Surprised by the comment about the lack of character development. I felt that the majority of the main characters showed visible development over the series, especially Natsume who starts out afraid of spirits, being close to people, and generally hates his ability, then grows to accept both spirits and humans and learns how to open up. The series gradually reveals the deep psychological and emotional scars he has, whilst healing them along the way. Just my opinion though!
The reviewer seems to have missed the point on not only that but the story and OST too, or perhaps doesn't like the tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Iyashikei genre.
I so hope they never force romance into this show. It doesn't need it at all. Especially if it's Sasada you're thinking of. She shouldn't even be in the anime after a certain point in the first place. I'm sooooooo burnt out on shows that feel like there just has to be a love interest in it. That's one of the many reasons why I love Natsume's Book of Friends. It focuses on Natsume's relationships with his new family, friends, and the yokai instead of relying on romance to move the story. There are enough shows like that.
+Jepze There's been some implied romance between a few of the other characters (usually bittersweet ones between humans and yokai) and there was a chapter in the manga dedicated to showing Touko and Shigeru's relationship right before they took Natsume into their home. That was very sweet and well done. That's as far as I hope it'll go.
I think if there is a romance element it should focus on Reiko or Natsume's parents. I would also argue the episode on Shigeru and Touko is a sort of love centered episode, but I agree we don't need Natsume rejecting someone under the sakura or a love-triangle.
I wouldn't mind a subtle budding relationship between Natsume and Yuriko but it would have to be consistent with the style of the manga/show and would have to come later on.
Hmm, I wouldn't agree on what you said about the story. I think Natsume's overarching narrative is much more subtle, as it mostly focuses on Natsume himself coming out of his shell. That is definitely tangible devt you see from him by S4.
I know this is an old video, but I'm happy to see the comments are generally praising the series. Even with my anime watching friends it is not well known.
I love your channel, but I can't disagree with you more on this review. I love Natsume as a character and feel that he does develop subtly through the series. I think the OST is amazing, I have so many songs from Natsume on my chill out playlist. I agree that the main story arc with Matoba and Natori can wear a bit thin, but some of these episode have been great and have added a lot to the light-horror elements of the show
I was actually really surprised with all of the points he made (and not in a good way). Natsume was an amazing character, and it always just felt right when it talked about his past. It wasn't just about the audience sympathizing with him, but also to help us grow more attached to him as a character, and considering how much I obsess over Natsume, it probably works.
If I had to pick a favourite anime, it would be Natsume Yuujinchou. Sorry but just because its not a fast paced shounen it still has a lot of redeeming qualities. You say the music is boring but for me the music is one of the strongest points of the show. I am constantly left feeling soothed and refreshed by the music, and with the imaginary of wind blowing through the forests. They use a variety of instruments, including a bassoon, which is unusual for an anime, and I appericite its depth. Plot wise, it seemed fine to me. Natsume Yuujinchou is not a series with a fast pace. I found season 3 to be enjoyable, as it eased you into darker themes. This is similar to the manga. Also, the manga chapters were originally selected and presented in a different order (the plot was left in favour of the stand alone stories) as it was a different kind of show than what is usually showed, and without its success the show may not have gotten more seasons. Slowly setting a gradient from episodic, lighthearted episodes to more over-arching plotlines to me is a really good plot. It has been done and praised for in other shows like Yu Yu Hakushou, and I feel it is natural after some time, as 6 seasons of closed stories would become boring. I would also argue the Characterization is there- it is just subtle. Considering Natsume's isolated childhood and his anxiety around causing trouble for others, it would be odd for him to explore romance so quickly. He also has changed around his male friends- becoming more open with them (although still having to conceal his abilities) and with Shigeru and Touko-san, it seems he is less anxious around them. The fact that from the beginning Natsume is living with relatives and not his parents also hints at a darker past from the get go, as well as how violent some Yokai can be towards him. For example- the mermaid in season one. To compare it to Mushishi is an odd choice for me. Mushishi is a more horror based series, and although the plot elements are similar Natsume Yuujinchou is definitely trying to present Yokai as having their own lives and feelings, and that they are often misunderstood. Mushishi is more like Yokai tales. As for the film- it is not only the same studio but also the same mangaka. I'd probably reccomend "Bakemono no Ko" and "Nurahiyon no Mago" over Mushishi. You are entitled to your opinion, but I think you are missing the real charm of the show. I think an understanding of Japanese culture can help as well. It is odd to show your feelings outwardly. Most anime's are as realistic as a telanovela. Unlike other supernatural shows, Natsume is about a mundane life in the presence of the sacred/supernatural. It is about struggling to live between two worlds. It is about considering others feelings and perspectives. It is about how you are tied to the past, even when you don't know it. Even from the first season I think you can see these themes and I think that they hint at them. I think the changes in characters is more subtle- like in real life. I'm not a great reviewer and I've not watched for a few months, but I feel like there is a lot to Natsume Yuujinchou. Also, if you can't say "Yuu-jin-chou" with confidence, it is also called "Natsume's book of friends." And I don't mean to sound mean, this is just my opinion. And I do enjoy your reviews.
