Audience reviews
20 · Sample from the first available page, separate from the total number of ratings.
jay_quelin
So Natsume can see demons (invisible "yokai," as you would). Just like his late grandmother, Reiko, these spirits would always follow Natsume wherever he goes. However, his ability to see these creatures comes at a price. Having lost his parents at a young age, Natsume found himself moving between foster homes. And bceause other people couldn't see Yokai, he often got side glances from those around him. Years after Reiko's passing, Natsume sifts through her belongings and finds a notebook with scribbled names on it. Soonafter, many demons begin hunting him for the notebook. Eventually, Natsume meets this high-level demon called "Madara," whom he often refers to as "Nyanko Sensei" when in cat-form. Madara tells Natsume that Reiko's notebook is called the "Book of Friends," and the names ins…
Read at the sourcejprau29
his review is going to be based on personal taste rather than from an impartial standpoint... Natsume Yuujinchou, honestly, isn't an anime for everyone at the end of the day.
I started Natsume Yuujinchou one day, watched 2 episodes, then put it on hold and watched 2 seasons of an Isekai. Then I went back to Natsume Yuujinchou to watch another 3 episodes, then I watched the second season of Medalist (very good anime), continued with another 3 episodes of Natsume Yuujinchou, watched another Isekai, then 2 more episodes of Natsume Yuujinchou, and finally, I watched all 3 seasons of Arifureta (I like to suffer) before finishing the Natsume Yuujinchou anime. All of this spanned across several months.
Story: 5.9
The story is quite simple. Due to certain circumstances, the protagonist, Natsume,…
Read at the sourcephiliwilly
It does what it intended; that is a relaxed anime that you can have playing in the background as you're having breakfast or something (non-derogatory). The episodic nature of the anime and overall quiet atmosphere enforces this. Overall a pretty charming show; I would describe this as Mushishi but for a younger audience.
However, with a score of 8.3 I was expecting something a bit more engaging. The MC is slightly dull, and his misadventures basically comprise of random low stakes events; but that is part of the charm I suppose. It also felt some of the episodes were doing too much emotion-baiting, and it often didn't connect.
While this show is enjoyable, it is at most "good" or "fine", so a 6 or a 7 (67 hahahahaahahah help me). Anyways, would still recommend. Its a short and easy anim…
Read at the sourceLancelotSB
I found the show to be just okay. I stopped watching halfway through season 2 because the storyline didn't stand out, and the pacing was extremely slow. It lacked action, which may have contributed to the slow pacing.
To be honest, this anime doesn't rely heavily on action or comedy. Instead, it takes a more mellow approach to the storyline, which may not appeal to everyone. I found it boring at times, and I would often watch it before bed as it helped me fall asleep.
I thought the world-building aspect was weak. I am familiar with Japanese folklore and yokai, and I felt that this anime, like many others, took a friendlier approach instead of making them scary.
However, I thought the scores and audio quality were amazing. The intro and outro songs were forgettable, and I didn't feel the…
Read at the sourcematchasenshi
Natsume Yuujinchou follows the life of a highschool boy, Takashi Natsume, who has the ability to see yokai (Japanese spirits) which he inherited from his grandmother Reiko. This mysterious ability has caused him to be passed around from relative to relative for as long as he could remember, until he recently ended up staying with the Fujiwara family, who are completely unaware of his ability. However, after Takashi moves in with them, he experiences many strange encounters with yokai who his grandmother had previously sealed in the mysterious Book of Friends (yuujinchou) where he has to tie up loose ends.
Story - 7/10
If you are a fan of shonen anime with lots of battles and fighting arcs, you may not enjoy this series. Natsume Yuujinchou is episodic and relaxing, however each episode te…
Read at the sourcejoemaamah
It's no secret in my book. This was a very entertaining title.
The artwork wasn't stupendous. But there is a simple, quiet style to it that was pleasing. Some episodes had great background work, but others just so-so. The animation was appropriate for the material. Well rendered for the mostly relaxed vibe presented.
Character designs are OK. The humans seem kind of canned. But then the real stars of the show are the yokai. There's real imagination poured into some, and many of the types found in Japanese folklore are well portrayed. The freak parade will definitely keep folks coming back.
There is no real story here. It's episodic Yokai of the Week fare. About the closest I could compare it to would be Mushishi. But it's not anywhere near as well writen. Where Mushishi has conflict…
Read at the sourceJabberwocky69
Natsume Yuujinchou is a refreshing twist on the "Monster of the Week" formula, where instead of exorcism, it's more like unique encounters that our solitary protagonist Natsume gets to meet. Some actively want to kill him, some kinda wanna be free of his grandma Reiko's binding and some want to get to know him.
