Natsume Yuujinchou
Natsume's Book of Friends
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Natsume Yuujinchou

Alternative Titles

Synonyms: The Natsume Book of Friends, Manabiya no Sumi, Natsu ni wa Tameiki wo Tsuku
Japanese: 夏目友人帳
English: Natsume's Book of Friends
German: Pakt der Yokai. Natsume's Book of Friends
French: Le Pacte des yôkai
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Information

Type: Manga
Volumes: Unknown
Chapters: Unknown
Status: Publishing
Published: Jun 10, 2003 to ?
Genres: Drama Drama, Supernatural Supernatural
Theme: Iyashikei Iyashikei
Demographic: Shoujo Shoujo
Serialization: LaLa
Authors: Midorikawa, Yuki (Story & Art)

Statistics

Score: 8.661 (scored by 1121611,216 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #672
2 based on the top manga page. Please note that 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #380
Members: 44,418
Favorites: 2,212

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Recommendations

Both deal with the the 'supernatural', which most people can't see. Also, both develop in an episodic format, although Natsume Yuujinchou has more recurring characters than Mushishi does. The two main characters' personalities are rather different, however they're similar in that they don't hate the youkai or the mushi; They simply want to coexist with them. Both are rather philosophical stories, dabbing in the topics of life and death, and both are told with a similar slow-paced narrative, although Natsume Yuujinchou has its quick action-filled moments.  
reportRecommended by Aris18
THe main characters of both series both have a similar approach toward youkai: they try-not-to-kill-if-possible attitude towards youkai them even if have had bad experiences with them. Both of them have youkai in their daily lives, and both try to help others with their problems regardless of race. However, for all the mc's similarities, they also have their differences. Tactic's Kantarou is more sly and amiable toward youkai while NY's Natsume is more instinctive and aloof towards youkai. It's interesting seeing how though they have a similar approach and often achieve similar results, the lessons they seem to take from it differ due to their  read more 
reportRecommended by Diana_Williams
Both involve people who have a "gift" that enables them to view spirits (not to mention not entirely friendly spiritual "guardians"). Natsume Yuujinchou seems to be a more shoujo variation on the themes of Selected Pandemonium, which is aimed squarely at an adult audience. Both are well worth a look if you like stories about the Japanese view of the supernatural. 
reportRecommended by kasumisama
If you're looking for some serene fantasy with creative ideas, then consider these two series. Both of them adapts world fiction with great ideas. The main protagonist from both series can see otherworldly beings and discover unparalleled supernatural events. Both series has great relationship dynamics especially when it comes to a human and supernatural being. Recommended for fans of fantasy/supernatural fiction. 
reportRecommended by Stark700
Both are supernatural slice of life featuring a young protagonist who helps Youkai/Ghosts while she/he learns the worth of bonds, family and friends in daily life. Both are very heart warming manga. However, YZtM is more focused on romance while NY is more focused on friendship. 
reportRecommended by Orulyon
Hotarubi no Mori E and Natsume Yuujinchou are by same mangaka, therefore the artwork is very similar. Both titles contain bittersweet stories, as well as beautiful & happy ones. Hotarubi no Mori E is a compilation of four one-shots, while Natsume Yuujinchou is an on-going series. Even so, Natsume Yuujinchou is very “episode-ish”, just like Hotarubi no More E. If you have enjoyed one of these titles, then I’m sure you will enjoy the other as well.  
reportRecommended by Ph0esz
How do we come to acknowledge others who are too different from us? Humans and yōkai (and each individual relative in these particular groups) are vastly different from one another, and it is in this difference that misunderstandings come about and stereotypical images are formed. However, in the midst of this glaring gap in beliefs, the characters are propelled into the sphere of acceptance and, consequently, grow. These are stories of empathy and broadening of worldview using human-yōkai, human-human, yōkai-yōkai interactions in times of straightforward helplessness and even in mundane happenings in life. 
reportRecommended by Ana
In both stories MC can see spirits/monsters that other people can't. Both stories also have few exceptions (meaning, there are few other people with the same ability too) 
reportRecommended by Sigmar-Unberogen
Both deal with youkai and deities who either befriend or could care less about humans. Some information is the same, if you liked the yokai in either series you'd probably like the other too. 
reportRecommended by kujika
Both have ayakashi, both are josei, supernatural. They have kind of similar drawing styles. And both are fun to read. ^^ 
reportRecommended by Hannumommi
These manga both have a very similar feel to them and both involve the super natural (although in katana its spirits of swords were as in natsume yuujinchou its all kinds of spirits) if you liked one you will enjoy the other. 
reportRecommended by drognen
Both protagonist deals with the same situation... They can see things which normal people can't and they help them with their problems. Each has heart-warming stories which will surely catch your attention.  
reportRecommended by ice_ring
