Natsume Yuujinchou

Both series deal with seeing/helping spirits.. Natsume Yuujinchou is a bit more serious while Hanada Shounen-shi focuses more on comedy. 

report Recommended by Tempz

These series are just two of a kind, dealing with the ghosts, life-after death and family themes. Hanada Shonen-shi is more visually explicit, more complex, more parodic and globally aimed towards a more mature audience despite the age of its main character, while Natsume is more of a conventional  slice-of-life/comedy with traditional but great characters. Both are equally good, but Hanada Shonen-shi deserves to be known better. If you liked Natsume, you definitely have to check out Hanada. 

report Recommended by Jacut

same theme, same feeling, many ghost experiences. 

report Recommended by saegeek

Hanada Shounen-shi and Natsume Yuujinchou both tell very touching stories about the relationships of humans and spirits. 

report Recommended by pizzadood

The similarity between Hanada Shounen Shi and Natsune Yuujinchou is both of the main character can see something that ordinary people cannot see. Well of course, its not entirely the same of both whole series. Hanada Shounen shi's main character deal with the dead people's unfinished business and Natsume Yuujinchou's main protagonist deals with spirit by giving back their name. Natsume Yuujinchou is more to relaxing and fun anime series. Whereas for Hanada Shounen Shi, is more to comedy and also can trigger one person's emotional. =)  

report Recommended by yenlingtiew

Kamichu! addpermalink

Natsume Yuujinchou and Kamichu are both somewhat slice of life series which revolve around a young person with supernatural powers. And, of course, both series feature an awesome cat! 

report Recommended by Susan

Both have the same slow pace, and the protagonists can see those kind of "ghosts" or fantastic creatures. 

report Recommended by Leticia

Stories where humans and the supernatural mingle together. 

Kamichu is a very lighthearted look of this delicate and strange relationship, somewhat reminiscing My Neighbor Totoro by Studio Ghibli.
Natsume Yuujinchou takes a deeper and a quite more painful look into this relationship, introducing us to a string of beautiful stories between humans and youkai that are touching and often times sad.

Both are set in the summer, a time of the year that fits both series perfectly. 

report Recommended by CookieBun

A slice of life where there is interaction with shintoist figures. Kamichu has more gods than anything while Natsume Yuujinchou has youkai.  

report Recommended by ladyxzeus

It has the same heartwarming and yet melancholy tone. The main characters can both see gods and supernatural beings and possess of supernatural powers, without being flashy about them. Friendship, getting along, solving problems and helping both people and creatures seem to be an important theme in both.
The Japanese gods and creatures are also the same.
Other recs I can think of are  Spirited Away and XXXHolic 

report Recommended by Jinger

Episodic SoL with a protagonist having to deal with supernatural things. 

report Recommended by ProxyLain

Bakemonogatari addpermalink

The reason I started to compare Bakemonogatari and Natsume Yuujinchou actually is that the male main characters are both voiced by Kamiya Hiroshi. Then I started to notice that the themes and the atmosphere is quite similar. And even if the animation is different they share high production values.
These shows are about high-school boys who get mixed up with supernatural creatures and phenomenon. The main characters take notice of things that normal humans cannot see and try to help out, even if it is dangerous. The arcs of the different stories are not very long but characters frequently show up again. There is an unique mixture of peacefull daily life and violent supernatural occurences. Bakemonogatari has more graphic violence, Natsume on the other hand always tells touching stories...  read more 

report Recommended by DarkLaila

These stories have some interesting parallels. Both are "boy who can see yokai/spirits" shows taking place in the modern day, with main characters in high school who help others dealing with problems pertaining to the spiritual world, and have older, more experienced exorcist mentors. The main characters are somewhat similar despite having different appearances and are both voiced by the same Japanese seiyuu. The two mains come to terms with their place, locked between the human and spiritual word, and find happiness in that role.

There are some noted differences, however. Bakemonogatari focuses primarily on helping humans who have come across dangerous yokai that are cursing or possessing them, and spirits are rarely characters in and of themselves. It's also much more action-oriented and humorous, along with having a harem aspect to it and use of quirky human characters with moe and fanservice elements. The main character also acquired his ability to see strange think later in life, and is dealing with a new skill rather than an old one.

