Natsume Yuujinchou

I just finished watching all 13 episodes of Natsume Yuujinchou. It's a short but very beautiful experience. Each and every episode touches my heart. I'm glad there's a 2nd Season for this series. (*^.^) I also just finished watching the 1st episode of Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou and I'll be penning my thoughts later.



Plot
Natsume Yuujinchou centers around Natsume Takashi, who has the ability to see youkai (spirits). He inherits a strange book that belonged to his deceased grandmother, Reiko. His deceased grandmother had the same ability to see youkai. She defeated many spirits and wrote their names in a book called 'Book of Friends'. The book is a binding contract formed between the spirits and the owner of the book. Knowing the history behind the book, with the help of a spirit cat, Natsume is determined to free the spirits and return their names.

In each episode, Natsume encounters a different youkai. Some youkai seek to get their names back while others seek help from Natsume, which he can never refuse. Natsume Yuujinchou focuses on human/human and human/youkai relationsips. Each story is very well written and carries a meaningful message.

Art/Animation
I love the art. It's very pleasing to the eye. It's simple but it blends very well with this series. I love the way the background is beautifully drawn with warm colors. As for the animation, I love the scenes in which Natsume return the youkai's names. The way he blows out the letters from the paper makes me fall in love with this anime series and Natsume.



Characters
In each episode, you'll get to see different youkai. All the youkai have different personalities, however, one thing in common is they all have a sad past. I can't help but feel sorry for them. Natsume must be feeling the same way and that's why he goes all out to help the youkai. Through helping the youkai, Natsume learns more about himself and his grandmother, and he also grows to trust and love both humans and youkai.

Another interesting character is the spirit cat called Madara aka Nyanko-sensei. On surface, he appears to be only concerned about obtaining the 'Book of Friends'. Over time, he becomes more attached to Natsume and, despite his own constant contradictions, he actually worries more about Natsume than the book.

Favorite Character: Natsume (He's so caring!!) (♥_♥)