View source for Ai Yazawa

{{short description|Japanese manga author|bot=PearBOT 5}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=March 2015}}
{{Infobox writer <!-- for more information see [[:Template:Infobox writer/doc]] -->
| name             = Ai Yazawa
| native_name      = 矢沢 あい
| native_name_lang = ja
| birth_name       = 
| birth_date       = {{birth date and age|1967|03|07}}
| birth_place      = [[Amagasaki]], [[Hyōgo Prefecture|Hyōgo]], Japan
| death_date       = 
| death_place      = 
| occupation       = [[Manga artist]]
| education        = 
| notableworks     = ''[[Tenshi Nanka ja Nai]]'', ''[[Neighborhood Story]]'', ''[[Paradise Kiss]]'', ''[[Nana (manga)|Nana]]''
| years_active     = 1985–present
}}
{{Nihongo|'''Ai Yazawa'''|矢沢 あい|Yazawa Ai|born March 7, 1967}} is a Japanese [[manga artist]] and illustrator. Yazawa debuted as a manga artist with her short story ''Ano Natsu'' (1985). She gained mainstream popularity in the 1990s and 2000s with her series ''[[Tenshi Nanka ja Nai]]'' (1992), ''[[Neighborhood Story]]'' (1995), ''[[Paradise Kiss]]'' (1999), and ''[[Nana (manga)|Nana]]'' (2000),<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |title=Manga and the Representation of Japanese History |publisher=Taylor & Francis |year=2012 |isbn=9780203097816 |editor-last=Rosenbaum |editor-first=Roman |location= |pages=111 |doi=10.4324/9780203097816}}</ref> the latter being one of the [[List of best-selling manga|best-selling manga series]]. Since June 2009, Yazawa has been focusing on illustration projects due to health concerns.

==Early life==

Yazawa started reading [[manga magazine]]s when she was 10 years old, and when she was 12 years old, she attempted to draw manga and submitted it to ''[[Ribon]]'' Manga School, making it into the lowest class.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3">{{cite news | first=Yayoi | last=Kawayuka | url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/subcul/20220731-OYT8T50085/ | title=「登場人物のことは全員大好き」――『天使なんかじゃない』『NANA』作者・矢沢あいさんインタビュー（後編） | trans-title="I love all the characters": interview with Ai Yazawa, the creator of ''Tenshi Nanka Janai'' and ''Nana'' (final part) | language=ja | work=[[Yomiuri Shimbun]] | date=2022-08-05 | accessdate=2024-11-30}}</ref> Yazawa began training and submitting her works seriously around age 15, eventually making it into a higher class.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/> As a student, she was a fan of [[Eikichi Yazawa]], whose surname she adopted for her [[pseudonym]].<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-03">{{cite news | first=Yayoi | last=Kawayuka | url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/subcul/20220731-OYT8T50000/ | title=「登場人物のことは全員大好き」――『天使なんかじゃない』『NANA』作者・矢沢あいさんインタビュー（前編） | trans-title="I love all the characters": interview with Ai Yazawa, the creator of ''Tenshi Nanka Janai'' and ''Nana'' (first part) | language=ja | work=[[Yomiuri Shimbun]] | date=2022-08-03 | accessdate=2024-11-30}}</ref>

At the time of her manga debut, Yazawa was 17 years old<ref name="ntv 2022-07-21"/> and in her final year of high school.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/> Unsure of whether she would be able to make a living off of being a manga artist, Yazawa wound up attending {{ill|Osaka Mode Gakuen|ja|大阪モード学園}}<ref>{{cite book |date=February 1, 2003 |title=漫画家人名事典 | trans-title=Dictionary of Manga Artists |url= |location=Japan |language=ja | publisher={{ill|Nichigai Associates|ja|日外アソシエーツ}} |page=233 |isbn=9784816917608}}</ref> to become a stylist.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/> However, once ''[[Ribon]]'' decided to serialize her works, Yazawa dropped out of school to focus on drawing manga, a decision she describes as "disappointing" and "painful" at the time.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/>

