Anime
Natsume Yuujinchou
Title: Natsume Yuujinchou (夏目友人帳)
Scrumptious Meter: 4.5 (next best thing to slice bread~with a little extra sugar and spice on top)
Length: 13 episodes
Since xxxHOLiC and Mononoke, I have developed an interest towards anime that deals with traditional Japanese folklore, particularly those concerning youkai, mononoke and ayakashi. Thus, I have anticipated Natsume Yuujinchou, which tells of a boy named Natsume Takashi who has the ability to see spirits. He inherits The Book of Friends from his grandmother, Reiko, who, too, had that same ability. It contains the names of the spirits that Reiko has defeated. Now that Natsume has that book, he is pursued by spirits wanting to get hold of it and those who wish for their names to be returned.
Those who have not seen Natsume Yuujinchou might judge from my summary that the anime would follow a certain formula, perhaps, like a spirit-of-the-week sort with Natsume returning the name of that particular spirit. While it is true that different spirits are introduced with each episode, not all of them are those whose names are written on the Book of Friends. In fact, some of them are those whom Natsume met and befriended himself. The story, rather, follows Natsume’s growth as he meets different characters. It is a story of his progression, from an annoyance/fear of spirits to compassion for them.
Many would compare Natsume Yuujinchou with Mushishi. Some even call it Mushishi Lite. I also see a similarity in the atmosphere of which the two anime evokes. However, as I continued to follow Natsume Yuujinchou, I have seen certain points of contrast. For one, in Mushishi, Ginko deals with cases of humans being afflicted by mushi. In Natsume Yuujinchou, Natsume deals with cases of spirits who have been affected by humans in one way or another. In Mushishi, Ginko empathizes with the people he helps (the natural), and he has respect for the mushi (the supernatural). In Natsume Yuujinchou, Natsume empathizes with both spirit and humans (supernatural and natural). Then again, compared to the spirits in Natsume Yuujinchou, the mushi in Mushishi barely have personality and thus, would be difficult objects for empathy. Also, in Mushishi, the relationship between man and mushi is just like that of two organisms encroaching upon each other’s territories. In Natsume Yuujinchou, the relationship between man and spirit is more complicated as both leave marks on each other.
I think the most obvious difference between Mushishi and Natsume Yuujinchou is the tone. The stories in Mushishi are tragic and sometimes depressing. In Natsume Yuujinchou, the stories are bittersweet. They aren’t exactly happily-ever-after stories and yet those involved are glad about the outcomes. Furthermore, the stories in Natsume Yuujinchou warm the heart and tug at its strings. Watching it, I could not help but be moved.
Comparisons to Mushishi aside, like hayase, I could also see a resemblance between Natsume Yuujinchou and Honey and Clover. And it’s not just due to the pastel hues. It’s due to that stream of consciousness where one can hear Natsume think, that stream of consciousness that is so prevalent in Honey in Clover, where the characters don’t just narrate events but rather they think their feelings aloud, their dreams, and their frustrations.
One thing I have observed about Natsume Yuujinchou is how it explores the nature of ayakashi, of how they can be bound to certain emotions, like Hishigaki, in the first episode, who all through the years, continued to wait for Reiko to call her. Or Santo, who also continued to wait for Reiko at the train station. Some spirits such as Tsubame, in the sixth episode, and Hotaru, in the eighth episode, have become attached to certain humans. The spirits, then in Natsume Yuujinchou, are “human” in terms of emotion but their emotions are more persistent.
As for the characters, Natsume, though being a typical anime nice guy, is interesting. He isn’t wimpy and he can fend himself from most spirits, although he doesn’t seem to be as strong as his grandmother. Natsume might have the same latent ability as Reiko but his needs to be developed.
I guess the most intriguing character would be Nyanko-sensei / Madara. Madara is a powerful spirit but after he was sealed in a shrine for a long time, he assumes the form of a fortune cat and is even feline in behavior despite denying it. Madara originally wanted the Book of Friends for himself but after a deal with Natsume, he promised to protect him and should Natsume die, he will become the Book of Friend’s owner. I wonder what sort of relationship Madara had with Reiko. Madara knows Reiko but he isn’t in the Book of Friends. Could it be that Madara defeated Reiko?
Among the spirits introduced in the show, two of them, Misuzu and Hinoe told Natsume that they wouldn’t mind serving Natsume for a while. I wonder if Natsume will call them frequently in the future. Hinoe is knowledgeable about curses and spells. Natsume could learn a lot from her. Misuzu, the “rocking horse”, according to Nyanko-sensei, seems to be a strong spirit. I wonder what his abilities are. He reminds me of the tikbalang in Filipino culture.
