Review of Natsume's Book of Friends

I just finished watching this great anime. It was truly amazing. Although I heard about this anime a long time ago and knew it was on of the best animes out there, still I refrained from watching up until today. So, I finally realized what I missed out all this time. When I was going through the top anime list I noticed this anime and Mushihishi at the same time. After reading their synopsis, I thought both were some kind of same. So I chose Mushihishi to begin with. But when I saw the first 8 episodes, I was kind of feeling down. The anime didnot meet my expectation. So, I thought Natsume would be something similar. But after watching it, I now realize that I was wrong.

Unlike Mushihishi, the story of Natsume felt like something that can be related to me and the people around myself. Because it focused on human relations more than Mushihishi.

How Natsume felt lonely during his childhood, how the people around him treated hime and yet he grew up to a person who did not hate humans, how his classmates treat him and tries to understand him, how his foster parents care so much about him, all seemed very warm and heart-soothing.

Story - 10/10

Unlike Mushihishi there was a story build up, you can't just watch any episode without watching the previous ones. And after watched one episode, you feel eager what's going to happen next - this is what I think the most strong point of a good story, and Natsume truly excels in it.

Art - 8/10

Natsu in japanese means Summer. The anime had such a beautiful, warm depiction of it, I enjoyed this very much. The art was simple but wonderful.

Sound - 10/10

Hell YES. This is the best part of the anime for me. After listening to ending theme, I was so struck by the Japanese folk singer Atari Kousuke that I became a fan of him instantly. Although I watched all the episode in one go, I never skipped the ending for all the 12 episodes, it was amazing. I liked it so much that I memorized it. I even went to listen other great songs of Atari - Hana, Sorezore ni. I am ready to give the sound 10, just for the ending song. The opening was great too. But the ending seems to fit the emotion and environment of the anime the best.

Character - 10/10

The characters are SUGOKU OMOSHIROI (very interesting).

Natsume, Reiko, Nyanko-Sensei, Tanuma, Touko-San, the Class President girl, Natori all were very very interesting.

Enjoyment - 10/10

I think I don't need to tell you how much I enjoyed this anime, I think my writing reflects it perfectly. Truly sensational. SUGEI!!!