Natsume's Book of Friends

Watch Natsume's Book of Friends

  • 2008
  • 6 Seasons
  • 8.1  (1,963)

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 is currently running and has 6 seasons (99 episodes). The series first aired on July 7, 2008.

Natsume's Book of Friends
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Seasons
A Fragment of Fantasy
13. A Fragment of Fantasy
February 1, 2018
When Natsume attempts to follow an exuberant Nyanko to an unusual party, he stumbles across a dilapidated house and into a never-ending game.
The Stump of the Suzunaru Tree
12. The Stump of the Suzunaru Tree
October 7, 2017
Natsume encounters an old man who asks for help with getting home. The old man turns out to be a yokai who will soon disappear and he asks Natsume to help him to fulfill a promise that he had made.
What Matters
11. What Matters
June 20, 2017
Natori's group searches the Hakozaki mansion for the study. But other forces want the powerful magics contained within, and Natsume doesn't want them to have it...
The Sealed Room
10. The Sealed Room
June 13, 2017
Natori is trying to find information on Natsume and his book of friends. Meanwhile, Natsume visits his house to deliver some of Touko's homemade jam. But this is the start of an adventure...
What Flows
9. What Flows
June 6, 2017
Natsume travels to an inn for a study session with the rest of his class. While he's there, a flood washes away a local shrine. The shrine is said to house three masks, but Natsume can see four...
Natsume Yujin-cho Roku
8. Natsume Yujin-cho Roku
May 30, 2017
Natsume is on his way home when he finds a letter on the ground. The letter seems to belong to a nearby man, who asks Natsume to take him to his school. The man is actually a youkai, who was once deeply involved with a human girl. He cut the relationship off, but the girl isn't ready to give up...
Gomochi's Benefactor
7. Gomochi's Benefactor
May 23, 2017
Natsume meets a youkai named Gomochi, who has come in search of Reiko. The youkai has a message for Reiko, and wants to thank her for a favor she did him long ago. In hearing his story, Natsume comes to learn more about his mysterious grandmother.
Natsume Yujin-cho Roku
6. Natsume Yujin-cho Roku
May 16, 2017
Natsume's friends reflect on how they met him, and the difference he made in their lives. He's found a home, and he means a lot to the people who live there.
The Bound Ones
5. The Bound Ones
May 9, 2017
Natsume finds that Tsukiko's home is haunted by not one, but three separate youkai, each with its own motivations. One wants to protect Tsukiko's father, and the other two... Natori wants to exorcise them and protect Tsukiko, but Natsume wants to find some way to protect them. Is there a peaceful solution?
Lying Eyes
4. Lying Eyes
May 2, 2017
Natsume watches a movie starring Natori, and when he's done he finds one of Natori's paper dolls. The doll is soaked and the text on it is impossible to read, and Natsume becomes concerned for Natori's safety. He travels to the location that's just barely legible on the doll, and finds a young woman whose home is haunted by not one, but three youkai.
Nitai-sama
3. Nitai-sama
April 25, 2017
Natsume gets a call from his old "friend" Shibata, who he once helped with a youkai problem. Shibata wants him to come visit, and Natsume reluctantly agrees. He and Tanuma pay Shibata a visit, and have a pleasant chat at a park. But when Shibata mentions a local haunted house, Natsume finds his visit has turned into more than he expected...
Natsume Yujin-cho Roku
2. Natsume Yujin-cho Roku
April 18, 2017
Natsume's town is visited by a stonewasher: a powerful magical being capable of purifying tainted rocks. The stonewasher is looking for its lost student, and turns to Natsume for help.
Natsume Yujin-cho Roku
1. Natsume Yujin-cho Roku
April 11, 2017
Natsume helps a youkai out of a pot, and as a "reward", is made young again. But Natsume is already young, and making him younger just confuses him and addles his memories. When he doesn't know who to trust, will he have the strength to know who his real friends are?
Description
Where to Watch Natsume's Book of Friends
Natsume's Book of Friends is available for streaming on the NIS America website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Natsume's Book of Friends on demand at Amazon Prime, Netflix, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    July 7, 2008
  • IMDB Rating
    8.1  (1,963)