Natsume's Book of Friends (Natsume Yūjin-chō) is an anime about a boy who can see youkai. He inherited a book from his Grandmother (Reiko). Within the book are the names of youkai who Reiko gained by challenging Youkai to a game and winning. Having the youkai's name in this book binds this youkai to the owner of the book and gives the owner power over that youkai.
This book is highly coveted by other youkai with nefarious purposes. Natsume is not interested in the power that is within the Book of Friends but rather goes around freeing the youkai and releasing their names from the book. Along the way Natsume makes friends with the youkai and a close group of other human friends.
Natsume is helped by Nyanko-sensie his youkai cat. Who also acts as Natsume's body guard.
Over the seven seasons to date we have seen Natsume grow up before our eyes. It is so different than many other shows you find. The best way that I can explain it is that is like a comfort food. A favourite food you had as a child and every time you have again. The aroma and flavours bring nostalgic feelings and memories. It always leaves you wanting more and longing for the next time.
Season 7 is no different. It started of slowly and I wondered what I actually liked about the show. I kept watching and found myself once again caught up in the ebb's and flows of Natsume's world. A key detail revealed in Season 7 was the origins of the Book of Friends and more of Reiko's (Natsume's Grandmother) personality.
It is a wonderful anime with a beautiful soundtrack. If you ever watch it, I encourage you to stick with it and it will give back to you many times over.
