Review of Natsume's Book of Friends

This series is a relaxing, fantastical, supernatural series about a teen orphan named Natsume who can see Yokai aka ghosts and spirits etc. This power has led him to a life of solitude as he is shipped around to one set of relatives to another as he struggles to make friends and fit in. Upon finally settling in the village where his late grandmother Reiko grew up he discovers that his only heirloom is a book containing the names of many Yokai from in and around his new home. Commonly known to the Yokai as The Book of Friends it was accumulated by his grandmotherReiko and the inclusion of the names effectively turned all the Yokai within it to her servants. After accidentally waking the powerful Yokai Madara, Natsume decides to return the names of the Yokai.

Each episode is set around a particular story involving Natsume helping a Yokai or a person affected by Yokai. In much the same vein as the show Mushishi these stories range from lighthearted adventures, light horror or emotional drama. The show is a blissful journey and I have to say it’s right up there as one of the best shows I’ve watched as the show just oozes charm and is chock full of interesting personalities. It’s hard to not just love the characters on offer here, Natsume is a calm but strong and endearing lead, Madara is hilarious, the side cast is full of likable characters. Alot of the Yokai are great fun too, my personal Favourite is ‘Moustache’ from ‘The Maiden’s Circle’ in the Second Season.

The best episode so far is the very touching ‘The Dew-God’s Small Shrine’ from Season 1. ‘The Little Fox’s Hat’ is also hard not to love.

Basically if you’re like me and have ever stupidly put off watching this series as something you'll get around too (it took me a few years before I decided to finally watch the show) then also like me you should really get to fixing that sooner rather than later. It’s a wonderful show and comes highly recommended.