Natsume's Book of Friends
Natsume's Book of Friends Season 1
Natsume Yuujinchou
Genres
- Slice of Life
- Supernatural
Tags
all 19- FantasyYoukai98
- Slice of LifeIyashikei96
- TechnicalEpisodic88
- Main CastMale Protagonist81
- OtherFound Family71
- OtherAdoption71
- SceneRural70
- DemographicShoujo66
- UniverseUrban Fantasy65
- DramaBullying60
- Slice of LifeCute Boys Doing Cute Things60
- Main CastPrimarily Teen Cast54
- Main CastPrimarily Male Cast53
- FantasyExorcism50
- SceneOutdoor Activities50
- FantasyShapeshifting50
- TraitsTsundere48
- DramaComing of Age40
- SceneSchool20
Genres: Slice of Life, Supernatural. Tags: Youkai, Iyashikei, Episodic, Male Protagonist, Found Family, Adoption, Rural, Shoujo, Urban Fantasy, Bullying, Cute Boys Doing Cute Things, Primarily Teen Cast.
#317
Ranked
#427
Popularity
16.8K
Favorites
119.5K
Members
#1
This Season
Rated TV
#1
This Season
Popular TV
#274
All Time
Rated TV
#453
All Time
Popular TV
Episode Progress
Complete13 / 13 episodes aired
All 13 episodes available on Bilibili TV, Crunchyroll, Netflix, YouTube
- Premiered
- Summer 2008
- Aired
- Jul 8, 2008 – Sep 30, 2008
- Broadcast
- Tuesday · 01:00:00
- Duration
- 24 min
- Time to Complete
- 5h 10m
- Rating
- PG - Children
- Studio
- Brain's Base
Alternative Titles
ja夏目友人帳
en-x-romajiNatsume Yuujinchou
enNatsume Yujin-cho
enNatsume Yujincho
thนัตสึเมะกับบันทึกพิศวง
enNatsume's Book of Friends Season 1
enO Livro de Amigos de Natsume
undHữu Nhân Sổ - Natsume Yuujinchou
Synopsis
Due to an unusual ability to see strange creatures called youkai, Takashi Natsume has never fit in. Passed around from one foster home to another, he was left isolated and lonely. Over time, he has accepted that no one would ever believe him and has closed himself off to his current caretakers and classmates. When Natsume accidentally breaks an intangible barrier, he frees Madara—a mighty spirit in the form of a lucky cat. Madara notices that Natsume bears a remarkable resemblance to his late grandmother Reiko Natsume, an outcast girl who became known across the youkai world for creating the Book of Friends. It is now in Natsume's possession, along with its power to call upon the written names of the youkai Reiko had defeated. With no interest in its powers, Natsume decides to keep the book for the sake of his grandmother's memories and to protect it from scheming youkai. Therefore, he makes a deal with Madara: he will hand him the book once his time is up, and in turn, Madara will act as Natsume's unofficial bodyguard, nicknamed Nyanko-sensei. With his newfound goal of freeing those Reiko had sealed, Natsume's relationship with both youkai and humans slowly begins to improve. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Synopsis
Natsume Yuujinchou was licensed for an English release as Natsume's Book of Friends by NIS America, Inc. It was released October 9, 2012 as a Season 1 and 2 DVD Premium Edition followed by a DVD Standard Edition release February 4, 2014. It is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
Where to Watch
Trailer
Franchise Timeline
Natsume's Book of Friends is entry 1 of 9 in the Natsume's Book of Friends watch order — the first entry in this franchise's main story.