I usually agree with your reviews, but not in this case. Natsume has a very clear idea since the begining, there is a background story and a subtle character development. The slice of life is used to show how the characters slowly develop through a sum of apparently unrelated experiences. Both narrative structures can perfectly coexist in my opinion, and they actually do in this anime. Besides, it's ok to not feel sorry or sympathetic towards Natsume, because the story is not actually about how much Natsume suffers because he can see yokai, it's about how he's learning to appreciate life in spite of his sorry past. You are not supposed to sympathize with his misery, because he is not miserable anymore. It's a story about discovering joy after hardship. That aside, for me the soundtrack is amazing on it's simplicity. Very atmospheric and emotional. I can't get enough of it. And by the way, not only Hotarubi no Mori e is animated by the same studio, it's also written by the same mangaka. Cheers.
I really loved this show, it got me into the whole chill out, episodic type of anime like Mushishi and Kino's journey. Yeah I think it's not as mature as the others but it's more heart warming. I'm so excited that a new season is announced!!
This show is my personal favourite, and I love every minute of it. Being a Natsume Yuujinchou fan would only knows its beauty and its OST is unforgettable. It's an anime that you should enjoy season by season and not 4 at once. I AM GLAD THAT THERE IS A SEASON 5!
The anime is based on a manga, and the anime follows the individual stories and longer arcs pretty faithfully/chronologically. I don't think the series creator/animators responsible for making the anime can be blamed for the inconsistent development of the story and characters- the author of the source material started writing a more long-form story as the manga continued and the anime just had to follow it like they've been from the beginning. I noticed the animation quality change too and how they started experimenting with it. There's one particular episode that looked different from any of the episodes from the series where it was a lot shinier (Natsume's hair especially), but then the next episode it was back to normal lol I love this series and it's one of my favorites. I loved it's episodic nature and the longer arcs and inconsistent character development never bothered me. Each episode sort of had a theme of loneliness with a different character/yokai as the center- and I thought that went well with it being episodic.
I totally agree! Would you say the manga is better than the anime? I prefer the art of the manga as opposed to the anime, but I'm not sure whether that preference is worth reading the entire manga series... :/
Well i don't think that it seems like Natsume forgets everything and the story starts over again. Since it's a slice of life series so therefore there are several stories that are about specific yokai asking for natsume's help or giving him trouble. It doesn't mean Natsume forgets them afterwards,it's just he moves on with his life and he probably never see those yokai again. But we do see there are some particular ones that feel attached with natsume appear through all the seasons. Beside, the main story of his life is what it's developing through the series, which does show a lot of character development. There are so many development going on between his relationship with family and friends and yokai. Especially his relationship with yokai is changing through all the season and also with that exocist friend. Although i admit that, at some point the anime has lost it's point, but that's because there are still some stuff that aren't mention yet in terms of the story about the exosists. Also, in some way, probably because the book of friends is not as important anymore but Natsume's point of view. It may still be important because he still has to keep this item safe. There may not be season 5, but I guess we can still tell that this story has not ended.
Natsume Yuujinchou is one of my faourite shows. There are some things I disagree with you don't really need mentioning but I just have to say that, to me, the OST is one of my favourites. I love love love it. Even though you say no real tracks stood out, may I remind of you the song when the youkai are given back their names and disappear. That song had hit everyone in the feels I'm sure.I always leave the soundtrack playing when I'm doing work. I feel like the soundtrack and episodic story tied in with Natsume's development is what really made the show for me. I loved watching Natsume grow. And yes after watching your review and thinking back to the show I guess the show did change it's story format, but I didn't really notice it all that much. If anything with where the show is heading, the best way to handle the format now is just to continue what it was doing and have those episodic stories but relate to that exorcist guy in the end of each episode. Gradually everything will be centered entirely on him and they could either make the exorcist a friend and continue the show or completely end the series with Natsume just stopping his plan. Loved your review still, but Natsume will always be in a warm place of my heart.
The reason why there is no romance between Natsume and Sasada is because in the manga, Sasada moves away after the episode that features her youkai experience.