Natsume Yuujinshou is more of a Slice-of-Life, where Natsume helps out and befriends both yokai and humans, as he deals with his ability to see things that others can't. He changes from a person who was alienated and passed from family to family because of his strangeness, and the frightening things he saw as a child. He comes to value his ability as it allows him to make friends with yokai, and help them out. There's some action and humor, but it's a much more subtle and quiet series than Bakemonogatari.

The two series themselves have different animation styles, Bakemonogatari's being somewhat bizarre at times, but both are short-story oriented, with Natsume Yuujinchou being completely episodic and Bakemonogatari having short arts a couple episodes long. Both are sometimes considered 'slow' or 'boring',  (though this is far from the case), because Bakemonogatari focuses so much on dialogue and characters, and Natsume has a more quiet atmosphere with only short moments of action or horror. 

These are both great takes on the "guy who can see spirits" genre. And both worthy of a look. read more

report Recommended by noirgrimoir

Where do I start?

- Protagonist who gets involved with spirits and expert spirits. He tries to help them, without harming their loved ones. Both protas share the same seiyu.
- Both have a somewhat slow pace, with a space for different characters, who come to sympathize with the protagonist or take it to a risky situation.
- In addition, the protagonist carries a hidden power that makes him a magnet for problems, and always accompanies a powerful supernatural being.

And the seasons seem to have no end ... 

report Recommended by JuanShot87

Just think of Bakemonogatari as the more violent and weirder version of Natsume Yuujinchou. Instead of Nyanko-sensei, you get one cute girl who transforms into a cat and another cute girl who's a vampire and hides in Araragi's shadow. For me personally, it was like watching an alternate universe Natsume dealing with all the youkai, only this time his "harem" is female and not male (laughs). Both are charming in their own way, but basically, if you're looking for something with a lot of Kamiya Hiroshi in it plus a lot of weirdness, this is it. If you're looking for the wholesomeness that is the trademark of the Natsume Yuujinchou series, there are some slivers of it throughout the Bakemonogatari series, but definitely of a lesser preportion.  read more 

report Recommended by tourinshinya

Both focus around a character that is caught up in the strange world of the supernatural and handles various day to day cases of the supernatural as well too and both share stylish animation,art and visuals too. 

report Recommended by Disapeared_Ghost

I am surpised not a lot of people compared those two shows. Natsume's Book of Friends and Bakemonogatari both follow the story of an awkward teen who has the power to see spirits (of sorts). Natsume and Araragi start of as outsiders, but as their stories progresses trough the seasons they find friends though they still feel alone from the inside and have trouble blending in. Need I mention that they are both voiced by the same person thus creating a similar vibe around the characters. As for the shows themselves, they speak of similar themes like coming of age and spirits (of sorts)/the supernatural, they aired around the same time and have great character designs. They are also very soothing to watch and can be nostalgia worthy.  read more 

report Recommended by lysanthrope

Tactics addpermalink

Both animes deal with supernatural powers (youkai) and in both animes the main characters are young men who have power over those youkai. Natsume Yuujinchou leaves a way more positive feeling, though. 

report Recommended by Juxian

Hachimitsu to Clover addpermalink

Both concentrates on each characters development and self seeking. 

report Recommended by Nia9001

Both anime series are about life, but from a little bit different angle. Honey and Clover is basically about life, love and friendship while Natsume Yuujinchou has supernatural features in it. No matter how you look on the series, they both are worth watching. Even the major messages are alike plus the anime series are beautifully done. 

report Recommended by manatasia

They have similar gentle, clear art styles and lead characters; Natsume and Takemoto are even voiced by the same seiyuu. They have energy and comedic elements, but are wise and introspective. 

report Recommended by hoonoki

These dramas share a slow, easy pace that really allows them to develop a nice atmosphere. Watching these shows leaves me feeling peaceful and calm.

Honey and Clover focuses on one group of main characters while Natsume Yuujinchou focuses on a main character and various spirits that he encounters.

Natsume Yuujinchou is episodic while Honey and Clover has many small arcs.

