Every and now then, there will be a TV show, a book, or anime that will make me want to live in the fictional world. Natsume’s Book of Friends created by Yuki Midorikawa caught me by surprised as I immersed in the series only after five episodes.

Synopsis

Natsume’s Book of Friends is an anime that follows a teenage boy who is able to see spirits referred to as ayakashi/yoka. Although, he does keep it a secret from majority of the people in his world due to fear of being excluded or ostracized.

Takashi has been passed around from home to home ever since the tragedy of his parents dying when he was a young child. Once he entered high school, Takashi was able to settle down a bit with distant relatives. It was around this time as well where he discovered his grandmother Reiko’s special noteboook.

Reiko had the special ability where she was able to see Youkai as well. The special notebook was created by Reiko after defeating the Youkai in a brawl and having the spirits write their name on the paper. The names written in the notebook act as a possession thus if their name is called, the Youkai must heed to the command of who calls them. Due to that, the book itself carries a lot of power. Spirits who are aware of the book want ownership of the book and sometimes will stop at nothing to attempt to take possession of the book, thus putting the owner of the notebook in danger. Takashi is often put in dangerous situations with the Youkai as he is mistaken for his grandmother due to the striking resemblance in appearance and spiritual energy.

Madara or Nyanko is a powerful spirit who came into contact with the teen after being freed from a seal that was broken by Takashi. Madara made a deal with Takashi to take ownership of the notebook once he passes away but later in the series, the two develop a bond, a friendship.

Eventually Natsume decides to return the names of the spirits who are in the notebook as he does not wish to have possession over the Youkai along with the help of Madara/Nyanko. In the meantime, he learns more about himself, his family, love, and makes both enemies and friends.

Review

Natsume’s Book of Friends is a supernatural slice-of-life anime that is wholesome. The series is phenomenal and I would recommend anybody who is interested in slice-of-life anime to give it a try. It’s different from any other anime that I have watched as it’s not overly glory nor does it have that much action compared to other anime that take on a similar plot of the supernatural. I am biased as this anime is one of my favorite of all time. I’m patiently waiting for season 7.