The characters too, would apply. Especially the relationship between Natsume and Nyanko-sensei, as well as characters like Tanuma. They develop, but in a very natural and subtle way IMO. Still, great review :-)
I personally think there is character development. It may not be right in our faces because the story is long and slow-paced as it's meant to be. Rather, you can clearly pick up many changes in for example Natsume's character : he started lonely and scared of being a burden. Later on he's starting to actually count on others around him and realize that he's not alone anymore even moving towards accepting the past. As for the way the story goes from episodic to small arcs, I think it's nice to have a little change of pace once and a while and then go back to something calmer. And example of another great anime that does that is Gintama, although it's not the same type of story AT ALL, we still have the same kind of story build-up. Episodic - arc - episodic - arc - episodic - arc and the arcs build up eventually. I quite like it, I think Natsume Yuujinchou is not really meant to be a story that constantly developps, but more of a journey you get on and just enjoy. I'm not a fan of episodic series usually, I prefer much more the stories with lots of development, but Natsume is kind of an exception like Mushishi.
i think what u said made a lot of sense even when i didn't fully agree i could understand it from your POV so yeah. pretty nice review. i personally really like the show. i think one of the reasons was because i could relate to his character for some reason n that has made me enjoy the story and the characters more. i never really felt that it restarts from every new episode. it just never occur to me. i always feel like it was continuous even though the story is episodic. It kinda reminds me of how life is. As for the music, also for some reasons, i find them enjoyable, there is especially 2 tracks from the background music that i like so much i used to download them to my cellphone n listened to them. it was very calming n yet gave me a taste of 'bittersweetness'. i don't always feel this way towards anime ost so it was special for me.
I disagree with a lot of points that you bring up - the show starts off episodic and you see that while he was initially reclusive and distant from his classmates, and his adopted family and generally hates his ability and avoids yokai at any cost. it’s his interactions with the wide cast of characters - yokai and human - that slowly brings him out of his shell and helps him come to terms with his lonely childhood and his fear of letting other people find out about his abilities. The show is centered around natsume so I never found it off when it started to develop him as a person more - there’s nothing more boring than having an episodic anime where the most recurring character is as fleshed out as a cardboard. Once you get to season 3 + you start seeing what his childhood was like both what he suffered from but also what he missed out - his regrets and fears and I think that’s beautiful. And it’s almost touching when he finally comes to the decision that he wants both - the yokai and the human interactions. He comes to realize that both are fragile and not without flaws but both are worth time and effort investing into
I have to desagree with you xD Everything Developes in the story. Yes it is slow, but it feels Natural and I love it. Is Slow but well driven. The beggining are more episodic because it shows Natsume's lonleyness doing everything by his own having it hard to open up, but slowley he brakes his shell and let more people and Yokai get into his life and that's why we have more of the rest of the cast and more interaction. Even the openings evolves with Natsume, they become more Happy and stronger by season. You hear Op 1 and then Op 6 and is a totally different feeling. But opinions are opinions and this is a 6 years old Video, so whatever xdxd
Nearly dropped this because I wasn't hooked from the first episode/was slightly bored by the characters and the rather plain animation. However, your review and HappiLeeErin's review have convinced me to keep watching and keep on looking for something to pique my interest. Wish me luck!
Hotarubi no Mori e is also created by the same manga artist as Natsume haha. Perhaps I'm used to the 'identity crisis' style as it was also employed in xxxholic, an anime with a different atmosphere than Natsume but the same 'teen orphan boy who is troubled with his clairvoyant skills met a powerful spiritual companion'. I agree most characters like Nishimura, Kitamoto and even Taki aren't developed, but Natsume and Natori are. At first Natsume would try to solve everything himself, but he gradually grew to rely on others (Nyanko, Tanuma, Natori, etc). At first, Natori also adopted the 'youkai are enemies' mindset, but he treated them softer toward the end. This 'identity crisis' style is picked up by the anime studio because the manga artist still releases that kind of new chapters - sometimes episodic, sometimes overarching. I prefer the overarching style as Natsume was drawn further and further into the Youkai world.
I love how u group Mushishi and Yuujinchou. Yuujinchou, Mushishi, HAIBANE renmei are probably an anime of it's group. It is unique and calm. Golden kamuy and a few first episodes of To your Eternity comes close to this genre
What forgettable OST, like Mushishi's it transmits exactly the gentle nature of the anime, what more do you require? I hope your complaint of Mushishi isn't that it's minimalistic...
Hello there.Can anyone pls suggest me some anime that's like Natsume Yuujinchou and Hotarubi no Mori e pls?I just watch finish Natsume and its simple Lovely！
Sry but i couldn't catch what was the second anime you introduced. A very nice review, your reviews has allowed me to understand more about the series and even some points that i never realized about when watching the series. Great review, i hope to see more:)
This video is so biased. You cannot expect every show to live up to "your individual" expectations. You have to be open minded sometimes and accept as what the show has to offer. Natsume is very excellent as what it is. That is why it has many seasons, and every chapter in manga is released every two months because the author really plan to make the story episodic so it doesn't effect the previous chapter. If the manga is released like naruto, one piece, and other long running manga, natsume will be very popular.
I started watching this anime because people said it was like mushishi, but as you said it isn't as mature. Still enjoyed it though, it's not one of my personal favourite but it's pretty good. Madara is the best thing in the show.