The art styles are similar.

report Recommended by Shibs

While Honey and Clover features a heavier focus on romance and everyday life than Natsume Yuujinchou's supernatural aspects, both series possess a gentle, melancholic feeling and emotional plots. 

report Recommended by Leona_Rose412

Honey and Clover as well as Natsume's book of friends are both targeted towards a female audience. They follow the story of a boy trying to find a sense of identity. They both showcase clever and sweet comedy and are very relaxing to watch. Even as slice of lifes they do not fail to keep you entertained at any point. Also the MCs are voiced by the same guy.  

report Recommended by lysanthrope

Flying Witch addpermalink

Both series are very heartwarming and both have supernatural aspects to it.
You will have a feeling about exploring the world that's different from the usual boring human world (Youkai world in Natsume Yuujinchou, Witch world in Flying Witch).
If you liked one of these, I recommend that you watch the other. 

report Recommended by modsoulz

-Both share the Slice of Life and Supernatural genre with Comedy elements
-Both set in rural Japan
-Both involving supernatural creatures and spirits
-Natsume Yuujinchou is more Drama focused whereas Flying Witch's focus is Comedy

Overall if you enjoyed one, you will enjoy the other as well. 

report Recommended by --blueRose--

Now I really don't know why flying witch has such a low rating, but I'll try to be objective here.
The Natsume Yuujinchou franchise is something that is held in a very high regard in the anime community and Flying Witch has similar aspects to it. They have got similar art styles and the same relaxing feel to it. Both shows have supernatural aspects to them that shows different characteristics that appear in each. If you liked the Natsume Yuujinchou series (which you should) then you should definitely  give Flying Witch a try. 

report Recommended by somedayasunbae

- A laid back series about teenagers with a foot in the Supernatural world who come to live with distant relatives in a rural community. 

report Recommended by AreyKyoya

Just like Natsume Yuujinchou, Flying Witch is very heartwarming and involves magic too. A slice of life and comedy anime, involving lovable magical characters.  

report Recommended by TheDoggoneGirl

Both anime deal with supernatural and furthermore both anime are in the countryside of Japan. I recommand those anime because they are making me relax and feel the same way ! 

report Recommended by MSTMC

Kemono no Souja Erin addpermalink

Both have a relaxing atmosphere, which is very calming, though it does get serious and there is some action.
However Natsume is more orientated towards the supernatural, and Erin is focused more on fantasy. Natsume also seems to be aimed at an older audience. Both are good watches to unwind though. 

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

The two shows are not directly similar at all. But they're both very peaceful and soothing. They're also the type that appeals to the 'child' inside you  

report Recommended by eyerok

they both have their calm atmospheric look...their art is little bit alike..both the main characters have supernatural powers...one can see spirits and one can talk to animals... 

report Recommended by rel-mayer

I'm not really sure how to explain it but this anime for some reason reminded me a lot of Natsume Yuujinchou. They both tell a story in a different way to most animes and it's a nice change. 

The stories themselves are not similar but both animes have the same feeling I guess. I might be alone in this recommendation but I think if you enjoyed Kemono no Souja Erin you'll probably enjoy Natsume Yuujinchou.  

report Recommended by PufflyJigg

Kemono no Souja Erin is similar to Natsume Yuujinchou in the almost slice of life feel it gives off. The peaceful feel good moments and the sad touching moments feel somewhat similar. Erin was picked on because of her hair and Natsume was picked on because he could see youkai. If you look at the titles you can see how they are related. Beast Player Erin, she is friends with the beasts. Natsume's Book of Friends, Natsume becomes friends and enemies with various youkai through the use of the book. Both are shows you grow to love the more you watch them, please give Natsume Yuujinchou a try. read more 

report Recommended by astroidstar

Both about independent people who kind of start out as outsiders and would rather not worry others, but also are able to find people that they're able to finally open up to.

Both have magnificent world building, and pay off for characters you meet early coming back later.  

Both protagonists find a strange and quirky mentor who ultimately help them open up to the world and makes them a better person. 