==Career==

===1985&ndash;1991: Debut and early works===
With the help of an editor, Yazawa debuted as a manga artist on her 10th submission to ''Ribon'' in 1985 with the short story ''Ano Natsu''.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/><ref name="ntv 2022-07-21">{{cite news | url=https://news.ntv.co.jp/category/culture/0dded26f9d614e27bf7b53283b6507ff | title=『NANA』休載から13年…漫画家・矢沢あいを取材 「また作品を描いていけたら」 “現在の体調”も明かす | trans-title=13 years since ''Nana'' went on hiatus... manga artist Ai Yazawa reportedly states, "I'll draw it again if I'm able to", gives clarity on her "current condition" | language=ja | work=[[Nippon Television]] | date=2022-07-21 | accessdate=2024-11-30}}</ref>

===1991&ndash;2009: Mainstream breakthrough===
She also voiced an animated rendition of herself that made a cameo appearance in the final episode of the ''Neighborhood Story'' anime.

Yazawa was later requested to draw two short stories to accompany the launch of ''[[Cookie (Japanese magazine)|Cookie]]''.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-04">{{cite news|first=Yayoi|last=Kawayuka|script-title=ja:「登場人物のことは全員大好き」――『天使なんかじゃない』『NANA』作者・矢沢あいさんインタビュー（中編）|trans-title="I love all the characters": interview with Ai Yazawa, the creator of ''Tenshi Nanka Janai'' and ''Nana'' (second part)|url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/culture/subcul/20220731-OYT8T50084/|work=[[Yomiuri Shimbun]]|date=2022-08-04|accessdate=2024-11-30}}</ref> This led to the creation of ''[[Nana (manga)|Nana]]'', as she decided to make the two stories related to each other so that they would be easier to read if they were later picked up for serialization.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-04"/> In 2003, Yazawa was awarded the [[Shogakukan Manga Award]] for ''Nana''.<ref name="ShogakukanAward">{{cite web|url=http://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/mangasho/rist.html |script-title=ja:小学館漫画賞: 歴代受賞者 |publisher=Shogakukan |language=ja |access-date=August 19, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929094941/http://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/mangasho/rist.html |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}</ref> Yazawa illustrated the cover of [[Rumi Shishido]]'s 2003 album ''Rumi Roll'', who she had been friends with since Shishido was cast as Mikako in the anime adaptation of ''Neighborhood Story''.<ref>{{cite web | first=Rumi | last=Shishido | authorlink=Rumi Shishido | url=https://ameblo.jp/sundaliru/entry-12768473035.html | title=近況、生誕にむけて。 | trans-title=Recent developments up until my birthday. | language=ja | via=[[Ameba (website)|Ameba Blogs]] | date=2022-10-08 | accessdate=2024-11-30}}</ref>

In June 2009, Yazawa became hospitalized after contracting an illness, putting ''Nana'' on indefinite hiatus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-26/nana-ai-yazawa-puts-manga-on-hold-due-to-illness|title=Nana's Ai Yazawa Puts Manga on Hold Due to Illness|work=Anime News Network|access-date=March 4, 2015|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129125624/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-26/nana-ai-yazawa-puts-manga-on-hold-due-to-illness|url-status=live}}</ref> She returned from the hospital in April 2010.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-04-25/nana-manga-creator-ai-yazawa-returns-from-hospital|title=Nana Manga Creator Ai Yazawa Returns from Hospital|work=Anime News Network|access-date=March 12, 2015|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128001758/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-04-25/nana-manga-creator-ai-yazawa-returns-from-hospital|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, Yazawa stated she was still recovering from her illness and expressed interest in continuing ''Nana'' in the future.<ref name="ntv 2022-07-21"/>

===2009&ndash;present: ''Nana'' hiatus and illustration work===

Yazawa has focused on illustration work since putting ''Nana'' on hold.<ref name="ntv 2022-07-21"/> She provided artwork for singer [[Juju (singer)|JUJU]]'s single ''Iiwake'' in 2017 and a celebratory illustration for [[Space Channel 5 VR: Kinda Funky News Flash|''Space Channel 5 VR'']] in 2020, drew a mini-manga featuring characters from ''Tenshi Nanka ja Nai'' and ''Neighborhood Story'' in 2016, contributed new images to the 2015 ''Nana'' calendar, and published a new "Junko's Room" chapter, her first new manga in over three years, in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-10-02/nana-ai-yazawa-draws-historical-men-fashion-for-new-book/.137604|title=NANA's Ai Yazawa Draws Historical Men's Fashion for New Book|last=Loveridge|first=Lynzee|date=October 2, 2018|website=Anime News Network|access-date=February 8, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028083624/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2018-10-02/nana-ai-yazawa-draws-historical-men-fashion-for-new-book/.137604|url-status=live}}</ref>

