Review of Natsume's Book of Friends

Natsume Yuujnichou is a great anime series which I absolutely adore wholeheartedly. All 13 episodes contain different stories which are linked together at some point. The way the plots are constructed is basically the same, yet it absolutely doesn't make them neither irksome nor boring. Every single episode should be highly appreciable, as the series concern important matters. It's not one of those profoundly sad stories or infantile ones. It's just remarkable. Composition is done greatly, the stories are very entertaining not mentioning the way the characters are developed. Only sometimes did I find anime series where equivalence between sadness and happiness is remained sosplendidly as it is here. That makes the series subtle and delicate. Instead of violence, it shows many aspects of being unique and how hard is to cope with it and keep it a secret. The subject of solitude is also presented very good. Natsume Yuujinchou bears with the issues very well, making the series one of the greatest in recent years. Actually, I dare to say it's probably one of the best ever. Despite the fact there are a lot of rather sad plots, it doesn't make the series depressing. It's more like the saying goes 'always look on the bright side of life'. And so the characters do. The anime resembles life with its ups and downs. That's the thing I probably like the most in it. It doesn't seem to be about some unrelated world. It's very convincing despite the supernatural features.

The main character inherits from his grandmother a book of friends, a nightmare for spirits. And that's basically what the series is all about. There's just one thing in common and the rest are accidental, sometimes even not related stories. Natsume has the capacity of seeing spirits which had brought him a lot of sorrow and troubles in the past. He doesn't exactly know why he can see them. They had been bothering him all his life, and he has no clue what they wanted from him. He desperately seeks other people who can see youkai. One day he sets free a noble spirit. They make a promise and since then, their friendship gradually become stronger, though no one will ever admit it. They eventually become inseparable and go through many hardships. Both characters are developed surprisingly good. At first, it's hard to find out what kind of relationship is between them, as they constantly beat or scold themselves. As the story goes further, Natsume finds himself being surrounded by many friends - humans as well as youkai and he doesn't feel lonely any more. He has to choose between youkai or people, as he helps both of them simultaneously, which is not an easy matter.
STORY 9/10

As the youkai appears only for each episode, every one of them leaves warm memories. Some of them appear every now and then, so we get to know them thoroughly. They are like people - some seek revenge, others are eager to befriend. For Natsume it doesn't matter if it is a human being or a youkai - he just wants to help them and tries to work out in which world he feels more poised. There are a lot of human characters who show up unexpectedly in various episodes. They are also very significant, because most of them carry important messages.
CHARACTERS 10/10

Needless to say, the music is wonderful. It gets along with the series, making it even more magical. As I like anime soundtracks, I can honestly say this one made a good impression on me. Openings' music as well as endings' is so catchy that it doesn't want to get away from my head. I don't mind it, but I feel a great desire to listen it over and over again.
MUSIC 7/10

To tell the truth, at first I didn't like the art in this anime. Particularly because it seemed to me too simple. I thought the youkai should be more detailed and the colours more powerful (fancy speaking, I started watching it backwards - from the second series ^^"). But then I realised that's the way it should be made and started admiring it ever since.
ART 9/10

I recommend it to anyone who wants to relax themselves. You definitely should see it, as it displays a warmth and cool affection.

OVERALL 9/10