It's a very chill slice-of-life show despite the fantastical elements, and it goes into Natsume's accommodating nature for those around him, humans and youkai alike. It must have been to grow up alone like this, and getting to know fellow humans who can see youkai gives him some solace from solitude.
I like it so far, but I don't think I should binge it. Watching it in its own pace is rewarding as a cool-down Zen show.
Read at the sourceraps-20
First, I'm not the type to write reviews about anime or anything in general, but the fact that I'm stepping out for this one speaks a lot.
Natsume Yuujinchou deserves every good review, it has a good storyline, and amazingly written characters. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll learn about life and relationships as you follow along the journey of this little boy Natsume.
If this is your cup of tea, trust me, at the end of it you'll question why there isn't more, I want like 100 seasons of Natsume, It's never boring and there's never enough of it, you'll always crave for more, that's how good it is.
Read at the sourceEodis
Short review of this show because I'm confused as to why it is so highly rated. To be clear i did not dislike it and i will keep watching the next seasons but this anime is kinda flat and empty.
The ingredients are always the same : You are in a countryside-like environment i would consider graphically "fine" for 2008, it does the job but nothing crazy. Obviously a show like this doesn't have the time and budget of a Ghibli movie. You put on a sad piano music and bring in a character with a sad story who needs help. And then the "hero" and his companion do their best to help, sometimes it works; sometimes not that much.
There is almost no character development even though you can see the beginning of some connections between a few characters, it stops right away so i'm not sure if it's s…
Read at the sourceanafantasia
Oh this anime is so chill and nice to watch! I was searching for something like this!
Now, let's talk about the story.
9/10
i really like anime in which the protagonist has a mission! the story of natsume trying to be a good person to everyone is great, but i'm not giving it a 10 because i felt that the main character could have been worked on a bit more, as well as his relationship with the other characters.
Anime animation...
7/10
The effects are average, but the work itself is beautiful when it comes to certain yokai, such as the sensei. Characters...
3/10
The characters should have been better developed, but in each episode we get a glimpse of each one's personality.
The sensei was my favorite character, because he represented well how a cat reacts lol
Enjoyment...
10/10
I really…
Read at the sourceCosmicDreamer
I have so much love for this anime and I'm still so surprised that I didn't know about it till recently. I always love stories that have a supernatural touch to them however this anime it's just everything. It teaches so much for the loneliness that we feel during stages of life and how creating relationships and bonds lessen the sadness that the loneliness carries. This anime makes you at peace for all the time you spend watching. There isn't any episode till now where I didn't feel connected to. Though loneliness is heavy , this beautiful story shows Natsume that still grew up into such a kind soul despite everything.
I think I'm gonna love all the seasons that come after.
Read at the sourceStateofOhayo
One of the most boring shows I've ever had the misfortune of seeing. It could have been a lot better but at this point it put me to sleep more than Mr. Roger's Neighborhood when I was a child. A lot of promise but it quickly becomes one-note. Repetitive, slow, boring, and die cast characters that show absolutely zero growth.
Dear God, don't get me started on the "music" and sound. The few times they tried to use sound to build tension were totally lost on me, because there never seemed to be anything really at stake. It's serialized slice of yokai with characters fitting neatly into their predetermined tropes with no room to move or grow. The voice acting was really good but the rest of the sound department was asleep at the wheel, and after hearing the OP, so was I.
The art is fine, esp…
Read at the sourceSiaksx
"Natsume's Book of Friends" has captured my heart in a way few animes ever have. It's a series that finds beauty in simplicity, and its charm lies in what it doesn't have – there are no wild plot twists or rapid character progressions. Instead, it offers something more priceless (if that makes sense): the exploration of friendship, the universal fear of rejection, and the quest for understanding and acceptance.
This anime shows the importance of belonging, whether it be in human society, among the mystical yokai, or a blend of both worlds. It's a tender reflection on the various forms of love and the complexities of relationships.
One of the most beautiful aspects of "Natsume's Book of Friends" is how it handles secrets and truths. It thoughtfully portrays that some secrets are meant to…
Read at the sourcebboy_X
This goes for all seasons of natsume, also can't wait for the new SEASON! anyways, There is not a single episode of this series that doesn’t make me tear up. By the end of each episode I have been thoroughly beaten to a bloody pulp by the feels gang. With my heart being so warmed up by the graceful nature of the show, my entire body’s temperature begins to rise. Natsume’s Yuujinchou is a series that manages to heal and satisfy me as if I’m a yokai having their name read by Natsume himself. This is a show I never tire of, as the experience I embark on throughout each episode takes me on a surreally healing expedition that no other series has before, or since. How does this show manage to excel at transcending my consciousness into a state of blissful content?
