Review: Natsume Yuujinchou (anime s1-4)

So I'm gonna compile all four seasons of Natsume Yuujinchou, since each seasons contained like 12-13 episodes. And I don't think there's much to say, although I really like this anime.

Studio: Brain's Base

Author: Yuki Midorikawa

Natsume Takashi is an orphaned boy (oohh look! another orphan!) who grew up being able to see youkais. As a child he often see the spirits roaming about, frightening him or trying to befriend him. As result he often freaks out too suddenly, that most of his classmates and distant relatives thinks he's a crazy kid who craves for attention. Now as a high school kid, he lives with an old couple who has no kids, and is living in some kind of countryside where he decides to improve his interaction with people.

He inherits his grandmother's stuff, and there's one particular item called "Book of Friends" where spirits had signed their name in it to become Natsume Reiko's cronies. Unlike his tough grandma, Natsume seems rather weak but he has one hell of a punch. But most of the time he seems like the heroine lol. Anyway, the consequence is, a lot of youkais are either attacking him or begging him to get their names back. Apparently the contract limits their freedom. Natsume, being a nice grandson in contrast to his grandma, willingly give their names back (And he totally looks beautiful while doing that). Oh let's not forget the youkai called Madara, who really doesn't approve of Natsume releasing the youkais, yet he's pretty much protective of Natsume. Yeah we have a really tsundere neko.

and i love how rounded he is

So the summary sounds kind of shounen-ish. But in fact it's just slice of life. Though there are times when the episodes feels so shounen cos in the end Natsume saves the day (or Natsume is saved etc). I guess the show focused more on how to deal with being a freak, how to act normal when there's something isn't right about you. Other than dealings with humans, even youkai had the chance to express themselves. The youkai characteristics varies; not everyone is good nor bad, and they have their own culture, habits and weaknesses that makes them so unpredictable. It's interesting to know that in Shinto belief, their gods come to existence only when people need them. And they slowly disappear when humans no longer pray at their shrine. I kind of felt sorry for the minor kamisamas.

The thing that impresses me is how Natsume coped with his lonely life and is trying his best to be accepted without telling people of his secret ability. Usually teens who were shunned like that would turn out into a delinquent, but Natsume grew up into a kind and gentle boy - both to humans and youkais. If the Fujiwara hadn't taken him in, he would probably become a rebel. On another note; Natsume should've joined the track team, he's been running around since he was small XD

effin' cute!

Throughout all seasons, we're reminded of how to get along with people in spite of being a 'weirdo'. There's no reason to become a gangster if nobody likes you in the past, and Natsume is a perfect example of that. And he's so considerate of everyone that it annoys me that he's too kind, but his short temper made up for it. Maybe ronery people out there should take a leaf out of his book.

Unfortunately, season 3 bored the hell out of me cos there aren't any name returning scenes. Season 4 was a tease cos I thought it's about time to know what happened to Natsume Reiko. That's the only thing I'm curious. And I'd like to know the outcome of finishing the name-returning ritual as well.

I have nothing much to say about the art. It's just simple and nice, no moe nor overly bishified characters.

except, maybe this guy

Looking forward to season 5 (i hope)!