Series & First Appearance
Ren Honjou is a prominent character from the manga and anime series Nana, created by Ai Yazawa. He first appears in Chapter 1 of the manga, which debuted in 2000, and the anime adaptation premiered in 2006.
Profile at a Glance
Ren is a 24-year-old guitarist for the band Trapnest and was previously the bassist for Blast. He is known for his captivating stage presence and impressive musical talent, earning him considerable popularity among fans. Ren struggles with internal conflict and addiction throughout the series, impacting his relationships and future.
Personality & Motivations
Ren is charismatic, confident, and emotionally expressive, qualities that draw people to him, especially his former girlfriend, Nana Osaki. He has a playful and sometimes rebellious side, influenced by his admiration for the punk rock band Sex Pistols. Despite his laid-back demeanor, he deeply desires a family and stability, contrasting with Nana’s aversion to traditional domestic roles. His love for her is evident; he doesn’t shy away from expressing his feelings or asking her to marry him, although this intensity leads to tension in their relationship.
Abilities / Powers
Ren’s primary abilities lie in his exceptional musical talent. As a guitarist, he is skilled and creative, frequently using his music as an outlet for his emotions. He notably participated in a tribute album for the Sex Pistols, showcasing his dedication to his craft. However, his drug addiction limits his abilities, causing him to struggle with performance and leaving him vulnerable.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Ren’s character undergoes significant development throughout Nana. Early in the series, his burgeoning relationship with Nana portrays a romantic ideal, as their connection highlights the mutual struggles of love and ambition. However, his descent into drug addiction marks a turning point, exacerbated by the pressures of fame and personal pain. The climax of his story occurs in a tragic car accident, where hallucinations lead him to mistakenly believe he sees Nana, resulting in a fatal collision. This incident raises questions of intention, leaving fans to grapple with the ambiguous nature of his demise—the potential for it being a suicide attempt versus an accident.
Notable Relationships
- Nana Osaki: Ren’s most significant relationship is with Nana, which serves as a driving force in his life. Their love story is complex, marked by passion and misunderstandings. Their bond is symbolized by Nana’s lotus tattoo, representing her love for him.
- Nobu Takamachi: A member of Blast and a friend to both Ren and Nana, Nobu admires Ren but also competes for Nana’s affection, complicating their dynamics.
- Takumi: As a member of Trapnest and a rival character, Takumi often contrasts with Ren, representing more conventional approaches to success and relationships.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of the most memorable moments involves Ren on stage with Trapnest, passionately dedicating a song to Nana, showcasing the deep emotional connection they share (Chapter 26). Another poignant scene occurs when he professes his desire to marry Nana, explicitly declaring, "I want you to be mine," highlighting his vulnerability and the stakes of their relationship. These moments resonate deeply with fans, illustrating the tragic beauty of their connection.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Ren’s character, along with many in Nana, reflects Yazawa’s affinity for fashion, music, and punk culture. He is known for wearing a "Sid Vicious" padlock necklace, linking him to his musical influences and reinforcing his identity as a punk rocker. His popularity is reflected in the Nana fan community, where he frequently ranks among the most loved characters, with 967 member favorites recorded. Voice actor Jun Fukuyama voiced Ren in the anime adaptation, bringing depth and nuance to his character.
The duality of Ren’s character—his charm and musicality contrasted with his struggles and tragic end—remains a poignant element of the narrative, making him a memorable figure within the world of anime.