Can anyone help me my phone was stolen and all of the animes that i have seen was on that phone and whats more my phone was stolen by one of my teammates and i have been feeling really deprest and dont even feel like watching anime anymore i tryed watching some of my favorite animes but they just made me mad and more deprest so can anyone help me find an anime that wont make me more deprest
My unboxing videos of Natsume are not that popular -,-; I can't seem to get Japanese viewers because it seems to be only popular in Japan, but NOT in other parts of the world. Popular in Japan because there are so many merchandises, even a Natsume cafe! Not popular outside Japan because not Natsume merchandises sold.
Its a slice of life genre afterall god dem it.. it goes around natsume n nyanko... u expect it to be like one piece or what? pfft its "worked well" "need to find identity" "confusing" n then compares to mushishi... i think if you read the manga i bet u will judge the mangaka's terrible drawings and attack on titan has terrible drawings too. This anime what makes it have 5 season and going to have the 6th this year is not about how good the cgi and the character identity is.. its straight how they told the stories and feelings.. its more honest and not exaggerating at all. and im totally not agree with you saying "making the character sympathatic" yeah thats what the ignorant human do to takashi when they know his story but not for the youkai... they want to protect and treasure him.. not base on sympathy but a fucking "friendship" god do you even read the manga. tq for reading my rants n sorry that is purely my opinion.
??The OST's are awesome?! I just don't like that you never really get to know that much about Seiji or the rest of the Matoba clan :/... I'm done with the 6th season and I feel like the story hasn't ended yet :C! But don't get me wrong this is one of my fav animez👌
Episode 6 (Swallow at the Lake Bottom) is an all time classic. I think that's a bit problem for the series because it never again reaches the extremely high bar that episode set. Its almost like this anime peaked too soon or something. That being said there still are some memorable stories/episodes and its a very good anime. 8/10.
I don't really mind the mix of both, character arcs are interesting and so are the episodic, I really like the mix of both. In regards to the actual kind of main plot it is a bit annoying that they keep dangling plot threads but are taking so long to answer it. Events don't effect characters that much and that is true there is a slow gradual towards Natsume especially if you compare is earlier version to his later, he is eventually getting over his past and becoming a happier person but it is pretty slow. In regards to this versus Mushishi its actually pretty close for me, Mushishi is more artsy, the mysteries are far more interesting. Natsume to me has better character designs and ones which stand out, with Mushishi I only ever remember what happened the character designs are all the same, Natsume characters are all different and the tales have a lot more emotion to them compared to Mushishi. I think Mushishi edges a little bit more to me, but its actually pretty close.
Bruh, I disagree with your review. The relationships of the characters keep growing and strengthening throughout story. The Episodic stories focus mainly on growing the characters while having a goal. For overarching stories, they explore a wider exorcist world that natsume doesn’t really want to but inevitably is forced to interfere when they affect the bonds he has created with those he helped and the loyalty and trust that he has gained through the story. It also shows the conflicting ideologies between natsume and the exorcists mainly because natsume realised that the all youkai have a reason behind their mischief and he tries to work it out while the exorcists view youkai as purely evil. This show is definitely great and if you truly understand the characters and story, you will definitely enjoy it much more.
What's wrong with episodic? Most sit-coms are usually similar, would you not watch them? Only films have whole hours on the same subject, and even then usually varies minute to minute.
"Two women were introduced, the perfect set-up for a love triangle." Could this review be any more straight? There is a clear all-male love triangle in the show, and it's both Tanuma and Natori vying for Natsume's affection.
@AnimeEveryday there is a lot of filler in the series, which is why it can feel a little disjointed. Hotaru no Mori e was written by the same mangaka as Netsuke Book of Friends, so there is good reason why it was so similar.
Surprised by the comment about the lack of character development. I felt that the majority of the main characters showed visible development over the series, especially Natsume who starts out afraid of spirits, being close to people, and generally hates his ability, then grows to accept both spirits and humans and learns how to open up. The series gradually reveals the deep psychological and emotional scars he has, whilst healing them along the way. Just my opinion though!
This is exactly what I thought. His development is very subtle and slow. It's why I love this series so much.
The reviewer seems to have missed the point on not only that but the story and OST too, or perhaps doesn't like the tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Iyashikei genre.
Also how Tanuma and Taki develops as well to people who Natsume can count on.
I disagree with most of your complaints about the series . But that is to be expected since it is a personal favorite of mine .
I so hope they never force romance into this show. It doesn't need it at all. Especially if it's Sasada you're thinking of. She shouldn't even be in the anime after a certain point in the first place.
I'm sooooooo burnt out on shows that feel like there just has to be a love interest in it. That's one of the many reasons why I love Natsume's Book of Friends. It focuses on Natsume's relationships with his new family, friends, and the yokai instead of relying on romance to move the story. There are enough shows like that.
But what if they do put romance in it how would you want it work
+Jepze There's been some implied romance between a few of the other characters (usually bittersweet ones between humans and yokai) and there was a chapter in the manga dedicated to showing Touko and Shigeru's relationship right before they took Natsume into their home. That was very sweet and well done.
