Natsume Yūjinchō

A supernatural slice-of-life, Natsume is a high schooler who can see spirits. An orphan, he has been tossed between relatives, and has just recently come to stay with an elderly couple who live in the same area where his grandmother, Reiko, grew up.

Though few people remember her, Natsume quickly finds that the spirits certainly haven’t forgotten – and they’re not happy! Turns out Reiko bound a large number spirits to her will, recording their names in her “Book of Friends.” And they want them back. But other spirits want the book too – it’s a powerful item, and whoever possesses it can command anyone within it. Enter Madara, a powerful spirit in the form of a small (rather fat) cat. Accidentally released by Natsume, Madara agrees to help protect Natsume as he attempts to return the names from the Book of Friends to their rightful spirit owners. In return, Natsume promises him the Book in the event of his death.

It may sound somewhat heavy, but this anime is more like a cream puff – light and enjoyable. The voice acting is excellent, and if the animators might be a little overly enthusiastic with bright light filters at times, the story certainly makes up for it. Each episode focuses on its own little short story, which then fits into the larger arc of Natsume learning about Reiko, and finding his place within his new home. The humor is cute and not forced, characters are varied and each have their own motivations and attitudes, and each story is intriguing.

So take a break on a rainy day and join Natsume and his friends!

Images courtesy of Memento (www.designchronicle.com/memento/)

Advertisements