“NANA” and “Paradise Kiss” creator Yazawa Ai discusses going on a hiatus from “NANA” and also her first art exhibition

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NTV NEWS interviewed Yazawa Ai, the manga artist who created popular works such as “NANA”, “PARADISE KISS” and “Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai” and who halted working on her popular manga series “NANA” back in 2009. Yazawa also reveals why she held her first exhibition this time, her life and future works.

Yazawa made her debut as a manga artist in 1985. Since then, she has produced numerous hits such as”Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai”, “Paradise Kiss” but also “NANA”. Starting on July 20th, Yazawa’s first exhibition “ALL TIME BEST Yazawa Ai Exhibition” will be held until August 8th at Takashimaya Shinjuku in Tokyo.

When asked why she decided to hold an exhibit, Yazawa said, “We were in discussions with the editor in charge for Shueisha. I was very grateful for them calling out to me despite a long hiatus. I was worried but I decided to go through with it and hope to create a place where readers are looking forward to the opening and enjoy it as much as possible”.

When asked what she wanted people to see and what are the highlights, Yazawa said, “The exhibits are mainly works after ‘Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai’, but I have displayed many manuscripts as possible so that readers can reunited with each nostalgic one. Some of the sketches in the middle of production were left, so they are displayed side by side with the completed manuscript. I also created a corner to display illustrations drawn by work other than manga, so I think that you can see it with a fresh feeling”.

When asked about a message for her fans, Yazawa said, “Thank you for your continued support. We were able to hold this exhibition thanks to everyone who continued to read my work. It’s been a long time since ‘NANA’ was suspended, and I’m really sorry for the concern. I felt that I was able to regain my physical strength more than before while working on the preparations for the exhibition with the utmost effort to have everyone enjoy it. In the future, I would like to manage my physical condition and draw works again little by little. Thank you. that’s all. Thank you very much”.

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