Each series explores the everyday lives of a person with supernatural abilities, capable of seeing and interacting with the normally invisible beings called Yokai, or spirits. They're accompanied by an adorable cat-like companion that has a prickly personality (tsundere), yet loyal to their friends. Joy, laughter, sadness, longing...and many other emotions are packed into each episodic chapter. The major difference is one is a high school boy searching for people who knew his grandmother to get to know her better when she was still alive, and the other is an immortal vampire that has assumed the duty of being a land god of a local  read more 
reportRecommended by Estoy_Gordo
both protagonists can see spirits and have to deal with them.  
reportRecommended by Dragonheart1112
Kanoko and Natsume have unusual abilities that have alienated them from others since their childhood. Kanoko can hear lies and Natsume can see spirits or youkai and they hate having this ability. Despite the fact that they've been shunned and despised by people, both are kind-hearted and willing to help others. It's not until they meet Detective Souma Iwai (for Kanoko) and Nyanko-sensei(for Natsume) that they see their abilities can be used to help the people around them and begin to find people they can confide and trust in. 
reportRecommended by xxxATiON
Both gives the feeling of a gentle breeze over a grassy hill deep within a forest. They both move slowly with small yet significant developments and have supernatural elements in them. While some chapters deal with human interactions, some deal with the supernatural using beautiful art to convey the ethereal beauty of those beyond human conception.  
reportRecommended by aventurite
In both of these manga, the protagonist can see things normal people can't see and thus act differently from normal people, in which normal people find creepy and strange. As a result, they are left alone. They are also without parents and so have to live with relatives, which leads to them finding someone they can open up to. The mangas then follows their daily lives as we witness them changing as a person. 
reportRecommended by Shuc49
Both main characters have a closed heart and are lonely from a special power they have that many others don't. I personally recommend anime over manga but that is just me. 
reportRecommended by Kanashi_Kage
Okay, this might sound a bit strange: story-wise, these mangas have almost nothing in common at all (although the friendship in Stand Up seems similar to that in Natsume). Natsume is a supernatural slice of life focusing on friendship and loneliness, Stand Up is a romance slice of life that focuses on insecurity and romance. But while reading Stand Up, I couldn't help but be reminded of Natsume Yuujinchou. I don't know what it was, maybe it's that both manga are very heartwarming and down-to-earth. The atmosphere is similar and both are just incredibly good. So if you like stories like Natsume Yuujinchou but would  read more 
reportRecommended by xpaula
The story of a boy who can see the supernatural and as a consequence start off feeling alienated. But through it he also finds companions and helps others. 
reportRecommended by fiore777
the main character in both mangas are isolated from others. they try to be alone as much as possible in the start but slowly learn to get along with others as the story moves on 
reportRecommended by MiyatouSeishirou
Both have Yokai in them. Also there is one human hero in each. 
reportRecommended by Pinkette
Both have lots of cute and touching episodic stories in a calm warm atmosphere setting, have a talking cat and a bit of supernatural. 
reportRecommended by Narushisto
Both series have a very peaceful, spiritual feeling and a gentle pace, with the main character as a boy with unique abilities who use them in favor of the others. While Rakan travels to a paralel world in order to save it by growing plants, Takashi deals with what is invisible for the most and splits himself between the world of humans and yokais. And their kind, understanding nature attracts those around them. 
reportRecommended by Camilla_Ferreira
Both involve Ayakashi/Youkai and also the system of keeping and giving back the name of Youkai in Natsume Yuujinchou is very similar to the system of the Shinki in Noragami.  
reportRecommended by Blattsee111
Both are stories in the calm, peaceful countryside of Japan, talking about solitude, the friends we make along the way, how to enjoy nature... Both mangas fill my eyes with tears of joy and my heart with an intense will to live. Also, they have a fictional and fantastic element, so they are not common iyashikei. 
reportRecommended by LinoTheOne
They both are similar; supernatural element, side of the world, and both protagonist have a special ability. An atmosphere that explores the deep emotions of our protagonists. The supernatural gifts of our protagonists played a primary role in a painful past of relational rifts, neglect, and being picked on. Slowly discovery a loving and accepting place helps the protagonists open up and grow.  
reportRecommended by tempest_kaze
Although they seem very different story-wise, both have that very similar feeling when you read them. Some chapters leave you feeling very happy and sweet, while some are very poignant and melancholic. Both have that "magical" feeling that can make you pretty emotional while reading. 
reportRecommended by zj0711
Both mc can see youkai and have youkai live with them  
reportRecommended by fqihyu
Both revolve around spiritually gifted orphans that help people with the supernatural, along with their yokai companions that protect them for their own purposes (although ultimately end up caring for the protagonist). In both stories, a mysterious relative is the source of most of their current predicaments. Also gain many friends with similar abilities along the way. Both stories also explore serious and philosophical themes when dealing with yokai and humans (although Chikita Gugu is significantly darker). 
