A life enclosed in isolation, that's the daily standard for Natsume Takashi. He happens to be special, but according to him for the worse. His eyesight extends beyond the world people usually dwell. His extraordinary spirit, allows him to see what human in reality co-exist with. This "gift" however has for the most part brought hardships upon him. Terrorized by the so called youkai, he has been forced to act differently, bullied, despised, was how he often was treated. Even the kindest of people couldn't truly understand him. And the fact that he was parentless and passed along relatives didn't help the cause. Things however started to change when he moved into the household of the Fujiwara's. For the first time somebody of their own will wants to him to live with them. A book is also passed down, which belonged to his now deceased grandmother, which as him had the ability to see youkai, and because of that also generally disliked. The book contained names of youkai, which his grandmother "defeated", her way of making friends. Natsume accidently unseals the powerful Youkai Madara, which in turn enlists himself as Natsume's teacher, solely as he proclaims to receive the "Book of Friends" which it's called. This being, becomes Natsume's first friend. He also gains more friends which most, ironically are from coincidental incidents based on his ability to see youkai. Natsume is also very kind, often to a degree which puts him in dangerous situations. But at the same time it is this kindness which enables him to bond with youkai as well as humans. He often gets asked, human or youkai? I'm pretty sure he would answer with something along the lines with "There are both good and evil of both kinds."
Natsume used to hate being able to see youkai, he saw the ability not as a gift but a curse. But along the series that changes. At one point he temporarily couldn't see youkai, and even though he found it surprising, he couldn't deny the sorrow which followed. Something similar happens among the youkai which know Natsume. At first they only saw their connection as a way to pass time, later as a valued bond. Madara saves natsume countless times, always saying its for the books sake. His good willed intention start to portray to such an obvious degree, that Natsume later jokingly repeats the same sentence when he in turn saves Madara. The ability which Natsume once hated, is now invaluable. He continues, his grandmother's interactions with the youkai, but differs to a large degree, but because of this also does something his powerful grandmother never succeeded in, he makes friends.
The portraying of Natsumes days which we view is fairly unique. The medium which it is formed in, is probably one of the more suitable, and a niche which anime holds. illustrating the supernatural visually that will say in another form than drawn, usually tends to be fairly disastrous. But here it melts in well, it looks completely natural in the context where it is depicted. The general harmonic atmosphere which resonates through the series is also pleasant. It doesn't either get dreary since its contrasted continually with other elements like sorrow. But even if some parts are, it's a harmonic kind. I'm also glad that the interactions with the youkai, their stories and their relation to humans, are what they are. It would have been horrible if "youkai" Only had functioned as a concept, and not been dug into. The biggest strength of this series is probably its constant pending between happiness and sadness, while constantly holding a harmonic base.
It goes without saying that the series has it's share of problems. At some points it gets to a point where it is a bit monotone. Which may be a way of showering its feel over the series, but as for me its not a good point. It also gets a bit cliché at some points, I guess since its aimed at teenagers. But that's not a valid reason, I don't see any reason to make it generic because it's aimed at a younger audience. To be honest, it's more the reason to not make it over generic.
It is however an enjoyable series, I wont say it's fantastic, its simply nice. But I'm fairly sure this was intended. The show isn't mean to be groundbreaking but harmonic. I'm not saying there's nothing to take from it, surely there is. But the series isn't hollow to the extreme either, which is something a lot of anime have the tendency of being. The series at least, has an unique way of painting the canvas, something which also is usually absent.
However the path Natsume took, the place he reached. A place where he can look upon stars, not alone but with friends, both humans as youkai. I wont deny it's hearwarming.
