“Natsume is kidnapped by monkey youkai seeking the Book of Friends; Nyanko-sensei and allies race to rescue him.”
Natsume's Book of Friends Season 4
夏目友人帳 肆
Would You Love or Hate This?
AI-powered analysis tailored to your taste
Based on your preference for character-driven stories with layered emotional arcs, this title's exploration of identity and belonging would deeply resonate. The pacing mirrors series you've rated highly, and its thematic depth aligns with your appreciation for nuanced storytelling...
However, the slow initial episodes might test your patience given your history of dropping shows that don't hook you early. The art style shift in the middle arc could also be a concern...
Synopsis
Natsume is kidnapped by monkey youkai seeking the Book of Friends; Nyanko-sensei and allies race to rescue him.
Takashi Natsume, the timid youkai expert and master of the Book of Friends, continues his journey towards self-understanding and acceptance with the help of friends both new and old. His most important ally is still his gluttonous and sake-loving bodyguard, the arrogant but fiercely protective wolf spirit Madara—or Nyanko-sensei, as Madara is called when in his usual disguise of an unassuming, pudgy cat. Natsume, while briefly separated from Nyanko-sensei, is ambushed and kidnapped by a strange group of masked, monkey-like youkai, who have spirited him away to their forest as they desperately search for the Book of Friends. Realizing that his "servant" has been taken out from right under his nose, Nyanko-sensei enlists the help of Natsume's youkai friends and mounts a rescue operation. However, the forest of the monkey spirits holds many dangerous enemies, including the Matoba Clan, Natsume's old nemesis. Stretching from the formidable hideout of the Matoba to Natsume's own childhood home, Natsume Yuujinchou Shi is a sweeping but familiar return to a world of danger and friendship, where Natsume will finally confront the demons of his own past.
What people say
Community consensus
Derived from 18 sampled reviews
What 18 viewers settled on.
Mostly aligned
σ 1.27 · some divergence
—
Not enough recommend signal yet
↑ 1.06
Running avg · Mar 2012 → Sep 2025
- 10 “Natsume Yuujinchou's fourth season delivers a heart-stirring experience with its progressive storytelling that gradually unveils mysteries while maintaining stunning and relaxing art and sound...”
- 9 “This series delivers an incredibly moving experience that had me reaching for tissues throughout, offering a unique blend of scares and lighter bittersweet moments that sets it far apart from...”
- 10 “The series envelops you in a uniquely calm, kind atmosphere that lingers even in perilous moments, and its unpredictable yet smoothly flowing story, gorgeous art, and perfectly matched music make...”
Watch Order & Related
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See all credits →Production slate
- Format 13 × 24′ eps × min
- Total runtime 5h 12m all episodes
- Aired Jan 2012 – Mar 2012 Winter 2012
- Source Tv media type
- Rated PG 13 - Teens 13 or older
- Ref. BS-6561 catalog
Produced by
- TV Tokyo Producer
- Aniplex Producer
- Nihon Ad Systems Producer
- Hakusensha Producer
- Sony Music Entertainment Producer
Licensed by
- NIS America, Inc. Licensor