That's as far as I hope it'll go.
Yep. It's not necessary for Natsume Yuujinchou!^^
I think if there is a romance element it should focus on Reiko or Natsume's parents. I would also argue the episode on Shigeru and Touko is a sort of love centered episode, but I agree we don't need Natsume rejecting someone under the sakura or a love-triangle.
I wouldn't mind a subtle budding relationship between Natsume and Yuriko but it would have to be consistent with the style of the manga/show and would have to come later on.
Hmm, I wouldn't agree on what you said about the story. I think Natsume's overarching narrative is much more subtle, as it mostly focuses on Natsume himself coming out of his shell. That is definitely tangible devt you see from him by S4.
This show took me a couple of months to finish xD It's one of those shows that you just watch before you sleep? Like Mushishi :3
Yeah that's how i watched it, its a really 'chill-out' anime. Especially the earlier episodes that don't have an overarching story at all.
Woah... Same😂
How can we watch this anime's all episodes for free?
I know this is an old video, but I'm happy to see the comments are generally praising the series. Even with my anime watching friends it is not well known.
I love your channel, but I can't disagree with you more on this review. I love Natsume as a character and feel that he does develop subtly through the series. I think the OST is amazing, I have so many songs from Natsume on my chill out playlist. I agree that the main story arc with Matoba and Natori can wear a bit thin, but some of these episode have been great and have added a lot to the light-horror elements of the show
I was actually really surprised with all of the points he made (and not in a good way). Natsume was an amazing character, and it always just felt right when it talked about his past. It wasn't just about the audience sympathizing with him, but also to help us grow more attached to him as a character, and considering how much I obsess over Natsume, it probably works.
this is a great show, im totally disagreed about the negative points of your review
If I had to pick a favourite anime, it would be Natsume Yuujinchou. Sorry but just because its not a fast paced shounen it still has a lot of redeeming qualities.
You say the music is boring but for me the music is one of the strongest points of the show. I am constantly left feeling soothed and refreshed by the music, and with the imaginary of wind blowing through the forests. They use a variety of instruments, including a bassoon, which is unusual for an anime, and I appericite its depth.
Plot wise, it seemed fine to me. Natsume Yuujinchou is not a series with a fast pace. I found season 3 to be enjoyable, as it eased you into darker themes. This is similar to the manga. Also, the manga chapters were originally selected and presented in a different order (the plot was left in favour of the stand alone stories) as it was a different kind of show than what is usually showed, and without its success the show may not have gotten more seasons. Slowly setting a gradient from episodic, lighthearted episodes to more over-arching plotlines to me is a really good plot. It has been done and praised for in other shows like Yu Yu Hakushou, and I feel it is natural after some time, as 6 seasons of closed stories would become boring.
I would also argue the Characterization is there- it is just subtle. Considering Natsume's isolated childhood and his anxiety around causing trouble for others, it would be odd for him to explore romance so quickly. He also has changed around his male friends- becoming more open with them (although still having to conceal his abilities) and with Shigeru and Touko-san, it seems he is less anxious around them. The fact that from the beginning Natsume is living with relatives and not his parents also hints at a darker past from the get go, as well as how violent some Yokai can be towards him. For example- the mermaid in season one.
To compare it to Mushishi is an odd choice for me. Mushishi is a more horror based series, and although the plot elements are similar Natsume Yuujinchou is definitely trying to present Yokai as having their own lives and feelings, and that they are often misunderstood. Mushishi is more like Yokai tales. As for the film- it is not only the same studio but also the same mangaka. I'd probably reccomend "Bakemono no Ko" and "Nurahiyon no Mago" over Mushishi.
You are entitled to your opinion, but I think you are missing the real charm of the show. I think an understanding of Japanese culture can help as well. It is odd to show your feelings outwardly. Most anime's are as realistic as a telanovela. Unlike other supernatural shows, Natsume is about a mundane life in the presence of the sacred/supernatural. It is about struggling to live between two worlds. It is about considering others feelings and perspectives. It is about how you are tied to the past, even when you don't know it. Even from the first season I think you can see these themes and I think that they hint at them. I think the changes in characters is more subtle- like in real life. I'm not a great reviewer and I've not watched for a few months, but I feel like there is a lot to Natsume Yuujinchou.
Also, if you can't say "Yuu-jin-chou" with confidence, it is also called "Natsume's book of friends." And I don't mean to sound mean, this is just my opinion. And I do enjoy your reviews.
Just know that Natsume Yuujinchou will have it's 6th season released this year.. Just shows how good this anime is.
