Ep 1. A Yokai's Name

Natsume's Book of Friends is an anime series that combines elements of supernatural and slice-of-life genres. The show, which is based on a manga of the same name by Yuki Midorikawa, revolves around a teenage boy named Takashi Natsume who has the ability to see and communicate with yokai, or supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. In season 3 episode 1, titled "A Yokai's Name," the story continues with Natsume's adventures as he navigates the world of yokai and tries to help them find peace.

The episode begins with Natsume receiving a new book from his grandmother Reiko's old friend, Toko. The book contains a list of yokai names and their stories, left by Reiko when she was alive. Natsume is fascinated by the book and decides to read it, hoping to learn more about his grandmother's past and the yokai world that she was a part of. As he flips through the pages, he comes across an entry about a yokai who is desperate for someone to know his name.

Intrigued, Natsume sets out to find the yokai and help him. He soon discovers that the yokai in question is a small, timid creature who is afraid of humans and has been hiding in the forest for years. The yokai tells Natsume that he has been searching for someone who will listen to him and give him a name, as that is the only way he can find peace.

Natsume sympathizes with the yokai and tries to help him, but he soon realizes that it is not an easy task. The yokai is too scared to approach humans, and most humans are too scared to approach the yokai. Natsume then decides to seek the help of his friends in the yokai world. He visits a group of yokai who are known for their wisdom and asks for their advice.

The yokai council, led by a wise and ancient granduncle, listens to Natsume's request. They are hesitant to help at first, as they do not trust humans and fear that the nameless yokai may have nefarious intentions. However, Natsume convinces them that he only wants to help and that the yokai deserves to have a name.

The council agrees to help and sends a group of yokai to the forest to search for the nameless yokai. They eventually find him hiding in a tree, scared and alone. The council members introduce themselves and ask the yokai if he would like to choose a name for himself, as that is the tradition in the yokai world. The yokai is overjoyed and chooses the name "Hinoe," which means "a spark that starts a fire."

With a name finally given to him, Hinoe feels a sense of relief and gratitude towards Natsume and his friends. Natsume is moved by the experience and realizes how important it is to listen to the voices of those who are often ignored or overlooked. He feels closer to his grandmother Reiko, who was known for her kindness towards yokai, and is reminded of how much she would have loved to help Hinoe and other nameless yokai.

The episode ends with Natsume reflecting on his journey and feeling grateful for the friendships he has made in the yokai world. He looks forward to more adventures and more opportunities to help those in need.

In conclusion, "A Yokai's Name" is a heartwarming and thought-provoking episode that explores the themes of empathy, kindness, and the power of giving a voice to the voiceless. It showcases the depth of the show's characters and their relationships, and leaves the viewer with a sense of hope and optimism.