.
- Deeper Narrative in Manga: The manga offers significantly more story content and character depth, exploring complex themes and relationships beyond the anime’s scope.
- Author’s Health is Priority: Ai Yazawa was released from the hospital in 2010, but has not resumed the main story; the fan community generally prioritizes her well-being.
Where Exactly Does the NANA Anime Leave Off in the Manga?
The NANA anime adaptation concludes at the end of Chapter 42 of the manga. This chapter serves as the first chapter within Volume 12. To continue the story where the anime’s final episode, “Episode 47,” leaves off, you can start reading from this exact point. The anime by studio Madhouse is known for being an exceptionally faithful adaptation, so the transition from screen to page is seamless.
Many fans suggest starting with Chapter 42 itself rather than skipping directly to Chapter 43. This allows you to experience the final scenes in Ai Yazawa’s original art style and catch any subtle narrative details or internal monologues that might have been condensed for the anime. It provides a perfect bridge, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the transition.
Pro Tip: To confirm you’re in the right place, Chapter 42 ends with the memorable scene of the two Nanas watching the fireworks display from their apartment, with Hachi’s poignant internal monologue about her feelings.
What is the Significance of Chapter 42 and Volume 12?
Chapter 42 [entity: Chapter 42, attribute: Final adapted chapter] is significant because it marks the precise and final point of convergence between the anime and Ai Yazawa’s source material. The anime faithfully adapts the manga up to this chapter, which is the first one in Volume 12 [entity: Volume 12, attribute: contains Chapter 42]. This makes Volume 12 the essential starting point for any fan looking to continue the story. The events of this chapter, centered around the fireworks festival and Hachi’s complex feelings for Takumi, serve as the anime’s poignant, open-ended conclusion.
Why Is the NANA Manga on an Indefinite Hiatus?
The NANA manga is on an indefinite hiatus because its creator, Ai Yazawa, fell seriously ill in June 2009, forcing her to halt production. This news was a major event for fans, as the manga serialization [entity: Serialization, relationship: is a process for manga production] stopped abruptly. While the nature of her illness was not specified, it was serious enough to require hospitalization and a long recovery period.
The status of the manga is a critical piece of context for any new reader. Here is a brief timeline of the events:
- June 2009: The manga publisher Shueisha announces that NANA is going on an indefinite hiatus due to Ai Yazawa’s sudden illness.
- April 2010: Ai Yazawa is released from the hospital but states she is unsure if or when she will be able to resume her work.
- 2013: A small glimmer of hope appears when Yazawa draws a new “Junko’s Room” chapter for a special event, her last published work related to the series.
- 2026: The main storyline of NANA remains on hiatus. There have been no official announcements regarding its continuation.
The fan community, while deeply wishing for a conclusion to the story, has shown immense support and respect for Yazawa’s health, prioritizing her well-being above all else.
How Does the Manga’s Story and Depth Compare to the Anime?
The NANA manga offers significantly more story depth, emotional nuance, and character development compared to the anime. While the anime is a fantastic and faithful adaptation, the manga [entity: NANA (manga), relationship: has greater narrative depth than entity: NANA (anime)] is the definitive version of the story. It delves much deeper into the characters’ complex psychologies, expands on the backstories of side characters like Shin and Reira, and explores the darker, more intricate aspects of the music industry and relationships.
Here is a direct comparison of the two mediums:
| Feature/Aspect | NANA Anime Adaptation | NANA Manga (Original Source) |
|---|---|---|
| Story Progression | Covers events up to Chapter 42. | Covers events up to Chapter 84. |
| Character Depth | Focuses on the main plot; some inner thoughts are condensed. | Extensive internal monologues; deeper exploration of side characters. |
| Pacing | Faster-paced to fit the 47-episode structure. | More deliberate pacing, allowing relationships to develop organically. |
| Visuals | Excellent animation by Madhouse with a memorable soundtrack. | Ai Yazawa’s unique, highly detailed art and iconic fashion designs. |
| Conclusion | Ends on a hopeful but open note at the fireworks festival. | Ends abruptly mid-arc due to the hiatus, leaving a major cliffhanger. |
For fans who loved the anime’s characters and emotional core, reading the manga is an essential next step. It provides 42 additional chapters of story, offering a richer and more profound experience that the anime only scratches the surface of.
Should You Read the NANA Manga From Chapter 1 or Continue From Chapter 42?
