Natsume's Book of Friends

Takashi Natsume has always seen spirits, a secret he keeps to avoid trouble and misunderstanding. After inheriting a peculiar leather-bound book from his late grandmother Reiko, he discovers it holds the names of yokai she bound to her will. The book explains why so many spirits are drawn to him, and as he reads through its pages he begins meeting the beings tied to his grandmother's past. Rather than chase dramatic battles, the show focuses on quiet encounters, small mysteries, and the slow mending of old wounds as Natsume forms fragile friendships with both human and spirit, learning more about his family and his own place in the world.

Released in 2008, the anime adapts Yuki Midorikawa's original manga, with Sadayuki Murai credited among the creators. The English transliteration of the title and key voice cast include Hiroshi Kamiya as Takashi Natsume and Kazuhiko Inoue as Nyanko-sensei.

Within anime circles the series is often cited as a strong example of the iyashikei, or healing, subgenre, praised for its soothing atmosphere and memorable creature designs. Nyanko-sensei, the gruff but protective spirit who accompanies Natsume, has become a standout character that many fans recognize and celebrate.

On review platforms the show holds a solid average, 8.1 out of 10 from 93 votes, reflecting consistent viewer appreciation. Major themes include loneliness, belonging, memory, and the slow repair of emotional scars, all delivered through episodic mysteries and character-driven scenes. Critics and audiences tend to note the series' gentle pacing, emotional restraint, and focus on empathy rather than flashy spectacle.

The series hasn't been a major awards magnet, but it has maintained steady appreciation among viewers and long-term fans, who often point to its thoughtful tone and the warm, sometimes melancholy chemistry between Natsume and the spirits he encounters.