Have you ever heard of Ai Yazawa? She is one of the most famous Japanese cartoonists and mangakas of recent times, creator of NANA y Paradise Kiss, among many great works. Today we will tell you Who is this great author and we will show you her most famous works. Do not miss it!
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Who is Ai Yazawa?
Ai Yazawa was born on March 7, 1967 in Osaka, Japan. At the age of 17 he began his career as a mangaka and published more than 10 manga series in the magazine for 15 years. ribbon. She began to be recognized with works such as Gokinjo Monogatari and it was with Paradise Kiss and his best known work, NANAwhich gained recognition beyond Japan.
Ai Yazawa writes works mainly aimed at women, therefore, his mangas are categorized as manga josei (sleeve for adult women) and shojo (manga aimed at teenage women). In her stories, the majority of characters and protagonists are young women who show their interpersonal relationships. On the other hand, the author studied fashion design and this, along with art, is a very noticeable factor in all of her works, which has also made her drawing style stand out.
Most important works of Ai Yazawa
Throughout his career as a mangaka, Ai Yazawa has published around 15 sleeves. Below we will show you his most popular works that you should not miss.
Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai
Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai (I am not an angel) is a shojo manga series 8 volumes written and illustrated by Ai Yazawa in 1991 and published by Shueisha. The work received a small animated adaptation with an OVA in 1994.
This work revolves around adolescence and love. The story focuses on Midori Saejimaa young woman who decides to become the vice president of the student council to work alongside Akira Sudo, the president of the council and who she is in love with. The manga will show us the relationship of these two characters and the adventures in high school with the rest of her classmates.
At the moment The manga is published in Europe by the publisheral Comic Planetwith a total of 4 volumes.
Gokinjo Monogatari
Gokinjo Monogatari (History of a neighborhood) It is a manga series 4 volumes whose publication began in the magazine ribbon during the years 1995 and 1997. The manga had a anime adaptation from 1995 to 1996 by Toei Animation and one movie in 1996.
In Gokinjo Monogatari Ai Yazawa tells us the story of Mikako Koda, a young woman who dreams of becoming a fashion designer and selling her brand “Happy Berry”. The work explores love, friendship, fashion and the relationships between the characters.
This was one of Ai Yazawa’s first truly recognized works, which is also the prequel to Paradise Kissone of his most famous mangas.
The manga is available in Europe thanks to Comic Planet with a 4-volume series.
Paradise Kiss
Paradise Kiss is one of Ai Yazawa’s greatest hits. The manga began its publication in 1999 until 2003, it was widely accepted and in 2005 it received a anime adaptation with a series of 12 episodes. And even later, in 2011, the work received a live action movie directed by Takehiko Shinjo.
This manga mainly focuses on moda, and the passion that Ai Yazawa herself feels for the world of design is reflected here.
The story focuses on Yukari, a young woman whose only goal in life is to make her parents proud of her. One day, she meets a fashion designer who will open her eyes to the real world.
Currently you can find this great work in Europe by the hand of Ivrea in two different editions.
NANA
NANA it is without a doubt, the great work of Ai Yazawa. The series of 21 volumes It began publication in 2000 until its last publication in June 2009. The work is not finished and has been in publication since 2009. an indefinite gap.
NANA received a anime adaptation in 2006 and its popularity has been such that to this day it continues to be recognized as one of the most popular anime. Apart from the anime, it also received two live action films in 2005 and 2006.
About NANA, one of Ai Yazawa’s greatest works
This work not only explores love, friendship or music, but here the author also deals with very raw and hard topics such as manipulation, deception, drugs or depression, among other things. The story focuses on Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, two young people with the same name and age who meet on a train trip to Tokyo. Both, with the idea of starting a new stage in their lives in a big city, do not know that their future will be intertwined and they will end up sharing the apartment 707.
NANA is the most successful manga by Ai Yazawa, has managed to sell more than 22 million copies and even recently it has become a trend again in recent months despite the hiatus it is in. We hope that one day Ai Yazawa can continue with this work again and give it the ending it deserves.
Meanwhile, you can enjoy NANA in Europe with the collection of 21 volumes of Planeta Cómic.
Ai Yazawa She is one of the most notable and influential mangakas in the history of manga. She not only stands out for her stories, but also for her unique and different drawing style that has undoubtedly made her stand out as an artist. If you didn’t know this incredible mangaka, don’t miss the works that we have recommended and remember that you can also enjoy her anime adaptations.
What do you think? What is your favorite work by Ai Yazawa? Tell us your opinions in the comments!
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