Watch Natsume Yujincho

Natsume Yujincho is a captivating and heartwarming anime series that premiered on TV Tokyo in 2008. The show follows the life of Takashi Natsume, a teenage boy who has the ability to see yokai, the supernatural creatures of Japanese folklore. Natsume's ability is a curse that he inherited from his grandmother, Reiko Natsume, who had a book of yokai names that she used to control the spirits. Now that the book is in Natsume's possession, he has become the target of both good and bad yokai who want the book for their own purposes.

The series is based on the manga of the same name written and illustrated by Yuki Midorikawa. The show, directed by Takahiro Omori, has a total of six seasons and over 100 episodes. Hiroshi Kamiya, who plays the lead role of Natsume, delivers an outstanding performance throughout the series. His voice captures the emotions of Natsume perfectly, and he brings a sense of warmth and empathy to the character.

One of the standout aspects of the series is its beautiful animation, which brings the world of yokai to life in a stunning and magical way. The fantastical creatures are all expertly designed, from the mischievous little kappa to the towering tengu. The settings are also beautifully crafted, with each location feeling like a unique and fully realized world. The show's aesthetic is a perfect blend of traditional Japanese art and modern animation techniques, resulting in a stunning visual experience.

Throughout the series, Natsume meets a variety of yokai who are both good and bad. Some of them are looking for the book of names, while others simply want to make a connection with Natsume. The relationships that Natsume forms with these creatures form the core of the show's emotional resonance. Through these bonds, Natsume learns valuable lessons about empathy, friendship, and forgiveness.

The supporting cast is also excellent, with each character bringing their own charm to the show. Nyanko-sensei, a powerful yokai who takes the form of a cuddly cat, is a fan-favorite character who adds a lot of humor to the series. The other human characters, including Natsume's foster parents and classmates, are all well-written and help to ground the supernatural elements of the show in reality.

One of the strengths of the series is its episodic format. Each episode focuses on a different yokai or human character and their relationship with Natsume. This allows the show to explore a wide range of emotions and themes, from heartwarming tales of friendship to darker stories of loss and betrayal. The episodic format also ensures that the show never feels repetitive, and each episode is a unique and satisfying experience.

The music in the series is also noteworthy, with a beautiful soundtrack that perfectly captures the emotional resonance of each scene. The opening and ending themes are also excellent, with catchy melodies and stunning animation sequences that set the tone for each episode.

Overall, Natsume Yujincho is a must-watch anime series for anyone who loves heartwarming stories, beautiful animation, and traditional Japanese folklore. The series has a timeless quality that makes it feel both modern and classic, and its emphasis on empathy and friendship is something that viewers of all ages can appreciate. With its excellent voice acting, stunning animation, and beautiful music, Natsume Yujincho is a show that will stay with viewers long after the final episode has aired.