"Natsume Yuujinchou" is a great series, especially if you need a break from the usual anime or would like to relax.

Its setting is nothing out of the ordinary. A highschool boy can see spirits. However unlike other series he doesn't destroy them all but tries to understand their situations and help them. This makes for an anime with very little shounen elements. I would have liked it though if Natsume had shown some more guts and strength every now and then but I guess that wouldn't be a realistic reaction.

There are only a couple of side characters but their personalities and relationships with Natsume are each different. The conversations stay interesting and especially the cat can be really funny.

Just like the theme of this show, its main character and the music, the art is calm and suits it perfectly.

"Natsume Yuujinchou" is a very enjoyable anime. You don't really feel the need to know what happens next and it isn't the most suspenseful but I was always looking forward to watching another episode. Its ability to relax reminded me of "Aria" but it contains less moral and a bit more action.

what I liked:
- Very relaxing
- No shounen focus
- Fitting music and art

what I didn't like:
- The main character does'nt grow much.
Only his situation changes a bit.
- The appearance of spirits was recycled a few times. (show less)

I absolutely love everything about this series.
After reading the manga I decided to pick up the anime, and I'm really glad. The artwork is beautiful and the characters are interesting and unique in themselves, even the minor Ayakashi. The relationships between Natsume and his family and friends are realistic too - sometimes they're good, sometimes they're bad and sometimes they don't quite go the way they're meant to!
Takashi's character is enthusiastic, kind and flawed but you can't help liking him for his headstrong decision to return all the names from his grandmother's Book of Friends to their owners, not because he has to but because he wants to.
One of my most favourite anime I think! (show less)