Review of Natsume's Book of Friends
Okay, I'm going to be real bias here, I find this Natsume Yuujinchou to be a masterpiece. I love youkais. I like paranormal settings. I like characters like Natsume Takashi. I like calming music and endearing moments of the scenes. It's simply lovely and maybe a bit dramatic, but well executed. When watching NY, I can't help but to think about my life and reevaluate it. Yes, there is flaws, but because they are so minor to me, I find the anime overall as charming. Objectively, it probably deserves an 8/10 and probably a 7/10 if youkai isn't your thing. If this isn't enough foryou, I'll go more into details down in the bottom.
Story: To put it simple, it's about Natsume returning Youkai's name from the Book of Friend that his grandmother, Reiko, who binds most of the Youkais she have encountered. Due to the existence of Book of Friend, it is quite dangerous because whoever Youkai's name is in it has to (or should) obey the wielder, in this case, Natsume Takashi (Reiko's grandson). Natsume, however, dislike violence and despite his hate for Youkai, he doesn't want to control or harm them because that is his kind nature. Madara (AKA Nyanko-sensei) becomes Natsume's bodyguard in exchange for his promise that if Natsume ever dies, Madara could get the Book of Friend. Fortunately, there is no binding contract between because Natsume is already returning name's so it would kind of contradicts his very nature if he does it to Madara. There promise is purely word to word.
Art: Too charming. Even though, it is meant for shoujo (little to adolescent girls), something about it just draws me in. The art working is definitely unique and I have yet to find any similar art like Natsume Yuujinchou other than the author's other works. The animation felt fluid and feels like it goes along the pace nicely. Ever watch and like Spirited Away and/or My Neighbor Totoro, I guess, if anything, Studio Ghibli would probably be the closes to similarity to NY.
Sound: Too good. From all of the past seasons to the current. I don't know how they do it, but opening and endings are always befitting to the title and background music and effects is where this anime really lit off. When there is a chill of dreadfulness, you'll hear it. When it is peaceful, you'll hear it. When it is festive and happy, you'll hear it. The sounds are really too good to be true, except that it is true. Appropriate and unique for certain moments and times.
Character: Fully detailed with lots of backstory and history of the main character, Natsume Takashi. Actually, maybe a bit too much. While, I don't mind a lot of backstory and history of Natsume Takashi, I really wish they dive in more about Madara because I feel like since Nyanko-sensei is the second most on scene of the anime, a little more about "him" would be interesting. For instance, how did he got sealed and stuff. But otherwise, the only thing lacking from majority characters is that they need more backstory and history. I'm really glad they did one for Taki even if it's just a little bit. I kind of wish a bit more about Tanuma. I am glad that Natori has more appearance of lately.
Enjoyment: I think I have watched NY, at least, 5 times already. And I plan to watch it again very soon.
Overall: It's an excellent watch and I would recommend to anybody that likes youkai, in general, and if you are kind of a loner or an outcast, I think you would be able to relate to Natsume really well because I know I did.