It achieves it through various…
Read at the sourceYardhouse12
There about 4 seasons, there all good. This show itself gives off a feeling quite like no other. It has a laid back pacing, a likable and kind MC, beautiful animation, and great music. It's a series of personal growth, of learning to trust others, and realizing that one does not have to be alone their entire lives. Takashi starts off as a lonely, withdrawn boy due to the emotional and physical abuse he suffered as a child. However, as he meets various people and spirits, he gradually begins to open up, learns to trust, and even reaches out on his own accord to help others. I highly recommend it. If your looking for any other chill awesome shows to enjoy then I'd also recommend watching Mushishi, Clannad, Usagi Drop, Non Non Biyori, Kino's Journey, Barakamon, and Death Parade.
Read at the sourceRavioliMafiosi
I tried watching this anime 'cause I loved Mushishi, and a lot of people tend to compare them in terms of quality and content... But now, after I've forced myself through 5 seasons of this, I can boldly say that's the biggest stretch I've ever heard. Let me tell you why:
[STORY 1/10]
There isn't one, and I mean it technically. A story is composed of an initial situation, a complication, a development and a final solution, but Natsume's Book of friends never goes past the first element. Throughout the series Natsume (protagonist) found himself fighting numerous youkai, encountering exorcists of different mindsets, getting the chance to know more about the spiritual world and her own grandmother's past, but every time that happened it would invariably be nullified at the end of the episode.…
Read at the sourcebarakamon31
After watching so many action-packed anime, I was in need of something to calm my soul. And Natsume Yuujinchou delivered. It combines fantasy and slice-of-life elements in this anime. What I really loved about Natsume Yuujinchou is that it portrays Takashi's journey of self-discovery and healing as he learns to come to terms with his abilities and past trauma, all while forming deep connections with the spirits he encounters along the way. The show's animation and music are also noteworthy, with stunning visuals and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that perfectly captures the spirit world's ethereal nature. If you enjoy a heartwarming and emotional story with a touch of the supernatural, Natsume Yuujinchou is a must-watch. Its gentle pace and thoughtful storytelling make it an unforgettab…
Read at the sourceDarknite_
Natsume's Book of Friends is a heartwarming anime that follows the story of Natsume Takashi, a boy who can see yoka. In season 1, Natsume inherits a book from his grandmother that contains the names of yokai she defeated in the past. With the help of his yokai companion, Nyanko-sensei, Natsume embarks on a journey to return the names to their rightful owners and free them from servitude.
One of the standout features of the anime is its beautiful animation. The colors are soft and muted, giving the show a dreamlike quality that perfectly suits its supernatural themes. The designs of the yokai are also imaginative and memorable, ranging from cute to terrifying.
The storytelling in Natsume's Book of Friends is top-notch, with each episode telling a self-contained story that explores differe…
Read at the sourceorenjijuice
There’s something incredibly endearing about Natsume Yuujinchou, and I’m not quite sure I can put my finger on it.
The premise isn’t the most unique in the world. Natsume, a 15-year-old cursed with the ability to see youkai, is tossed from home to home by family members that deem him too troublesome or odd to put up with. Until, of course, he moves in with the Fujiwara’s, in the town of his grandmother’s youth, and discovers that he wasn’t the first in his family to be born with these powers. Tasked with returning names to youkai that his grandmother collected in her Book of Friends, Natsume discovers he might not be as alone in the world as he thought.
It's a simple story, and I think that's why it works.
The Japanese genre of ‘Iyashikei’ is most often attributed to the likes of Studio…
Read at the sourceResting_Bonfire
Natsume Yuujinchou
I started this anime knowing that it would be episodic and was already expecting something such as a story to not occur. After the first 2 episodes entertained me well and episode 3 was just ok, my hopes were completely dashed. The rest of season 1 was an immense insult, and incomprehensible. At the moment I am writing this review, I have already seen season 2. That's why it shocks me all the more that there is this massive fluctuation in quality.
You can almost compare this show that way. Take your random shounen, take away the story, fighting, and watch only the worst of the filler episodes, and that too with no context in between. This, and nothing else, is how the first season feels.
Let's get to the positive aspect of the show first. It's relatively slow and sim…
Read at the source
