Natsume Yuujinchou


Natsume's Book of Friends

Edit
What would you like to edit?
 

Alternative Titles

Synonyms: Natsume Yujincho, Natsume Yujin-cho
Japanese: 夏目友人帳
English: Natsume's Book of Friends
German: Natsume Yujincho
Spanish: Natsume Yujincho
French: Natsume Yujincho
More titles

Information

Type: TV
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Jul 8, 2008 to Sep 30, 2008
Premiered: Summer 2008
Broadcast: Tuesdays at 01:00 (JST)
Studios: Brain's Base
Source: Manga
Genres: Slice of LifeSlice of Life, SupernaturalSupernatural
Themes: IyashikeiIyashikei, MythologyMythology
Demographic: ShoujoShoujo
Duration: 24 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 - Teens 13 or older

Statistics

Score: 8.301 (scored by 189615189,615 users)
1 indicates a weighted score.
Ranked: #2742
2 based on the top anime page. Please note that 'Not yet aired' and 'R18+' titles are excluded.
Popularity: #419
Members: 552,483
Favorites: 15,977

Available At


Resources


Streaming Platforms

May be unavailable in your region.
8.30
Ranked #274Popularity #419Members 552,483
Add to My List
Episodes: /13

Synopsis

Due to an unusual ability to see strange creatures called youkai, Takashi Natsume has never fit in. Passed around from one foster home to another, he was left isolated and lonely. Over time, he has accepted that no one would ever believe him and has closed himself off to his current caretakers and classmates.

When Natsume accidentally breaks an intangible barrier, he frees Madara—a mighty spirit in the form of a lucky cat. Madara notices that Natsume bears a remarkable resemblance to his late grandmother Reiko Natsume, an outcast girl who became known across the youkai world for creating the Book of Friends. It is now in Natsume's possession, along with its power to call upon the written names of the youkai Reiko had defeated.

With no interest in its powers, Natsume decides to keep the book for the sake of his grandmother's memories and to protect it from scheming youkai. Therefore, he makes a deal with Madara: he will hand him the book once his time is up, and in turn, Madara will act as Natsume's unofficial bodyguard, nicknamed Nyanko-sensei. With his newfound goal of freeing those Reiko had sealed, Natsume's relationship with both youkai and humans slowly begins to improve.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Background

Natsume Yuujinchou was licensed for an English release as Natsume's Book of Friends by NIS America, Inc. It was released October 9, 2012 as a Season 1 and 2 DVD Premium Edition followed by a DVD Standard Edition release February 4, 2014. It is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.

Characters & Voice Actors

Kogitsune

Supporting
Uechi, Aki
Japanese

Hinoe

Supporting
Okamura, Akemi
Japanese

Fujiwara, Touko

Supporting
Itou, Miki
Japanese

Hiiragi

Supporting
Yukino, Satsuki
Japanese

Tsubame

Supporting
Yuzuki, Ryouka
Japanese

Staff

Yokoyama, Shuko
Producer
Oomori, Takahiro
Director, Sound Director, Episode Director, Storyboard


Edit

Opening Theme

Preview
Spotify
Apple Music
Amazon Music
Youtube Music
"Issei no Sei (一斉の声; Simultaneous Voice)" by Shuhei Kita

Episode Videos




Reviews

Nov 17, 2008
-INTRODUCTION-

I've been looking forward to this anime ever since I saw one of the promotional images -- Natsume sitting on a tree branch with his foot slightly touching the water underneath, and an unusual looking cat by his side. I fell in love with that image alone and could not stop thinking about it. Needless to say, I watched Natsume Yuujinchou while it was still ongoing and waited eagerly for the subtitles to come out. Now that it's over, I can say for sure -- it was a short but beautiful experience, and became one of my very special personal favorites.

-STORY- 10/10

"Thank you... for not ...
Feb 8, 2017
Mixed Feelings
Natsume Yuujinchou is a series that began as a shoujo manga by Midorikawa Yuki. In 2008 an anime adaptation by Brain's Base aired. You may remember them from such anime as Baccano, Durarara, Penguindrum, Ixion Saga DT & Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru. So, their stuff has been pretty mixed from what I've seen. With Oregairu at the upper end and Ixion Saga & Penguindrum tied at the low end. How will this one place? Let's have a look.

Story:

Natsume Takashi is a lonely boy. He's been ostracised for most of his life due to his ability to see youkai. After accidentally freeing ...
Feb 8, 2016
Honestly, I don't really understand why this anime has so many amazing ratings. This isn't the worst anime i've ever seen- no, but I certainly do not think it's anywhere near the best.

Now, let's talk about the story.
3/10
One of the things I hated the most about this anime was the fact that it's episodic, and it doesn't work. In my opinion, this only makes it painfully predicable and underdeveloped. Honestly, you've seen the first three episodes you've seen the whole show. A youkai comes. Cool. They want Natsume's help. Oh. They get their help. There's a revelation. Ok. The majority of the episodes ...

Interest Stacks

50 Entries · 334 Restacks
30 Entries · 24 Restacks

Recommendations


Recent News

Q3 2022 Anime & Manga Licenses [Update 9/9]

Q3 2022 Anime & Manga Licenses [Update 9/9]

In this thread, you'll find a comprehensive list of anime and manga licensed in the second quarter (Jul-Sep) of 2022. Summer 2022 anime which were licensed befo...read more

NHK Announces Best 100 Anime

NHK Announces Best 100 Anime

To commemorate one hundred years of Japanese anime history, NHK has announced a list of 100 Best Anime on Wednesday at NHK BS Premium. The list is based on the audi...read more


Recent Forum Discussion

Poll: Natsume Yuujinchou Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 )
ohmiharu - Jul 7, 2008
170 repliesby MykahAngelo »»
Oct 2, 6:53 PM
Poll: Natsume Yuujinchou Episode 11 Discussion ( 1 2 3 )
cyruz - Sep 18, 2008
108 repliesby Khashishi »»
Oct 2, 12:00 AM
Poll: Natsume Yuujinchou Episode 10 Discussion ( 1 2 )
cyruz - Sep 11, 2008
93 repliesby Khashishi »»
Oct 1, 11:37 PM
Is this anime Worth watching???
RjtheGreat14 - Aug 1, 2023
24 repliesby Serafos »»
Sep 10, 4:44 AM
Poll: Natsume Yuujinchou Episode 8 Discussion ( 1 2 3 )
angel999 - Aug 25, 2008
127 repliesby Dilliononion89 »»
Aug 25, 8:37 PM

Top 15 Best Shoujo Anime of All Time

Top 15 Best Shoujo Anime of All Time

Shoujo is one of the most recognizable genres in anime world... but how much do you really know about it? Is it really just about high school romance aimed at young girls or perhaps there is more to it? Let's learn more and take a look at 15 most popular shoujo anime on MAL!
Top 14 Anime That Will Make You Happy

Top 14 Anime That Will Make You Happy

Been watching too much Berserk? Need something to brighten your day? Give one of these shows a whirl! Every anime on this list is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, even if you've just watched Grave of the Fireflies.