You can start the NANA manga from Chapter 42, as the anime is a faithful adaptation with few changes. However, most experienced fans recommend starting from Chapter 1 to fully appreciate Ai Yazawa’s detailed art, character nuances, and subtle foreshadowing missed in the anime. The best choice ultimately depends on your priorities: saving time versus getting the most complete and authentic experience.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
| Approach | Pros (Why You Should) | Cons (Why You Might Not) |
|---|---|---|
| Start from Chapter 1 | Experience Ai Yazawa’s original art & pacing. Catch subtle foreshadowing. See minor character moments not in the anime. | Requires more time. The plot will be familiar for the first 41 chapters. |
| Continue from Chapter 42 | Saves a significant amount of time. Jumps directly into new story content. Seamless transition from the anime’s ending. | Misses out on the nuances of the early manga. Might feel slightly disjointed without the manga’s initial context. |
FAQs About where does the nana anime leave off in the manga
What is the final chapter of the NANA manga?
The last published chapter of NANA is Chapter 84. The story cuts off mid-arc and has not been updated since the series went on hiatus in 2009. There is currently no official final chapter or concluded ending to the series.
Is the NANA manga ever going to be finished?
It is unknown if the NANA manga will ever be finished. The continuation of the series depends entirely on the health and decision of the author, Ai Yazawa. While fans remain hopeful, there have been no official announcements regarding the series’ resumption as of 2026.
Are there major differences between the anime and manga before Chapter 42?
No, there are no major plot differences before Chapter 42. The anime is a very faithful adaptation of the manga’s story. The primary differences are in the manga’s more detailed artwork, deeper internal monologues, and subtle character moments or foreshadowing that were condensed for the anime.
What happens in the manga after the anime ends? (Spoiler-Free)
After the anime, the manga delves deeper into the professional and personal conflicts of the two bands, BLAST and Trapnest. The relationships between the characters become significantly more complex and face greater challenges. The story takes on a more dramatic and serious tone as the consequences of their choices unfold.
Is Nana Osaki dead in the time skip?
No, Nana Osaki is not dead in the future timeline shown in the manga. This is a common misconception often spread through social media. While she is missing and her whereabouts are a central mystery in the future storyline, the other characters are actively searching for her, and she is believed to be alive.
How many volumes of the NANA manga are there?
There are 21 collected tankōbon volumes of NANA published in Japan. The story concludes within Volume 21, which contains chapters 81 through 84, before the hiatus began. The English publication by Viz Media also released all 21 volumes.
What is “Junko’s Room”?
“Junko’s Room” (Junko no Heya) is a series of extra, often comedic, chapters included in the manga volumes. In these chapters, the character Junko Saotome breaks the fourth wall to answer reader questions. Ai Yazawa drew a new “Junko’s Room” chapter in 2013, which was her last published work related to the series.
Are the NANA live-action movies different from the anime and manga?
Yes, the two live-action movies are significantly different. They condense the plot heavily and alter character arcs to fit a film’s runtime. While they capture the essence of the story, the anime and especially the manga are considered the definitive versions of NANA.
Where can I legally read the NANA manga?
You can legally read the NANA manga by purchasing the physical or digital volumes. Major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Right Stuf Anime sell the physical books. For digital versions, check platforms like the VIZ Manga app or other official digital booksellers in your region.
Is it still worth reading NANA if it’s not finished?
Yes, for most fans, NANA is absolutely worth reading despite the hiatus. The 42 chapters of story and character development that occur after the anime are considered some of the most compelling parts of the series. The emotional depth and narrative richness provide a fulfilling, albeit incomplete, experience.
Key Takeaways: Continuing the NANA Saga
- The Anime Ends at Chapter 42: To continue the story seamlessly, start reading the manga from Chapter 42, which is the first chapter in Volume 12.
- The Manga is on Indefinite Hiatus: The series stopped in June 2009 at Chapter 84 due to author Ai Yazawa’s health and has not resumed as of 2026.
- Manga Offers Superior Depth: The manga provides significantly deeper character development, richer emotional nuance, and explores story arcs that are completely absent from the anime.
- Reading From Chapter 1 is Recommended: While you can jump in at Chapter 42, most fans recommend a full read-through from Chapter 1 to appreciate Ai Yazawa’s art and subtle foreshadowing.
- The Story Gets More Intense: The 42 chapters of manga content after the anime’s end are more dramatic and complex, offering a powerful (though incomplete) narrative experience.
- It Is Worth the Read: Despite the lack of a conclusion, the journey and the profound storytelling in the available manga chapters are widely considered a worthwhile and unforgettable experience for fans.
Final Thoughts on Starting the NANA Manga
For fans of the NANA anime, reading the manga is an essential step to experience the full depth of the story. While the series is on an indefinite hiatus, the 42 chapters of content beyond the anime provide a rich, emotional, and unforgettable narrative that solidifies its place as a masterpiece of the josei genre. Embracing the manga means accepting its bittersweet, unfinished state, but the journey it offers is more than worth the unresolved ending. You are now equipped with all the information needed to dive in and continue the unforgettable story of the two Nanas.
Last update on 2026-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