I usually agree with your reviews, but not in this case. Natsume has a very clear idea since the begining, there is a background story and a subtle character development. The slice of life is used to show how the characters slowly develop through a sum of apparently unrelated experiences. Both narrative structures can perfectly coexist in my opinion, and they actually do in this anime. Besides, it's ok to not feel sorry or sympathetic towards Natsume, because the story is not actually about how much Natsume suffers because he can see yokai, it's about how he's learning to appreciate life in spite of his sorry past. You are not supposed to sympathize with his misery, because he is not miserable anymore. It's a story about discovering joy after hardship. That aside, for me the soundtrack is amazing on it's simplicity. Very atmospheric and emotional. I can't get enough of it. And by the way, not only Hotarubi no Mori e is animated by the same studio, it's also written by the same mangaka. Cheers.
I really loved this show, it got me into the whole chill out, episodic type of anime like Mushishi and Kino's journey. Yeah I think it's not as mature as the others but it's more heart warming. I'm so excited that a new season is announced!!
Only one not mature is Nyanko-sensei, but then he's a cat.
This show is my personal favourite, and I love every minute of it. Being a Natsume Yuujinchou fan would only knows its beauty and its OST is unforgettable. It's an anime that you should enjoy season by season and not 4 at once. I AM GLAD THAT THERE IS A SEASON 5!
Natsume Yuujinchou and Hotarubi no Mori e were actually created by the same person.
The anime is based on a manga, and the anime follows the individual stories and longer arcs pretty faithfully/chronologically. I don't think the series creator/animators responsible for making the anime can be blamed for the inconsistent development of the story and characters- the author of the source material started writing a more long-form story as the manga continued and the anime just had to follow it like they've been from the beginning.
I noticed the animation quality change too and how they started experimenting with it. There's one particular episode that looked different from any of the episodes from the series where it was a lot shinier (Natsume's hair especially), but then the next episode it was back to normal lol
I love this series and it's one of my favorites. I loved it's episodic nature and the longer arcs and inconsistent character development never bothered me. Each episode sort of had a theme of loneliness with a different character/yokai as the center- and I thought that went well with it being episodic.
I totally agree! Would you say the manga is better than the anime? I prefer the art of the manga as opposed to the anime, but I'm not sure whether that preference is worth reading the entire manga series... :/
Well i don't think that it seems like Natsume forgets everything and the story starts over again. Since it's a slice of life series so therefore there are several stories that are about specific yokai asking for natsume's help or giving him trouble. It doesn't mean Natsume forgets them afterwards,it's just he moves on with his life and he probably never see those yokai again. But we do see there are some particular ones that feel attached with natsume appear through all the seasons. Beside, the main story of his life is what it's developing through the series, which does show a lot of character development. There are so many development going on between his relationship with family and friends and yokai. Especially his relationship with yokai is changing through all the season and also with that exocist friend. Although i admit that, at some point the anime has lost it's point, but that's because there are still some stuff that aren't mention yet in terms of the story about the exosists. Also, in some way, probably because the book of friends is not as important anymore but Natsume's point of view. It may still be important because he still has to keep this item safe. There may not be season 5, but I guess we can still tell that this story has not ended.
I remember the writer/artist of Natsume mentioning that she didn't like writing love in her stories, haha.
Natsume Yuujinchou is one of my faourite shows. There are some things I disagree with you don't really need mentioning but I just have to say that, to me, the OST is one of my favourites. I love love love it. Even though you say no real tracks stood out, may I remind of you the song when the youkai are given back their names and disappear. That song had hit everyone in the feels I'm sure.I always leave the soundtrack playing when I'm doing work. I feel like the soundtrack and episodic story tied in with Natsume's development is what really made the show for me. I loved watching Natsume grow.
And yes after watching your review and thinking back to the show I guess the show did change it's story format, but I didn't really notice it all that much. If anything with where the show is heading, the best way to handle the format now is just to continue what it was doing and have those episodic stories but relate to that exorcist guy in the end of each episode. Gradually everything will be centered entirely on him and they could either make the exorcist a friend and continue the show or completely end the series with Natsume just stopping his plan.
Loved your review still, but Natsume will always be in a warm place of my heart.
The reason why there is no romance between Natsume and Sasada is because in the manga, Sasada moves away after the episode that features her youkai experience.
Shallow and superficial reviews. I got past the Story part and stopped just after 1 sentence about Character.
The characters too, would apply. Especially the relationship between Natsume and Nyanko-sensei, as well as characters like Tanuma. They develop, but in a very natural and subtle way IMO. Still, great review :-)
I personally think there is character development. It may not be right in our faces because the story is long and slow-paced as it's meant to be. Rather, you can clearly pick up many changes in for example Natsume's character : he started lonely and scared of being a burden. Later on he's starting to actually count on others around him and realize that he's not alone anymore even moving towards accepting the past.
As for the way the story goes from episodic to small arcs, I think it's nice to have a little change of pace once and a while and then go back to something calmer. And example of another great anime that does that is Gintama, although it's not the same type of story AT ALL, we still have the same kind of story build-up.
Episodic - arc - episodic - arc - episodic - arc
and the arcs build up eventually.
