Spoiler ahead. If you prefer the suspense, click here.
One look at Nana Osaki and it's not hard to guess that she loves punk-rock so much, she sings it. She is black as Nana, a.k.a. Hachi, is white. Not that Hachi oozes Japanese goodness. Au contraire. Although without deliberate guile, Hachi impulsively allows her emotions to rule her actions, for instance, having a relationship with a married man. She also indiscriminately flirts with her employer in Tokyo even though she is still exclusive with boyfriend Shouji. Ironically, she has a jealous streak, accusing Shouji of seeing a woman Hachi has christened Sachiko. It is this jealousy that leads to Shouji actually cheating on her (so people, don't throw unjust accusations...they just might do it, you know). To make matters worse, it seems as if fate has decided to make fun of Hachi as the third party is actually called Sachiko.
Nana the singer is not without an interesting story to tell. Her coming to Tokyo isn't purely for professional growth. She may be unwilling to admit it, but outshining the hit band Trapnest is the driving force behind the resurrection of her band, BLAST. The reason is soon revealed: Nana and Ren Honjo, one of Trapnests's guitarists, used to be lovers. That is, until Ren accepted the offer of Trapnest leader, Takumi Ichinose, to play for the band, ergo Ren's consequent move to Tokyo. With the help of old bandmates Yasu (a lawyer by profession and considered as BLAST's leader), Nobu (heir to a family business) and the new recruit Shin (who gets involved with Trapnest's singer, Reira), Nana and BLAST make their debut in Tokyo, much to the amusement of Trapnest, particularly Ren.
Hard to believe, but the story behind this 47-episode long anime, which include the chronicles of Nana and Ren's reunion, Yasu's unrequited love for Nana, and Hachi's ambivalent feelings for Shin and Takumi, is far from over (yep, folks. Manga still ongoing). But don't let that deter you. Madhouse, the studio that transformed this manga to anime, evidently had the same sentiments and finished this offering with a final episode that can momentarily appease people like me (I felt cheated with Legend of Basara, a feeling that I have yet to resolve up to this day). This is then not unlike the Hana Yori Dango and Kare Kano anime.
As usual, artwork is excellent, as is expected of Ai Yazawa's creations. Reira resembles Mikako, it's hard not to like her. The songs are a mixture of rock, with Anna Tsuchiya's "Rose", and pop, as manifested by Olivia Lufkin's "A Little Pain" and "Winter Sleep" and which are my favorites. Interestingly, Olivia, who sings for Reira's character, is a half-Japanese, half-American herself, similar to Reira in the story. And speaking of the story, this anime is a whole new ballgame from Parakiss, which looks tame in comparison. Issues like extramarital relationships, premarital sex, multiple sex partners, contraception and unplanned pregnancy are common, this anime is certainly not for those used to Sailor Moon and Pokemon. To the homophobes: No, this is not yuri, although I am tolerant of such anime myself, having watched a couple of yaoi titles. But Nana and Hachi's friendship is a new level altogether, theirs is certainly one step closer to a lesbian relationship.
A final note before I end this synopsis: Notice how five out of eight people smoke in the picture above?
My rating: 9/10. There are several episodes wherein Junko (Hachi's best friend), her boyfriend Kyosuke and even the Jackson Hole's bartender would give a summary of the episodes thus far. These episodes look suspiciously like fillers to me. Shouji would also makes several appearances in the summary eps post Hachi breakup. The ending, even with Madhouse's attempt of wrapping things up, left so many questions unanswered---I don't remember seeing Nana in the reunion, for one thing, and I don't think an explanation is given as to why.
Memorable scenes: Mostly Nana-Ren and Hachi-Takumi scenes.
> Nana attends a Trapnest concert for the first time; Ren sees her but does not let on, although he calls Yasu afterward and demands why.
> Nana and Ren meet after the concert in Ren's hotel room.
> Hachi meets Takumi, who she idolizes.
>Takumi calls Hachi and tells her he wants to meet up with her.
> Hachi and Takumi begin their affair.
> Takumi pays Hachi a visit in her apartment; he discovers she is pregnant with his child.
> Takumi decides to marry Hachi.