In a recent interview with Nippon TV (NTV), NANA manga author Ai Yazawa said that she hopes to be able to start drawing again, even if its only a little at a time.

NANA manga has been on a hiatus for almost 13 years due Yazawa’s health issues. However, the author said in the interview that she regained some of her strength as she prepared for the exhibition.

She also apologized to the fans of NANA, for taking a long break and causing them to worry.

“It has been a long time since ‘NANA’ took a break, and I am truly sorry for the worry I have caused you. I felt that I have regained some of my strength while preparing for the exhibition with the sole intention of having everyone enjoy it,” Yazawa said.

“I hope to be able to manage my health and continue to draw again, even if only a little at a time. Thank you very much for your cooperation,” the author added.

Yazawa was talking to NTV about the ongoing exhibition of her works, which started from July 20, 2022 at Tokyo’s Shinjuku Takashimaya department store. The exhibition will continue till Aug 8, 2022, and feature over 300 artworks from the author’s popular works.

In a previous interview to Kadokawa Media Factory’s Da Vinci magazine, Yazawa had apologized to fans for not being able to resume serialization of NANA.

The NANA manga was originally launched by Ai Yazawa in 2000 and was published by Shueisha’s Cookie magazine.

The series is centered on Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, two women who move to Tokyo at the age of 20, with the story focused on Nana O.’s pursuit for fame and Nana K.’s pursuit for romance, all while struggling to maintain their friendship.

The manga received an anime adaptation by Madhouse in April 2006. It has also inspired two live action movies.

Source: Nippon TV