Review of Natsume's Book of Friends

"They come without asking, and then they leave just the same. But once you meet them, even if nobody ever knows it, that encounter will change your life for the better". This quote by Natsume Takashi might be the best to describe what this show feels like. Episodic experiences between him and youkai. As the episodes passes by, we see how Takashi grows and adapts to his condition. Except that, this growth is at a snail's pace. This arises a question. How many of these experiences are meaningful to the story and to Takashi? If that sounds like my problem with the series, I got badnews. I'm assured that if this was the only issue of this show, it would be among my favorites right now.

What breaks this anime's potential is the easy prediction of the plot. Usually two options can preceed or follow whatever that happens. And you can foresee the outcomes often with no effort. As you get used to the anime structure, you will notice that the plot can't go anywhere out of its zone of comfort. Why? Because the story setting doesn't let it at all. In a more realistic approach, Takashi would be either lost or dead with ease. Or, have at least another social breakdown. And, the world of youkai shows itself to be too dangerous to a powerless human. So, whenever Takashi is in danger, there are two ifs. If the action is from a helping party, someone (or his own powerful punch) pops up to save him. If the action is from an enemy, the youkai/villain either kidnapps him or give up on trying if it's a resolution point.

Takashi's positive development accounts for the most beautiful moments of the series. But this spiral of positiveness also cripples the possibilities for the story. The result is the feel that there's no actual risks or stakes since everything ends alright. Takashi must end with a positive outcome, or the whole setting would fall apart otherwise. And in the end of the day, there's nothing else for the series to do to explore new grounds. Except for having our MC to meet more youkai and get more involved with them. This is what gives volume to the series. Takashi's development is minor. You'll only notice a major difference by the third season. Which, is currently the best season of Natsume Yuujinchou.

This is a good series for a weekly, seasonal watch. The visuals are fair enough and the animation is often dull, but this don't detach anything from the anime. Soundtracks are relaxing and go on with the mood. But, expect to see them (along with the art) being the same along the seasons. There are some emotional moments that can or can not hit close to home. But, the selling point of the show that makes me recommend it to anyone is Nyanko-sensei. He is just... Hilarious. I've seen myself many times laughing at his round, fat face.

For a series claimed by many as "emotional", it's kind of a disappointment. But it's still a heart warming experience. To those needing a show to watch once in a while to relax, this is a nice pick. Too bad that for the most of it, the series almost fails to make justice to its own fame. In the end of the day, Natsume Yuujinchou isn't a dramatic tale of the sorts. It's a collection of episodic, often funny adventures of Takashi and his cat.