I quite like it, I think Natsume Yuujinchou is not really meant to be a story that constantly developps, but more of a journey you get on and just enjoy.
I'm not a fan of episodic series usually, I prefer much more the stories with lots of development, but Natsume is kind of an exception like Mushishi.
i think what u said made a lot of sense even when i didn't fully agree i could understand it from your POV so yeah. pretty nice review. i personally really like the show. i think one of the reasons was because i could relate to his character for some reason n that has made me enjoy the story and the characters more. i never really felt that it restarts from every new episode. it just never occur to me. i always feel like it was continuous even though the story is episodic. It kinda reminds me of how life is. As for the music, also for some reasons, i find them enjoyable, there is especially 2 tracks from the background music that i like so much i used to download them to my cellphone n listened to them. it was very calming n yet gave me a taste of 'bittersweetness'. i don't always feel this way towards anime ost so it was special for me.
i thought the trio is mushishi, natsume yuujinchoi then mononoke(the story of the medicine seller)
I disagree with a lot of points that you bring up - the show starts off episodic and you see that while he was initially reclusive and distant from his classmates, and his adopted family and generally hates his ability and avoids yokai at any cost. it’s his interactions with the wide cast of characters - yokai and human - that slowly brings him out of his shell and helps him come to terms with his lonely childhood and his fear of letting other people find out about his abilities. The show is centered around natsume so I never found it off when it started to develop him as a person more - there’s nothing more boring than having an episodic anime where the most recurring character is as fleshed out as a cardboard. Once you get to season 3 + you start seeing what his childhood was like both what he suffered from but also what he missed out - his regrets and fears and I think that’s beautiful. And it’s almost touching when he finally comes to the decision that he wants both - the yokai and the human interactions. He comes to realize that both are fragile and not without flaws but both are worth time and effort investing into
I have to desagree with you xD Everything Developes in the story. Yes it is slow, but it feels Natural and I love it. Is Slow but well driven.
The beggining are more episodic because it shows Natsume's lonleyness doing everything by his own having it hard to open up, but slowley he brakes his shell and let more people and Yokai get into his life and that's why we have more of the rest of the cast and more interaction. Even the openings evolves with Natsume, they become more Happy and stronger by season. You hear Op 1 and then Op 6 and is a totally different feeling.
But opinions are opinions and this is a 6 years old Video, so whatever xdxd
Always will be my favorite anime
Nearly dropped this because I wasn't hooked from the first episode/was slightly bored by the characters and the rather plain animation. However, your review and HappiLeeErin's review have convinced me to keep watching and keep on looking for something to pique my interest. Wish me luck!
Hotarubi no Mori e is also created by the same manga artist as Natsume haha. Perhaps I'm used to the 'identity crisis' style as it was also employed in xxxholic, an anime with a different atmosphere than Natsume but the same 'teen orphan boy who is troubled with his clairvoyant skills met a powerful spiritual companion'. I agree most characters like Nishimura, Kitamoto and even Taki aren't developed, but Natsume and Natori are. At first Natsume would try to solve everything himself, but he gradually grew to rely on others (Nyanko, Tanuma, Natori, etc). At first, Natori also adopted the 'youkai are enemies' mindset, but he treated them softer toward the end. This 'identity crisis' style is picked up by the anime studio because the manga artist still releases that kind of new chapters - sometimes episodic, sometimes overarching. I prefer the overarching style as Natsume was drawn further and further into the Youkai world.
I love how u group Mushishi and Yuujinchou.
Yuujinchou, Mushishi, HAIBANE renmei are probably an anime of it's group. It is unique and calm.
Golden kamuy and a few first episodes of To your Eternity comes close to this genre
What forgettable OST, like Mushishi's it transmits exactly the gentle nature of the anime, what more do you require? I hope your complaint of Mushishi isn't that it's minimalistic...
In my whole life, I've never seen anything relaxing like this one
Hello there.Can anyone pls suggest me some anime that's like Natsume Yuujinchou and Hotarubi no Mori e pls?I just watch finish Natsume and its simple Lovely！
fruits baskets
SARAH Jensen Mushishi, though it's a bit darker
Sry but i couldn't catch what was the second anime you introduced. A very nice review, your reviews has allowed me to understand more about the series and even some points that i never realized about when watching the series. Great review, i hope to see more:)
Thanks man! :D
And yeah i'll need to add text to the recommendations section. The first was Mushishi and the second was "Hoturabi no Mori e"
This video is so biased. You cannot expect every show to live up to "your individual" expectations. You have to be open minded sometimes and accept as what the show has to offer. Natsume is very excellent as what it is. That is why it has many seasons, and every chapter in manga is released every two months because the author really plan to make the story episodic so it doesn't effect the previous chapter. If the manga is released like naruto, one piece, and other long running manga, natsume will be very popular.
Thank you for your post! You show both direct and otherworld views! It's basically perfect!
