Watch Natsume's Book of Friends

Natsume's Book of Friends is an enchanting anime series produced by Brain's Base and based on the manga series by Yuki Midorikawa. The show premiered in Japan in 2008 and quickly became a popular favorite. NIS America has since released the series on DVD and digital download for audiences to enjoy.

The story of Natsume's Book of Friends follows Takashi Natsume, a teenage boy who has the ability to see spirits. He inherited this gift from his grandmother, Reiko Natsume, who also had the same ability. Reiko was notorious for sealing away powerful spirits into the Book of Friends, which contains the names of the spirits she defeated. As a result, many powerful spirits are drawn to Takashi in the hopes of getting their names back from the book.

Takashi, however, is a kind-hearted young man who has no interest in using the Book of Friends for his own gain. He instead promises to return the names of the spirits his grandmother defeated, so they may rest peacefully. Alongside his protector, the powerful spirit Madara, who is disguised as a fluffy white cat, Takashi embarks on a journey to discover more about his grandmother and the spirits she interacted with.

While the concept of ghosts and spirits may sound spooky and frightening, Natsume's Book of Friends is anything but. The series has a gentle, calming quality that is perfect for viewers who enjoy slow-paced, character-driven stories. Takashi is an empathetic and relatable protagonist, who is not afraid to show his vulnerabilities. His complicated relationship with his family and his struggle to connect with others is a recurring theme throughout the series.

The supporting characters in Natsume's Book of Friends are all unique and memorable, from the mischievous spirit Nyanko-Sensei to the serious and stoic exorcist Natori. Each episode features a different spirit that Takashi has to help, and the dynamic between Takashi and these spirits is always fascinating to witness. Some spirits are helpful and friendly, while others are malevolent and dangerous, adding a sense of suspense to the story.

One of the most notable aspects of Natsume's Book of Friends is its beautiful art style. The animation is smooth and fluid, and the backgrounds are simply stunning. The muted, pastel color scheme adds to the overall dream-like quality of the series. The music is also noteworthy, with a hauntingly beautiful score that perfectly complements the visuals.

The voice acting in Natsume's Book of Friends is top-notch, with a stellar cast of talented Japanese actors. Ryouhei Kimura shines as Takashi, capturing his gentle nature and vulnerability flawlessly. Miyuki Sawashiro does a fantastic job as Nyanko-Sensei, infusing the character with equal parts humor and wisdom. Sanae Kobayashi and Junichi Suwabe are also standouts as Takashi's classmates, Taki and Kitamoto.

Akira Ishida, Hisayoshi Suganuma, Hiroshi Kamiya, Kazuhiko Inoue, and Kazuma Horie impress as the various spirits and supporting characters Takashi interacts with. Each actor gives their character a distinct personality and voice, making them feel like real, fleshed-out individuals.

In conclusion, Natsume's Book of Friends is an excellent anime series that is sure to captivate viewers with its heartfelt story and stunning visuals. With memorable characters, a unique concept, and gorgeous animation, it's no wonder that the show has garnered such a dedicated following. Whether you're a fan of the supernatural or simply looking for a heartwarming, character-driven series, Natsume's Book of Friends is definitely worth checking out.

Natsume's Book of Friends is a series that ran for 9 seasons (120 episodes) between July 7, 2008 and on NIS America