Ren is frequently described as exceptionally handsome, a sentiment echoed by multiple characters throughout the series. He sports short, spiked black hair and deep brown eyes that add to his striking looks. Ren’s tall and lanky frame is complemented by a toned, muscular chest, emphasizing his rock-star charisma. A defining feature of his appearance is the silver padlock necklace he always wears—a meaningful gift from Nana Osaki, who locked it around his neck as a symbol of their bond. The necklace is a subtle nod to Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols, reflecting Ren’s punk-inspired aesthetic.

Nana Osaki may project the tough, rebellious image of a Goth-punk rocker, but beneath the hard exterior lies a deeply compassionate and loyal friend. Raised by her grandmother after being abandoned by her mother, Nana’s early life was marked by hardship, including being wrongfully expelled from high school on accusations of prostitution. Yet, rather than being broken by these struggles, Nana learned to “polish the shards of her dreams,” using her pain as fuel for her ambition. Her resolve to succeed as the lead vocalist of Blast remains unwavering, a testament to her determination to carve out a place for herself in the harsh world of the music industry.

Though she presents herself as fiercely independent, often likened to a “stray cat full of pride” by Nana Komatsu, Nana’s vulnerability is evident in her complex relationships. Engaged to Ren Honjo, her first love, Nana’s heart is also tangled with lingering, ambiguous feelings for Yasushi Takagi, showing that, despite her tough exterior, she is not immune to emotional conflict. Though Nana insists on her independence, she often turns to Yasu for support, revealing her softer side and need for connection.

Nana’s tastes reflect her punk spirit, with unwavering devotion to her favorite things. She’s an ardent fan of Vivienne Westwood and the Sex Pistols, with a penchant for smoking Seven Stars and sipping on Asahi Super Dry beer. She enjoys coffee with milk and strawberry cake, though her culinary skills could use a little work— her love for salt in cooking is notorious, with only Ren willing to endure her over-seasoned dishes. Nana’s sarcastic, blunt sense of humor further cements her reputation as a woman who says exactly what’s on her mind, often with a touch of self-deprecating wit, even calling herself a sadist in jest.

Despite her bold demeanor, Nana approaches relationships with caution and wisdom, particularly when it comes to sex. She’s deliberate and careful, insisting that she would never consider being intimate with Ren unless she was on birth control, underscoring her responsible and pragmatic approach to intimacy. In all aspects of her life, Nana Osaki is a woman who balances vulnerability with strength, independence with interdependence, and tenderness with a fierce desire to protect her dreams.

Ren Honjo’s life was marked by both tragedy and brilliance. Abandoned outside a port warehouse as a newborn, his story began with hardship. According to Nobuo Terashima, his abandonment was even covered in the news. Ren grew up in an orphanage alongside Yasushi Takagi, forging a deep bond that endured through the years. After Yasu was adopted by the Takagis, Ren often visited him, to the extent that Yasu’s foster mother offered to adopt Ren as well—an offer he declined.

Early Years and Blast

Ren’s passion for music blossomed as he formed the band Black Stones (Blast) with Yasu as the drummer and leader, Nobu Terashima as the guitarist, Nana Osaki as the lead vocalist, and himself as the bassist. During this time, Ren and Nana Osaki fell deeply in love, and their relationship became a central part of both their lives and their music. The couple’s bond was symbolized by a silver padlock necklace with the initial “R,” locked by Nana and worn by Ren as a token of their connection.

Blast achieved moderate success in their hometown, but Ren doubted the band’s potential for national fame. When he was offered the chance to join Trapnest as their lead guitarist, he initially refused, not wanting to leave Nana or the band. However, after encouragement from Yasu, Ren ultimately accepted, marking a turning point in his career. The move to Trapnest brought him both greater fame and heartbreak, as it led to his departure from Blast and a tearful breakup with Nana.

Reunion and Challenges

Despite their separation, Ren and Nana’s paths crossed again when Nana Komatsu invited Nana Osaki to a Trapnest concert. The couple reunited, rekindling their love. However, Nana vowed that Black Stones, now with Shinichi Okazaki as their bassist, would surpass Trapnest in popularity.

Their relationship faced numerous obstacles. Ren grew jealous of Yasu, fearing he might become a rival for Nana’s affection, while Nana felt uneasy about Reira Serizawa, Trapnest’s vocalist, who seemed interested in Ren. Adding to their troubles, a tabloid magazine,SEARCH, aimed to expose their relationship, fueling tension and insecurity.

In a moment of desperation, Ren proposed to Nana, partly driven by his fear of losing her. Though she accepted, both harbored doubts about their readiness for marriage.

Struggles with Addiction

Behind the scenes, Ren grappled with a drug addiction. He resolved to quit and sought professional help, with Reira temporarily stepping away from the spotlight to shield him from media scrutiny. However, his struggles continued, impacting both his personal and professional life.

Tragic End

Ren’s story took a tragic turn in Chapter 77 of the manga. While driving through snowy streets to reunite with Nana for her 21st birthday, Ren was distracted and mistook a cat for Nana. Pursued by paparazzi fromSEARCH, he lost control of his car and crashed near his old apartment. Chapter 78 revealed that Ren had died in the accident, leaving a devastating void in the lives of those who loved him.

Ren’s body, though battered, bore a haunting symbol of his love for Nana—the padlock necklace remained fused to his chest. His death deeply affected Nana, who initially resisted acknowledging the tragedy but ultimately broke down after Yasu reminded her this was her final chance to say goodbye.

Ren Honjo’s life was one of immense talent, intense passion, and profound loss. His legacy lived on in the music he created and the hearts he touched, forever immortalized as a pivotal figure in the stories of Black Stones and Trapnest.

The name Ren (蓮) translates to “lotus,” a symbol often associated with purity and enlightenment, rising above adversity—a poignant reflection of his character’s complexity and struggles.

Ren’s surname, Honjo (本城), combines the kanji 本, meaning “book,” “main,” or “true,” with 城, meaning “castle” or “fortress.” Together, the name can evoke imagery of a steadfast or genuine stronghold, hinting at his underlying strength and the resilience he exhibited in the face of personal challenges.