Ep 4. Shigure and the Girl

Natsume's Book of Friends season 1 episode 4 titled "Shigure and the Girl" is a heart-warming story about a young girl's desire to reconnect with her deceased father. The episode opens with Natsume and Nyanko-sensei taking a stroll through the woods when they stumble upon a strange ward that appears to be trapping Shigure, a demon bat.

Shigure, who has a reputation for being a loner, reveals to Natsume and Nyanko-sensei that he is being held captive by the ward and asks for their help in removing it. Natsume and his feline friend oblige and successfully break the ward, releasing Shigure from his confinement.

After being freed, Shigure explains to Natsume that he was searching for something called the "Glass Jar of Hishigami," which he believes will help him in his quest to find his long-lost master. The Glass Jar of Hishigami is said to contain the memories of the spirits it captures, making it an important item for anyone looking to reconnect with a deceased loved one.

Shortly after the conversation, the trio is approached by a young girl named Ayane who is searching for her missing father. Ayane reveals that her father was an enamel craftsman who passed away several years ago, but before he died, he made a promise to her to spend time with her once every year. Ayane explains that she has been coming to this forest in hopes of reconnecting with her father's spirit.

Intrigued by Ayane's story, Natsume decides to help her find her father's spirit using the Glass Jar of Hishigami. Together, they search for the elusive jar and encounter numerous obstacles along the way. Nyanko-sensei provides some comic relief during their journey, but the episode's overall tone remains melancholic.

As they continue their search, Ayane opens up to Natsume about how difficult it has been for her to deal with her father's passing, but how seeing him again would give her some closure. Meanwhile, Natsume reflects on his own feelings towards his deceased parents and how he too wishes he could see them again.

Without spoiling the ending, "Shigure and the Girl" is a beautiful portrayal of the pain of loss and the power of memory. The episode is filled with poignant moments and insightful commentary on the human experience. The animation, music, and voice acting are all top-notch, making this episode a stand-out in an already excellent series. Fans of Natsume's Book of Friends will not want to miss this emotionally charged episode.