From July 20, 2022, to August 8, 2022, Yazawa held an art exhibit titled "All Time Best", featuring original manga manuscripts and illustrations for ''Tenshi Nanka Ja Nai'' and her other series.<ref name="ntv 2022-07-21"/>

On January 31, 2024, Yazawa illustrated a promotional visual as part of a collaboration with fashion brand Lulu Felice, who created wedding dresses based on ''Nana'' and ''Neighborhood Story''.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.fashion-press.net/news/114572 | title=矢沢あい『NANA』『ご近所物語』ウェディングドレス、ナナの赤いドレスや“ハッピーベリー”モチーフ| trans-title=Wedding dresses based on Ai Yazawa's ''Nana'' and ''Neighborhood Story'', Nana's red dress and "Happy Berry" motifs | language=ja | work=Fashion Press | date=2024-01-31 | accessdate=2024-11-30}}</ref>

==Personal life==

Yazawa became hospitalized in June 2009 for an unspecified illness, which caused her to put ''Nana'' on hiatus.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-26/nana-ai-yazawa-puts-manga-on-hold-due-to-illness|title=Nana's Ai Yazawa Puts Manga on Hold Due to Illness|date=June 26, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 30, 2010|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129125624/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-26/nana-ai-yazawa-puts-manga-on-hold-due-to-illness|url-status=live}}</ref> She was discharged in April 2010.<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-04-25/nana-manga-creator-ai-yazawa-returns-from-hospital|title=Nana Manga Creator Ai Yazawa Returns from Hospital|date=May 30, 2010|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=May 30, 2010|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128001758/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-04-25/nana-manga-creator-ai-yazawa-returns-from-hospital|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Artistry and themes==

Yazawa cites manga artists {{ill|Fuyumi Ogura|ja|小椋冬美}} and [[Ryo Ikuemi]] as her inspirations, as well as music from the singers [[Miyuki Nakajima]] and [[Yumi Matsutoya]].<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/> In 2008, ''Japanese Visual Culture: Explorations in the World of Manga and Anime'' compared her to manga artist [[Taku Tsumugi]] for her play with depth and layering.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/503447257 |title=Japanese Visual Culture: Explorations in the World of Manga and Anime |publisher=M.E. Sharpe |year=2008 |isbn=978-0-7656-2235-8 |editor-last=Wheeler Macwilliams |editor-first=Mark |location=Armonk, N.Y. |pages=146 |oclc=503447257 |access-date=February 27, 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208061025/https://search.worldcat.org/title/503447257 |url-status=live }}</ref> While Yazawa initially started drawing manga using dip pens and brushes, after the conclusion of ''[[Neighborhood Story]]'' in 1996, she began using drawing pens, oil pastels and markers.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/> However, Yazawa also stated that she would return to use dip pens and brushes for ''[[Last Quarter]]'' as the tools helped her convey the mood of the series.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/> For color manuscripts, Yazawa used color ink until working on ''Marine Blue no Kaze ni Dakarete'', and after ''[[Tenshi Nanka ja Nai]]'', Yazawa began using digital tools.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/> Currently, she uses an [[iPad]] and [[MacBook]] to illustrate.<ref name="yomiuri 2022-08-05 3"/>

