TV: Natsume Yuujinchou; by Takai

[Takai]

Natsume Yuujinchou
Reviewer: Takai

Original Title: Natsume Yuujinchou.
Alternative Titles: Natsume's Book of Friends.
Format: TV series, 13 episodes, complete.
Year(s): 2008.
Genres/Themes: slice of life, drama, supernatural, fantasy; shoujo.
Animation Studio: Brains Base.
Director: Omori Takahiro.
Original Author(s): Midorikawa Yuki.

Number of Episodes Seen: 13/13

Introduction (optional):

I've been looking forward to this anime ever since I saw one of the promotional images -- Natsume sitting on a tree branch with his foot slightly touching the water underneath, and an unusual looking cat by his side. I fell in love with that image alone and could not stop thinking about it. Needless to say, I watched Natsume Yuujinchou while it was still ongoing and waited eagerly for the subtitles to come out. Now that it's over, I can say for sure -- it was a short but beautiful experience, and became one of my very special personal favorites.

Plot and Setting/Story: 10/10

"Thank you... for not growing to hate humans."

This anime follows the life of Natsume, a high school student with the ability to see youkai* and communicate with them. In order to not cause trouble for people around him and especially the family that takes care of him, he is forced to keep his ability a secret. One day, he gets his hands on the so-called "book of friends" that once belonged to his late grandmother. Book of Friends has names of numerous youkai written in it; these youkai are bound to obey the book's owner, which is why many of them are also trying to obtain it. One of them is Madara, a very powerful youkai who temporarily resides in the body of a Maneki Neko* statue. Natsume and Madara make a contract which states that Madara can get his hands on the Book of Friends upon Natsume's death, and until then, he has to act as his bodyguard. However, Natsume seems to be the only one who does not want to use the book to control youkai. Instead, he chooses to return their names and free them from the contract.

Each episode Natsume encounters a different youkai. Sometimes, it's a youkai seeking to get his/her name back; at other times, a youkai wanting some other help from Natsume, which he can never refuse.
As much as those stories revolve around youkai, Natsume Yuujinchou is ultimately about humans. It focuses on the bonds between humans, as well as the bonds between humans and youkai.
Each story is very well thought out and carries a deep message that Natsume derives from his encounters. Reasons why Natsume cannot let go of his bond with youkai, reasons why youkai fall in love with humans; Natsume Yuujinchou is a collection of beautiful bittersweet pieces of a not very ordinary every day life. Each piece left me with a somewhat sad but warm feeling and made me go back to re-watch and think upon it again and again.

*Youkai: a term mostly associated with Japanese folk creatures and ghosts. The term can also apply broadly to anything that is a supernatural being or legend, from any culture. Because there are thousands of stories of magical beings around the world, the different types of youkai are endless. (source: Touhou Wiki)
*Maneki Neko: a common Japanese sculpture, often made of porcelain or ceramic, which is believed to bring good luck to the owner. The sculpture depicts a cat beckoning with an upright paw, and is usually displayed in shops, restaurants, pachinko parlors, and other businesses. (source: Wikipedia)

Characters/Character Development: 10/10

Natsume Yuujinchou is full of unique personalities. Natsume does not help youkai just because he has nothing better to do. His bond with the beings of the other world is very deep and is explored in great detail. From a boy who was forced to shut himself off from nearly all humans, Natsume grows to trust humans again and shares his experiences with others. Seemingly eager for nothing more than obtaining the Book of Friends, Madara is also not that simple of a character. With time, he becomes attached to Natsume and, despite his own constant contradictions, appears to worry more about his companion than the actual book.

Youkai are also very interesting. Although most of them appear only in their assigned episode, each one is very memorable, and their personalities and inner troubles are so well thought out that it's hard to believe that they were really present for only twenty minutes.

Art/Animation: 10/10

The artwork is beautiful. It may seem rather simple, but it couldn't be more perfect for this anime. In fact, the simplicity of it is what makes it truly stunning for me. It greatly enhances the story and the atmosphere with its warm colors and memorable designs. Also, every time a scene of Natsume returning youkai's name is shown, I fall in love with this anime all over again; it almost makes me feel his breath as he blows out the letters from the page.

Sample Screenshots:












Music/Sound: 10/10

After the very first episode, I fell in love with both opening and ending songs. Like the artwork, the soundtrack is beautiful in its simplicity and fits Natsume Yuujinchou's atmosphere perfectly. It's the kind of music that probably would not feel the same or as special outside of the actual anime, but combined with the rest of the aspects, it becomes a wonderful soundtrack.

Additional Comments or Warnings:

If you want something relaxing and heartwarming, this anime is for you.

Overall Anime Rating: 10/10

What more can I say? I fell completely in love with it.

[frank]

This was a very thorough review. The images helped to give an idea of the emotional aspects of the story, which you described very well.

Thanks, Takai. ^_^

[NaniGirl]

I agree! ^^

[Lady Sano]

;__; Not even finished with the first season and I love it so much!
Moving to tears, literally <3
Thank you for suggesting I watch this neechan! This is an unforgettable series and I will watch it over and over and over again! <3

[StarWind]

wowzers you sure wrote a lot. well after reading some of the stuff you wrote you have convinced me in watching it. really looks awsome!!!!!

[Takai]

And even after writing this much, i could not put all my emotions into it >.< This anime is just magical, and i hope many people can watch it and feel what i felt.

[Shira Tachima]

I want to watch it so bad >____< I can't wait until I get a new sound card so I can see it O.O great description and pictures Takai! ^^

[Takai]

Thank you ^^ I hope you can enjoy it soon and share your thoughts.

[Ginko]

Great anime: it's on my top 10 list. It was such a soothing and relaxing series. The scores are well deserved.