All in all, with just thirteen episodes, the series is too short. So many names to return, so little time. Thankfully, it seems there is a second season next year. I can’t wait to watch it. In the meantime, there’s the manga.
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15 comments for “Natsume Yuujinchou”
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Hurray!! The dinosaur chef cooked up a post! Bunny chef is happy, haha.
I felt the H&C vibes in Natsume Yuujinchou as well, and I think it’s got something to do with a certain ‘placebo effect’, considering that Takemoto and Natsume share the same seiyuu, with the similar monologues as well. I always like it when animes show us those streams of consciousness… which is partially why I really like Skip Beat
P.S. I haven’t finished watching Natsume Yuujinchou so I can’t really give the insightful comment that your post deserves
@usagijen And Tanuma kinda looks like Morita too.
Natsume Gayjinchou. The name is now right.
Madara could be hiding the fact that he is inside the Yuujinchou, since he was on such close relations with Reiko. Not to mention, he was evasive when Takashi asked him about him being in the book.
It was seriously a great series and the next season is in January and I am looking forward to that.
Hands down the best series of the last season. Such an amazing balance of comedy and emotive storytelling. Can’t wait till January, I’ll definitely be following it avidly like I did the first season
@Panther @Omisyth I do hope the next season would be longer than just 13 episodes
@absolute0
Finally you wrote a post! Next up on your to-do: Mahou Tsukai ni Taisetsu na Koto -Natsu no Sora :p
Finally got around to watching the last episode. I love watching shows that are so peaceful and calm. Like a breath of fresh air, it’s quite refreshing. =]
Can’t wait till the next season.
Excellent summary and review. Natsume is a great show that could very well be a contender for 2008’s best anime.
Tallying up all series released to date, Natsume Yuujinchou easily wins my vote for 2008’s Best. It has all the elements of a solid release: great production values, refined character designs, good voice acting, soothing music, likeable characters (it’s particularly strong on that point – even minor ones like kogitsune-kun earned my approval), and a story that strikes an excellent balance between action and relaxing slice-of-life moments. Add my name to those lining up with hands outstretched for season 2.
Re: Madara defeating Reiko – an interesting topic for speculation. That should keep me busy until the next season arrives.
This was a great show… can’t wait until January when the new season starts. I’ve noticed too that Natsume Yuujinchou has been compared to Mushishi. Although slightly similar as both can see things other can’t, they’re totally different. Everything about the Series was good. From the music, the acting and the scenery, it was a good one!
@hayase Will try if I can make sense out of the raws
@KayDat Yeah, Natsume Yuujinchou really has a peaceful setting
@Yamcha Thanks for reading!
@Diego Oh yeah, I forgot to mention about the music. I especially love the ending theme. It fits the mood of the series quite well!
@Crazyanimegirl A good series it was!
I love this anime too. ^_^
I like the peacefulness, I agree with your post and also to KayDat. It really is like a breath of fresh air. :’p
The humour and touching-emotional storytelling is really well balanced. x’]
Wow, I never thought it has the Honey & Clover feel to it, maybe it does have that kind of feel though…maybe I should re-watch that series to check. -giggles- I haven’t watch it for a looong time. x’]
I can’t wait for the second season either. ^-^
It should get more interesting…hopefully, we’ll find out the truth behind Madara and Reiko’s relationship. :’3
Well, hopefully. x’3
I really liked this anime series as well and what I found interesting was how the show focused on relationships so much. So many supernatural anime, IMO, focus more on how the spirits are more evil than good, tricky than honest, so it was interesting to see them given so many human qualities and actually have Natsume become attached to some of them. Also, it was nice to see Natsume grow as a person as well, and I strongly believe he has some lantet powers, he was able to summon various creatures and seemed to be less tired after releasing names as the series went on. Also, in the last episode, the glassses guy seemed to be attending a meeting that was about Natsume and it looked like there were both human and spirits there, personally I’m hoping for some actual antagonist next season.
I have enjoyed this series as well. When I first seen this it actually reminde me of an anime called Mokke, which is a pretty good series too relating to two girls who have the similar ability to see spirits. You should check that out!
I’ve watched these anime series twice, both Natsume Yuujinchou and Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou. It’s so touching. I cries in the end of a few episode where the words was so true and touching. And every episode brings up some moral values where many Japanese anime makers didn’t border to think of. Love these series so much. Love Nyanko-sensei , love Natsume Takashi , and those funny, kind youkai. I’m looking forward to see more.
