Natsume Yujincho Season 1 Episode 13 Autumn Banquet
- January 21, 2009
Natsume Yujincho is an anime television series based on the manga of the same name by Yuki Midorikawa. The show features a young boy named Takashi Natsume who has the ability to see and communicate with spirits. This ability has caused him trouble his entire life, but everything changes when he inherits a mysterious book from his grandmother. The book contains the names of powerful spirits known as "youkai," and Takashi must return them to their rightful owners to break the curse that has plagued his family for generations.
In episode 13 "Autumn Banquet," Takashi receives an invitation to a youkai banquet in the forest. It is a special occasion that only occurs once a year where all the youkai come together to celebrate the changing of the seasons. At first, Takashi is hesitant to attend, but decides to go anyway after learning that his friend and fellow exorcist, Natori, will also be there.
As Takashi travels deeper into the forest, he meets a young youkai named Hiiragi who offers to guide him to the banquet. Hiiragi is eager to attend the banquet for the first time, but his excitement is dampened by his fear of the other youkai. Takashi sympathizes with his fear and assures him that everything will be alright.
Upon arriving at the banquet, Takashi is surprised to see how many youkai have gathered to celebrate. He quickly spots Natori and greets him warmly. Natori is surprised to see Takashi there, but is glad to have someone to talk to. As they catch up, Takashi notices that Hiiragi is nowhere to be found. He sets out to look for him and eventually finds him hiding in the bushes.
Hiiragi confesses his fear of the other youkai, particularly a group of three who have been bullying him. Takashi offers to help and the two of them set out to confront the bullies. They find the group and Takashi demands that they leave Hiiragi alone. The lead bully challenges Takashi to a game of tag, with the winner getting to keep Hiiragi as their servant. Takashi accepts the challenge and the game begins.
The game of tag is intense, with both sides using their abilities to gain an advantage. The lead bully, a powerful youkai named Kikuzuru, proves to be a formidable opponent, but Takashi manages to outwit him and wins the game. Kikuzuru keeps his word and leaves Hiiragi alone, and Takashi and Hiiragi return to the banquet.
The rest of the banquet is much more enjoyable for Hiiragi, who is no longer afraid of the other youkai. Takashi and Natori continue to catch up, discussing their recent exorcism jobs and their plans for the future. It is a peaceful and enjoyable evening, and Takashi is glad that he decided to attend.
"Autumn Banquet" is a heartwarming episode about the power of friendship and facing your fears. It is a reminder that even though you may feel small and insignificant, you have the ability to stand up for yourself and protect those you care about. The episode also highlights the beauty and diversity of the youkai world, and how even those who appear scary and intimidating may be kind and understanding. Natsume Yujincho continues to be a must-watch for fans of supernatural anime, and "Autumn Banquet" is a standout episode that is sure to delight both new and old viewers alike.