NANA follows the intertwined lives of two young women, Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu (Hachi), as they navigate love, ambition, and friendship in Tokyo.
The series explores themes of identity, loneliness, the fragility of relationships, and the pursuit of dreams against societal expectations.
This curated list highlights 25 quotes that encapsulate the emotional depth, character growth, and raw honesty that define NANA’s legacy.
Hey Hachi, no matter how much or how often people hurt each other, loving someone is never a waste
(Episode 10: Hachi’s Love)
Nana Osaki
Nana’s reassurance to Hachi underscores the series’ belief in love’s enduring value despite pain and betrayal.
If Ren and I had a choice to die, I don’t think Ren would want to die with me anymore
(Episode 42: Ren’s Shadow)
Nana Osaki
A haunting reflection on her fractured relationship with Ren, revealing her fear of abandonment and emotional isolation.
Hey Nana, do you remember the first time we met? I believe in things like fate. So I think it was fate
(Episode 1: Fateful Encounter)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Hachi’s optimism about their bond contrasts with Nana’s guarded nature, setting up their dynamic.
Men are so useless. I can make Hachi happy!
(Episode 15: Girls’ Night)
Nana Osaki
Nana’s protective loyalty toward Hachi highlights her desire to shield others from her own loneliness.
People can’t be just tied together. They have to connect. Otherwise, they’ll find themselves bound hand and foot
(Manga, Vol. 12)
Nana Osaki
A critique of superficial relationships, emphasizing the need for genuine emotional bonds.
I might cry tomorrow, but I may be smiling the day after. That’s enough. That’s the way life is
(Episode 24: Rainy Days)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Hachi’s resilience mirrors the series’ theme of finding hope amid despair.
Being alone and being lonely are two different things
(Manga, Vol. 7)
Nana Osaki
Nana’s acknowledgment of her independence masking deep-seated loneliness.
Don’t just give up, Hachiko. Life is about getting knocked down over and over, but still getting up each time
(Episode 18: Stand Up Again)
Nana Osaki
Nana’s tough-love advice to Hachi, symbolizing her own struggle to persevere.
The things that stress me out haven’t changed. But I don’t wanna lose anything. So I thought that at least I would change
(Manga, Vol. 5)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Hachi’s growth from passivity to proactive self-improvement.
I was too small of a person to accept everything about you. I preferred the pain of breaking to the loneliness of losing
(Manga, Vol. 21)
Nana Osaki
A confession of her emotional fragility and fear of vulnerability.
How come being happy and making your dreams come true are two different things?
(Episode 37: Dreams and Reality)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Hachi’s existential dilemma about balancing personal happiness and societal expectations.
We are all farsighted. We neglect what’s close to us until it’s out of reach
(Manga, Vol. 8)
Nana Osaki
A metaphor for the characters’ tendency to idealize distant goals over present connections.
If all of us were to meet again now, I’d still behave like a spoiled child
(Episode 45: Reunion)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Hachi’s self-awareness about her dependence on others’ approval.
I want to be spoiled like a child. Cry to my heart’s content. But I can only suppress my feelings
(Manga, Vol. 14)
Nana Osaki
Nana’s internal conflict between pride and her need for emotional release.
The longer we live, the more weight we carry in our hearts
(Manga, Vol. 10)
Ren Honjo
Ren’s reflection on the burdens of fame and unresolved trauma.
To love someone, why do you need society’s approval?
(Manga, Vol. 16)
Shinichi Okazaki
Shin’s defiance of societal norms, challenging rigid expectations of relationships.
I’ll make you so in love with me, every time our lips touch, you’ll die a little death
(Episode 29: Passion)
Takumi Ichinose
Takumi’s manipulative charm, highlighting his toxic control over Hachi.
In this sleepless night… remember there are always people who love you
(Manga, Vol. 19)
Nana Osaki
A rare moment of Nana offering comfort, revealing her hidden tenderness.
People want to label everything… so I guess I seem indifferent
(Manga, Vol. 3)
Yasushi Takagi
Yasu’s pragmatic view of relationships, reflecting his role as the group’s anchor.
If you’re that obsessed with someone, why would you kill her? Humans are full of contradictions
(Manga, Vol. 13)
Nana Osaki
A dark commentary on love’s destructive potential, tied to Ren’s struggles.
I always thought life was about standing your ground… but going with the flow isn’t so bad
(Episode 40: Currents)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Hachi’s acceptance of life’s unpredictability, contrasting her earlier naivety.
His hands want to hold her. His feet want to chase her… He’s forgotten I’m here
(Manga, Vol. 11)
Nana Osaki
Nana’s jealousy and insecurity as Ren prioritizes his career over their relationship.
You were a stray cat, strutting free. I never realized how much you hurt
(Episode 47: Wounds)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Hachi’s belated understanding of Nana’s hidden pain, deepening their bond.
Tomorrow will come if we don’t lose hope… I learned that from Nana
(Episode 50: Tomorrow)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
Hachi’s tribute to Nana’s influence, closing the loop on their shared journey.
The midsummer flowers are blooming… We’re all waiting for you in apartment 707
(Manga, Vol. 21)
Nana Komatsu (Hachi)
A bittersweet plea for reunion, symbolizing the enduring hope for reconciliation.
These quotes capture NANA’s exploration of love’s complexities, the weight of dreams, and the fragile beauty of human connection.
Each line resonates with the series’ unflinching honesty, making it a timeless reflection on life’s triumphs and heartbreaks.