Yazawa's work has been highlighted for its focus on Japanese [[alternative fashion]]; from 1998 to 1999, fashion magazine ''{{ill|Kera (magazine)|lt=Kera|ja|KERA}}'' ran features on Mikako Komatsu, the main character of ''[[Neighborhood Story]]'', and produced sewing patterns based on Happy Berry, a fictional fashion brand by the character.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2003-10-09 |title=矢沢あい「NANA」三原ミツカズ「ハッピー・ファミリー」特集 | trans-title=Special feature on ''Nana'' by Ai Yazawa and ''Happy Family'' by Mitsukazu Mihara | magazine={{ill|Kera (magazine)|lt=Kera Maniax|ja|KERA}} |volume=1 |page=22-23 |location=Japan |publisher=[[Index Corporation]]| isbn=9784860480936}}</ref> In addition, Yazawa prominently features [[Vivienne Westwood]] in ''[[Nana (manga)|Nana]]'', and some clothing featured in the show are based on clothing from her own personal collection.<ref>{{cite magazine |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=2003-10-09 |title=矢沢あいの私物　ヴィヴィアンウエストウッド | trans-title=Ai Yazawa's Personal Collection: Vivienne Westwood | magazine={{ill|Kera (magazine)|lt=Kera Maniax|ja|KERA}} |volume=1 |page=36-37 |location=Japan |publisher=[[Index Corporation]]| isbn=9784860480936}}</ref> In 2024, through a survey of 100 people by ''TV Maga'' (a web magazine operated by {{ill|TV Log|ja|TVログ}}), ''Nana'' was voted no. 1 for most fashionable manga, along with Yazawa's other works ''Paradise Kiss'' and ''Neighborhood Story'' following at no. 2.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://nijimen.kusuguru.co.jp/topics/471407 | title=センスがいいおしゃれな漫画ランキングTOP10！1位は服装が独特的なあの作品、矢沢あい先生の作品が強い | language=ja | work=Nijimen | date=2024-05-10 | accessdate=2024-11-30}}</ref>

Another key point is her often rebellious characters, who tend to be juxtaposed against the more traditional ones.<ref name="Independent article">{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/cartoon-friends-strike-a-blow-for-japanese-women-309942.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402191546/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/cartoon-friends-strike-a-blow-for-japanese-women-309942.html |archive-date=2015-04-02 |url-access=limited |url-status=live| title=Cartoon friends strike a blow for Japanese women | newspaper=The Independent | access-date=September 3, 2005 | location=London | first=David | last=McNeill | date=September 3, 2005}}</ref>

==Works==

=== Series ===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Magazine
!Notes
|-
| 1986
| ''Love Letter''<br>{{nihongo|''Rabu Retā''|ラブレター}}
| ''[[Ribon]]''
| 
|-
|-
| 1988
| ''Ballad Made Soba ni Ite''<br>{{nihongo|''Barādo Made Soba ni Ite''|バラードまでそばにいて}}
| ''Ribon''
| 
|-
| 1989
| ''{{ill|Marine Blue no Kaze ni Dakarete|ja|マリンブルーの風に抱かれて}}''<br>{{nihongo|''Marin Burū no Kaze ni Dakarete''|マリンブルーの風に抱かれて}}
| ''Ribon''
| 
|-
| 1991
| {{nihongo|''[[Tenshi Nanka ja Nai]]''|天使なんかじゃない}}
| ''Ribon''
| 
|-
| 1995
| ''[[Neighborhood Story]]''<br>{{nihongo|''Gokinjo Monogatari''|ご近所物語}}
| ''Ribon''
| 
|-
| 1998
| ''[[Last Quarter]]''<br>{{nihongo|''Kagen no Tsuki''|下弦の月}}
| ''Ribon''
| 
|-
| 1999
| ''[[Paradise Kiss]]''
| ''{{ill|Zipper (magazine)|lt=Zipper|ja|Zipper}}''
| 
|-
| 2000
| ''[[Nana (manga)|Nana]]''
| ''[[Cookie (Japanese magazine)|Cookie]]''
| 
|-
|}

===Short stories===
* ''Ano Natsu'' (1985) 
* ''15-nenme'' (1986)
* ''Kaze ni Nare!'' (1988)
* ''Escape'' (1988)
* ''Usubeni no Arashi'' (1992)

Character design:
* ''[[Princess Ai]]'' (2004–2005) – 3 volumes

==References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Portal|Biography}}
* {{Anime News Network|people|11403}}
* {{IMDb name|1303246}}
* [http://users.skynet.be/mangaguide/au2113.html Profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009045845/http://users.skynet.be/mangaguide/au2113.html |date=October 9, 2010 }} at The Ultimate Manga Guide 

{{Ai Yazawa}}
{{Shogakukan Manga Award - Shōjo}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Yazawa, Ai}}
[[Category:Ai Yazawa| ]]
[[Category:1967 births]]
[[Category:Japanese female comics writers]]
[[Category:Japanese female comics artists]]
[[Category:People from Amagasaki]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Women manga artists]]
[[Category:Manga artists from Hyōgo Prefecture]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Japanese women writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese writers]]
[[Category:21st-century Japanese women writers]]