Natsume's Book of Friends

How many of us had imaginary friends when we were young? Chances are, you most probably did! These cringy but timeless memories are fragments we hold onto even in adulthood, reminiscent of a beautiful childhood. They may not have been real, but they were our friends and helped wipe away the loneliness many times over.

Anime wonders, WHAT IF they are more than just figments of our imaginations? What if they are genuine and have lasting effects on our lives? The following series may be the best in the slot to answer those questions, despite not addressing the exact same thing.

Natsume's Book of Friends | Natsume Yujincho | Pinnedupink.com

“Natsume's Book of Friends,” also known as “Natsume Yujincho,” is a 13 episode TV Anime series that aired from the 8th of July until the 30th of September, in Summer 2008. It was produced by Aniplex, Nihon Ad Systems, TV Tokyo Music, and Sony Music Entertainment, licensed by NIS America, Inc. and brought to life by Studio Brain's Base.

The central staff behind it include Miyake Masanori as Producer, Kosaka Harume as Episode Director, Oomori Takahiro as Director, Sound Director, Episode Director, and Storyboard and Kawamura Tomoyuki also as Episode Director.

The series features the genres of Drama, Slice of Life, and Supernatural with a theme of Demons. Targeted at the Shoujo demographic, it received a rating of PG-13 for teenagers 13 years or older.

This Anime is based on the source Manga of the same title, also known as “Manabiya no Sumi” and “Natsu ni wa Tameiki wo Tsuku.” The series began publication on the 10th of June 2003 and is still ongoing. Serialized in LaLa DX and targeted at the Shoujo demographic, it featured the dual genres of Drama and Supernatural.

It is the work of Author and Artist Midorikawa Yuki and was even nominated for the first Manga Taishou Award back in 2008. In addition, it has been published in English by VIZ Media under the Shojo Beat imprint since the 5th of January 2010. A sequel Anime series, titled “Natsume's Book of Friends Season 2,” was also released on the 6th of January until the 31st of March, in Winter 2009.

Reignited by the same teams, it spanned a total of 13 episodes. What followed are consecutive Anime seasons up to Season 6, under varying helms that never strayed too far from the source.

Other associated releases are the “Natsume Yuujinchou: Ishi Okoshi to Ayashiki Raihousha” movie in January 2021, “Ichiban Kuji Natsume Yuujinchou: Nyanko-sensei to Hana Shirabe” 2-minute ONA, and “Natsume Yuujinchou: Hitoyoshi Kuma de no Yasashii Jikan” 2-minute ONA.

In a typical world, most fifteen-year-old boys harbor numerous secrets concerning girls and their own puberty in a regular world. Still, things are profoundly different for protagonist Takashi Natsume. He holds a peculiar and terrifying secret involving the youkai because these strange spirits have constantly chased him for as long as he can remember.

He soon discovers that the issue's root lies with his deceased grandmother, Reiko Natsume, who had passed the “Yuujinchou” or "Book of Friends" onto him. This item contains the names of the spirits she had brought under her control in the past. Now under Takashi's possession, this book gives Reiko's grandson the same power as well, leading these enraged beings to him and haunting him in hopes of somehow attaining their freedom someday.

With neither parents nor a loving home, while being constantly hunted by this hostile and merciless youkai, Natsume searches for solace at a place where he can truly belong. Regardless of his wishes, his only companion is the self-proclaimed bodyguard Madara.

Also referred to as Nyanko-sensei in fondness, Madara is a mysterious, pint-sized feline spirit who possesses his own unique reasons for sticking beside the young boy. Thus the stage is set for this unconventional and supernatural slice-of-life tale that follows Natsume as he endeavors to finally free these spirits bound by his grandmother's contract, accompanied by his infamous protector Madara.

“Natsume's Book of Friends” is an episodic series with no defining plotline. But the common and unifying theme remains the protagonist's ultimate goal of returning all the Youkai names that his Grandmother once took under her wing and stored within the Book of Friends.

These episodes range from numerous Youkai simply wanting their names back to far more complicated issues such as how certain lonely spirits long for companionship and are so desperate to relive the memories that are so important to them.

Each episode is wrapped up so masterfully and beautifully and makes it impossible not to spend the ensuing moments contemplating what was just experienced. There are plenty of messages, lessons and morals conveyed throughout the series, all of which are pertinent and meaningful.

At some point in everyone’s life, they encounter an issue or inability that is very difficult to talk about, something nobody else can relate to. Natsume portrays this excellently and shows that isolation is rarely the answer. It takes purposeful interactions and actions to really achieve one’s own inner peace.

Natsume Yuujinchou is full of unique characters and personalities. He grows from being a boy who was forced to shut himself off from human society to someone who trusts and shares his experiences with humanity.

Natsume helps Youkai as his bond with these beings of the other world is very deep, which is explored in great detail. On the other hand, Madara seems eager to obtain the Book of Friends and weaves quite a complex character. As he grows attached to Natsume over time, he starts to worry about his companion more, albeit with his own contradictions.

The other Youkai are very interesting too. While most only appear in their designated episode, they are equally memorable, with their own varying personalities and inner troubles. They are so well thought out that it's difficult to believe they only existed for such a limited time.

The Art and Animation of Natsume Yuujinchou are simply beautiful. It is simple, but this style suits the Anime best. The expertise lies in sheer simplistic allure, making it truly stunning.

The visual department enhances the story and the atmosphere with warm colors and striking designs. Whenever Natsume returns a Youkai's name, viewers can feel him blow out the letters from the page.

The Sounds and Music are incredibly well made too. The Opening theme is "Issei no Sei (Simultaneous Voice)" by Shuhei Kita, and the Ending theme is “Natsu Yuuzora (Summer Evening Sky)" by Kousuke Atari, both of which are memorable and lovable songs.

The OSTs are equally beautiful with credit to their simplicity and fit the series atmosphere perfectly. If viewers heard these pieces outside the Anime, they quite likely wouldn’t feel a thing. But within the Anime, they are outstanding. This department is a feast for the ears and never feels out of place.

Natsume's Book of Friends is enjoyable from the start to the swift finish, considering its limited episodes. If you are someone believing in the existence of the supernatural, even to a slight extent, you will end up enthralled.

This Anime will leave a lasting effect on you excellently and mystically. If you grasp everything this series offers, you will realize this is a fantasy masterpiece. You can cry tears of joy as you enjoy this soothing and unique tale.

It is highly recommended, a must-watch for fans of the genres and theme. If you aren’t a big fan of calm and intricate shows, you may consider skipping this; but overall, this Anime is an experience!