reportRecommended by dadaroma
Both character driven, slice-of-life stories about a lonely and isolated character who over the course of the story learns to love themselves and trust in people around them. The two protagonists are incredibly similar in personality. 3-Gatsu No Lion has a more structured plotline while Natsume Yuujinchou is more episodic. Natsume Yuujinchou also has a supernatural element while 3-Gatsu No Lion does not.  
reportRecommended by violetavrie
Both series are shojo, with a focus on interpersonal relationships, trauma and supernatural creatures. What I find to be most similar, but not exactly the same are the dynamics between between Natsume and the Matoba clan, and then Tohru and the more traditionalist Sohma clan. Fair warning that in order to understand what I mean, you have to get pretty far into Natsume Yuujinchou (around volume's 19-20) for the 'ah ha' moment.  
reportRecommended by RisefromAshes
This series is also about ayakashi and yokai, however, it is told more from their point of view.  
reportRecommended by Kyojinslayer
Both main characters, boys, can see ghosts and ayakashi. They both struggled socially because of this fact, but they gradually gain friends who understand and support them. Totsugami is a little more "loud" than Natsume Yuunjinchou, which has a quieter feel to it.  
reportRecommended by maiaiam
they both deal with spirit like beings, while tokage is darker and natsume y. is more slice of live. Still, they both harbor sadness and can be very serene. 
reportRecommended by Mangafee
They both have a similar calming feeling where the main character doesn't like to cause trouble for those around him. They both have to take care of a child (or in this case an annoying old cat) and end up in weird circumstances because of it, and they both have the new story every chapter kind of feeling to them. 
reportRecommended by Ninarin
Machida-kun no Sekai and Natsume Yuujinchou have a lot in common in many aspect , manga such as this is plain but uniquely appealing if one said so , story wise its straight forward no need to overthink at anything but at the same time its develop a sense of morality like none other ,charming but lucid but pack with powerfull meaning  
reportRecommended by yutshu_chan_lord
Both stories involve a young male in high school who has the ability to see things that others cannot see. Then, they meet with an extremely powerful being, and through the adventures that they experienced, they change their perspectives and build meaningful relationships with others. The difference is that Natsume Yuujinchou has a more gentle and warm feeling, while xxxHolic is more thrilling and mysterious.  
reportRecommended by kyahaku
Both stories are very close and about a boy who can see spirits/gods and has to help them out through many stories and adventures.  
reportRecommended by Salvina
Both involve humans dealing with youkai. However Kuro kuroku has more of a gag/comedy tone compare to Natsume. 
reportRecommended by MatchaDantat
Has the same saddness, with a plot, gender bender, and an inkling of a darker tale underneath it all. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Has the same saddness, with a plot and an inkling of a darker tale underneath it all. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Amatsuki contains the same ideal saddness as Natsume Yuujinchou, with having a darker tale underneath it, just like my other recommendation with Kuroshitsuji. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Has the same saddness, with a plot and an inkling of a darker tale underneath it all. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
With Cat Street, it can be considered sadder than Natsume Yuujinchou, since it's more about social outcasts; but Natsume's the same way, the only real difference is that in Cat Street, all of the main characters are socail outcasts who become friends and deal with the hard times together while going to a free school. It's more of a slice-of-life manga that's pretty normal, unlike Natsume Yuujinchou. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Has the same saddness, with a plot and an inkling of a darker tale underneath it all. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
+Anima is like Natsume Yuujinchou, but it's about a group of kids in the middle of a war with the kids being fused with animals and being enslaved because of it. It has the same saddness and no real plot. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
These two manga series are very very different. Hibi Chouchou is a contemporary romance while Natsume Yuujinchou is a supernatural manga with no romantic aspect. And yet, I was reminded of Natsume while reading Hibi. Both of these manga are "quiet" stories. They're not "loud" or "demanding" but absolutely captivating nonetheless. They are sweet, calming and reassuring. Their atmosphere and vibe really reminded me of one another. If you're looking for a manga that feels like Hibi Chouchou, Natsume is a really good pick.  
reportRecommended by haruka_nazu
Both describe the daily lives of the protagonists becoming orphans at a young age, forcing them to move in with relatives, while feeling out of place living there. They both end up staying in a place where they can finally feel comfortable, surrounded by friends and loved ones...even if some of them are of the supernatural.  
reportRecommended by Estoy_Gordo
Both stories have humans who are involved with the spirit world and they are protected by spirits. If you enjoy one, you'll probably like the other, although Natsume is far more episodic than Kamisama. 