Franchise Timeline
Natsume's Book of Friends
Side Stories
Essential·Core entries only — skip filler and side content
- Natsume's Book of FriendsSeason 12008
- Natsume's Book of Friends Season 2Season 22009
- Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3Season 32011
- Natsume's Book of Friends Season 4Season 42012
- Natsume's Book of Friends Season 5Season 52016
- Natsume's Book of Friends Season 6Season 62017
- Natsume's Book of Friends Movie: Ephemeral BondMain Story #7 (MOVIE)2018
- Natsume's Book of Friends Season 7Season 82024
- Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7: The Outstretched HandMain Story #9 (SPECIAL)2025
Complete·Everything including OVAs, specials & side stories
- Natsume’s Book of Friends: On a Certain Snowy DayOptional OVA2014
- Ichiban Kuji Natsume Yuujinchou: Nyanko-sensei to Hana ShirabeOptional ONA2021
- Natsume's Book of Friends: A Day Out in Hitoyoshi KumaOptional TV2021
- Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou: 3D Nyanko-sensei GekijouOptional SPECIAL2009
- Natsume’s Book of Friends: Nyanko-Sensei and the First ErrandOptional SPECIAL2013
- Natsume's Book of Friends Season 5 SpecialsOptional SPECIAL2017
- Natsume's Book of Friends Season 6 SpecialsOptional SPECIAL2017
- Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange VisitorOptional MOVIE2021
Platform Scores
MAL
8.30
AniList
80 / 100
Kitsu
82 / 100
AniList Trend
99
Episode Guide
Aired so far: 13 / 13
Main Story
13 / 13
100%
Latest Aired
Episode 13
Remaining
Fully available
Aired so far
Theme Songs
Public users tracking this
1
Status Breakdown
Tags
Shows how closely each tag relates to this animeShow spoiler tags1
Relations
Recommendations
10 recommendations
Mushi-Shi
Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light
The Ancient Magus' Bride
xxxHOLiC
Mushi-shi: Next Passage Part 2
Fruits Basket 1st Season
Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Raven of the Inner Palace
The Morose Mononokean
Kamisama Kiss
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in the first season of Natsume's Book of Friends?
The first season of Natsume's Book of Friends consists of 13 episodes. Each episode has a standard runtime of approximately 24 minutes.
Is Natsume's Book of Friends finished or ongoing?
This specific entry, which aired in the summer of 2008, is considered finished. It serves as the first installment in a larger franchise consisting of nine entries total.
Where can I watch Natsume's Book of Friends online?
You can stream Natsume's Book of Friends on Crunchyroll. It is available there for viewers looking to experience the series officially.
What is the plot of Natsume's Book of Friends?
The story follows Takashi Natsume, a boy who has the ability to see youkai and has struggled with isolation throughout his life. After accidentally freeing a powerful spirit named Madara, who resembles a lucky cat, Natsume begins to learn about his late grandmother's mysterious past and her connection to the spirit world.
What is the correct watch order for the Natsume's Book of Friends franchise?
This anime is the first entry out of nine in the franchise. To follow the narrative chronologically, you should start with this series and then proceed to its direct sequel, Natsume's Book of Friends Season 2.
Who is the director behind Natsume's Book of Friends?
Natsume's Book of Friends was directed by Oomori, Takahiro. The animation for this season was produced by the studio Brain's Base.
If I enjoy Natsume's Book of Friends, what other anime should I watch?
Fans of the supernatural and slice-of-life elements in this series often enjoy Mushi-Shi, Into the Forest of Fireflies' Light, and The Ancient Magus' Bride. Other recommendations include xxxHOLiC and Mushi-shi: Next Passage Part 2.
Is Natsume's Book of Friends appropriate for children?
Yes, the series carries a PG - Children rating. It is known for its iyashikei and mythological themes, offering a gentle and reflective tone.
Information
- Type
- TV
- Status
- Finished
- Country
- Japan
- Premiered
- Summer 2008
- Aired
- Jul 8, 2008 – Sep 30, 2008
- Broadcast
- Tuesday · 01:00:00
- Episodes
- 13 / 13
- Duration
- 24 min
- Time to Complete
- 5h 10m
- Rating
- PG - Children
- Studio
- Brain's Base
Alternative Titles
ja夏目友人帳
en-x-romajiNatsume Yuujinchou
enNatsume Yujin-cho
enNatsume Yujincho
thนัตสึเมะกับบันทึกพิศวง
enNatsume's Book of Friends Season 1
enO Livro de Amigos de Natsume
undHữu Nhân Sổ - Natsume Yuujinchou
Discussion
Discussion