I started watching this anime because people said it was like mushishi, but as you said it isn't as mature. Still enjoyed it though, it's not one of my personal favourite but it's pretty good.
Madara is the best thing in the show.
Season 5 confirmed for October 2016 ^0^
Can anyone help me my phone was stolen and all of the animes that i have seen was on that phone and whats more my phone was stolen by one of my teammates and i have been feeling really deprest and dont even feel like watching anime anymore i tryed watching some of my favorite animes but they just made me mad and more deprest so can anyone help me find an anime that wont make me more deprest
My unboxing videos of Natsume are not that popular -,-; I can't seem to get Japanese viewers because it seems to be only popular in Japan, but NOT in other parts of the world.
Popular in Japan because there are so many merchandises, even a Natsume cafe! Not popular outside Japan because not Natsume merchandises sold.
Natsume is very enjoyable to watch!
Its a slice of life genre afterall god dem it.. it goes around natsume n nyanko... u expect it to be like one piece or what? pfft its "worked well" "need to find identity" "confusing" n then compares to mushishi... i think if you read the manga i bet u will judge the mangaka's terrible drawings and attack on titan has terrible drawings too. This anime what makes it have 5 season and going to have the 6th this year is not about how good the cgi and the character identity is.. its straight how they told the stories and feelings.. its more honest and not exaggerating at all. and im totally not agree with you saying "making the character sympathatic" yeah thats what the ignorant human do to takashi when they know his story but not for the youkai... they want to protect and treasure him.. not base on sympathy but a fucking "friendship" god do you even read the manga. tq for reading my rants n sorry that is purely my opinion.
??The OST's are awesome?! I just don't like that you never really get to know that much about Seiji or the rest of the Matoba clan :/... I'm done with the 6th season and I feel like the story hasn't ended yet :C! But don't get me wrong this is one of my fav animez👌
Episode 6 (Swallow at the Lake Bottom) is an all time classic. I think that's a bit problem for the series because it never again reaches the extremely high bar that episode set. Its almost like this anime peaked too soon or something. That being said there still are some memorable stories/episodes and its a very good anime. 8/10.
I don't know how u watched it but it is slow but awesome character develop
Is it weird that some of the episodes just make me cry
I don't really mind the mix of both, character arcs are interesting and so are the episodic, I really like the mix of both. In regards to the actual kind of main plot it is a bit annoying that they keep dangling plot threads but are taking so long to answer it. Events don't effect characters that much and that is true there is a slow gradual towards Natsume especially if you compare is earlier version to his later, he is eventually getting over his past and becoming a happier person but it is pretty slow. In regards to this versus Mushishi its actually pretty close for me, Mushishi is more artsy, the mysteries are far more interesting. Natsume to me has better character designs and ones which stand out, with Mushishi I only ever remember what happened the character designs are all the same, Natsume characters are all different and the tales have a lot more emotion to them compared to Mushishi. I think Mushishi edges a little bit more to me, but its actually pretty close.
Bruh, I disagree with your review. The relationships of the characters keep growing and strengthening throughout story. The Episodic stories focus mainly on growing the characters while having a goal. For overarching stories, they explore a wider exorcist world that natsume doesn’t really want to but inevitably is forced to interfere when they affect the bonds he has created with those he helped and the loyalty and trust that he has gained through the story. It also shows the conflicting ideologies between natsume and the exorcists mainly because natsume realised that the all youkai have a reason behind their mischief and he tries to work it out while the exorcists view youkai as purely evil. This show is definitely great and if you truly understand the characters and story, you will definitely enjoy it much more.
YOU HAVE BEEN LIKED!!!!
naaaaatsuuumeeee
6 seasons yay
you should do tatami galaxy
I really like the tatami galaxy, its on my list of things to review :)
Great review but i have seen a couple episodes and it being episodic isn't for me. Though great review.
Yeah the episodic style isn't for everyone. Thanks for the comment :D
What's wrong with episodic? Most sit-coms are usually similar, would you not watch them? Only films have whole hours on the same subject, and even then usually varies minute to minute.
natsume yuujinjo whattt can u pronounce it right.. its choouuuuuu not jouuuu
Please do tatami galaxy!!!!!!
Very well done mate :)
NOPE , DISAGREE WITH THE NEGATIVE POINTS TBH, N0OO00Oo0OPE
Do ping pong!
I will once it finished airing :)
"Two women were introduced, the perfect set-up for a love triangle." Could this review be any more straight? There is a clear all-male love triangle in the show, and it's both Tanuma and Natori vying for Natsume's affection.
I enjoyed this show, but I definitely feel that Mushishi was better.
It's darker, so I often think these two are yin and yang.
You need to update this
@AnimeEveryday there is a lot of filler in the series, which is why it can feel a little disjointed. Hotaru no Mori e was written by the same mangaka as Netsuke Book of Friends, so there is good reason why it was so similar.