reportRecommended by st_owly
Natsume Yuujinchou and Bakemono Yawa-zukushi are tonally pretty different 75% of the time, but share some similar themes. Mysteries revolving around yokai and (generally) personal tragedy are common in both. Bakemono Yawa-zukushi is a lot less kind than Natsume Yuujinchou, and also doesn't seem to be focused on as much character reflection and growth. It has the ghost story vibe though they both share.  
reportRecommended by Otawan
Both deal with supernatural aspects. Natsume struggles more with his emotions and his past. In Tousei Gensou Hakubutsushi, Shinobu struggles with a cold, seemingly uncaring father and what appears to be a mysterious disease. Both are one-shot style but do begin build a central theme over time. 
reportRecommended by ashleex1057
Both have a protagonist living in a rural place who can see youkai and tries to help them. Both are very heart warming stories.  
reportRecommended by Orulyon
Although there´s a difference between seeing ghosts and spirits, the mains in both manga chose to interact with them in the same way; that is, by listening and caring for them. Their experiences with the supernatural are very important because it helps them to go on. If you read and liked any of theese I highly recommend you to try the other one 
reportRecommended by Gracce
They're both by the same author, with the same saddness, but The Scarlet Chair has more to do with fighting in a bit of a war with no real ghosts (which, Natsume Yuujinchou has). 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Both characters are warped, used to live rather peaceful lives, have a dark past, trusts people easily, are hunted down for a reason/reasons, have a contract of somesort with someone/other, ect... 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Both are about with human/spirit interaction, and have a fresh, innocent feel to them. 
reportRecommended by IceAndCream
Both series revolves around an orphan with the ability to see spirits, and of course they both got their own weird guardian spirit(s). Natsume Yuujinchou is very slice of life though, while Sailor Fuku no Onegai is more about forbidden romance.  
reportRecommended by Ph0esz
Both are shoujos about a high school boy. Heisuke is like a selfish version of Natsume. Art style practically identical. The storytelling style is similar, both have an airy, innocent feel, and they deal a lot with real feelings and emotions. Neither main character has a romantic relationship. 
reportRecommended by IceAndCream
The main characters are quite similar, they can see weird things and have trouble accepting it. They somehow become involved with supernatural creatures and have to deal with an inheritance -in Natsume Yuujinchou, his grandmother's unfinished business with ayakashis; in Genjuu no Seiza, his duty as the reincarnation of a holy man. Both grow throughout the series. 
reportRecommended by gredorial
There's not an obvious connection between these two but to me Kevin (protagonist in Mr. Fredward's Duck) seems like a grown up, shoujo version of Natsume (protag. of Natsume Yuujinchou). They both have troubled childhoods and are supported by animal characters, with who they develop a strong relationship with. Although Natsume Yuujinchou has more supernatural elements to the story line they are both pretty much seperate stories per chapter. 
reportRecommended by Hana-Lu
Quite different situations but both characters struggle with unwanted powers 
reportRecommended by Hana-Lu
Both follow the protagonist as they lead their everyday life, yet at the same time because of an incredible power they possess they walk along the border between the natural and the supernatural world and come in contact with both worlds in a slice-of-life setting. 
reportRecommended by Jacob66
Totsukuni no Shoujo and Natsume Yuujinchou are both gentle fantasy series with soft but expressive art styles that help create a strong atmosphere around the story. They both feature endearing, but heartbreaking moments of poignancy and center around themes of loneliness and being unable to connect with other humans. Both very beautiful series. 
reportRecommended by Watcher605
Kuroshitsuji is darker than Natsume Yuujinchou too, with the same saddness; don't be fooled when you start reading it, it's NOT a yaoi manga. It starts off with a few mundane stuff, but it gets better and more in depth with an inkling of a darker tale than what it appears to have. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Tista is about a girl named Tista, who is forced to fight under a messed up religious church; it's rather darker than Natsume Yuujinchou in many ways, but it has the same ideal saddness and no real plot in it. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Has the same saddness, with a plot and an inkling of a darker tale underneath it all. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Has the same saddness, with a plot and an inkling of a darker tale underneath it all. 
reportRecommended by AuroraStar
Both stories are about a teenager that sees things (s)he isn't supposed to see. Both of them are haunted by childhood memories of being bullied and alienated for being either weird or creepy when they just told what they saw. In both stories kindness prevails. 
reportRecommended by bleeb
Akaku Saku Koe also has a protagonist with some trouble that have been hard on him psychologically just like natsume. The kind of calming style is also used in the story and in the art which makes sense cause it's the same mangaka. Overall, it's also a really touching story that people who read natsume book of friends will also like if they read it I think. 
reportRecommended by kenzie