Both share themes of finding yourself in a world where you're different from everyone else.

report Recommended by websky

Wagaya no Oinari-sama. addpermalink

both involve youkai's, and have a similar feeling, except natsume yuujinchou is not as lighthearted as oinari sama. 

report Recommended by ten6cha

Both has a male main character who finds a spiritual creature (in wagaya a fox and in Natsume a cat) that end up protecting them.. they also share that both creature know a person related to the male main character, who is also had a spiritual power..
So they are pretty much the same..   

report Recommended by yumiche

The main characters in both Anime inherit something from their grandmother. Thus their slice-of-life ends up adding a supernatural element to the whole matter. 

report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari

I'll mostly be reiterating what has already been said: They both deal with a young man/boy who has a haughty guardian and they both must contend with youkai who pursue the main character(s). They both also have episodes that deal with helping youkai and Shinto gods in solving problems. Somehow, I just get a somewhat similar feeling when watching Natsume as when I watched Oinari. On the other hand, as others have said, Wagaya is more light-hearted and less melancholy/nostalgic than Natsume. It's been a year and a half since I watched Oinari so I may be remembering certain details incorrectly. Anyway, if you've watched one of these, there's a chance you may like the other. read more 

report Recommended by Solaphar

In both series, there's that mystical feeling. Along with that, the main male protagonist meets an entity who is not so normal and displays supernatural powers.

There is of course the case of supernatural themes involved in both series dealing with various strange incidents and the creatures involved. 

Both series also features somewhat of an episodic sequence that often incorporates what the main characters face in their every day lives. 

report Recommended by Stark700

Ookami to Koushinryou addpermalink

Both animes follow the relation between a human and a supernatural being.

They're also both soft paced and leave a good felling afterwards.

Both great to relax, smile and take a break from heavier animes. 

report Recommended by TheDeadServ

Gingitsune addpermalink

Natsume Yuujinchou and Gingitsune gives off a supernatural and slice of life feeling in a story filled with serene atmosphere. 

The main characters from both series possesses the ability to see what others cannot. What they see though is a supernatural being whom they have an odd relationship with. However, they often are able to collaborate together to serve their communities and bring peace to their worlds.

There is lighthearted comedy, meaningful dialogues, and fun interactions between various characters. 

report Recommended by Stark700

Shounen Onmyouji addpermalink

Both deal with exterminating demons or spirits. In both anime the protagonists have a demon follower (Nyanko - Natsume Yuujinchou / Mokkun - Shounen Onmyouji) which are very similar to each other. 

report Recommended by DeathfireD

Mayonaka no Occult Koumuin addpermalink

This is a show about a main character who can communicate with spirits whose behavior is so far removed from humanity's understanding that even he struggles with it. Buuut they all think he's actually his ancestor, whom they loved. And he uses his exhausting abilities to the benefit of both races. <--- this description works for either anime. However, Natsume has more endearing characters who make more logical appearances.  

report Recommended by AnimeObasan

Teen with the special ability to see/communicate with spirits and tries to help them out 

report Recommended by dragonlady726

~ Both have special abilities to see something that are not others normal people can see. Yes supernatural, spirits. 
~ Especially the main character can have interaction with them. Miyako Arata(Mayonaka no Occult Koumuin) and Natsume Takashi(Natsume Yuujinchou) 
~ Both have dealing with different things. 

Natsume Yuujinchou focused on "Youkai", and Mayonaka no Occult Koumuin focused on "Anothers" (which means Angels, Devils, Yokai and Fairies) 
~ both have cat spirit too :3  

report Recommended by kawaii36

Both main characters can understand spirits and they try to help them. Also both shows have heartwarming moments. 

report Recommended by OverForKittiez

Both are about the supernatural beings.
There is  a similar setting here too. Both MC have a family past that is connected with their present encountering of the supernatural. This setting is the main context of Natsume. While in Mayonaka, it is important, but it does not centre around it. Mayonaka have a concoction of settings in its story concept that actually takes a different direction than Natsume.
Natsume takes on the relaxing, lighthearted vibe as is a slice of life, while Mayonaka is a little more intense and mysterious (well detective being one of its story elements)
However, if you like learning more about the supernatural beings through different creators and context, give the other a shot.
They both naturally incorporate little details and information of the supernaturals in their respective context. Very amusing to see the supernaturals being represented slightly differently in each show.
The characters in both show are easy to like too. But Mayonaka's characters do stand out more due to its story settings.
Both have different art styles, with Natsume's being easy on the eyes, while Mayokana have a Very Pretty (imo) and distinct art style.
 
As of the time of recommendation, Natsume can be describe as an established story with many seasons for it to develop and expand its plot. Mayonaka on the other hand is like a budding flower. From the anime, it is very much just a beginning of a potentially interesting and more action packed story.
I am just hoping Mayonaka get more exposure and have its story produced to meet the expectations of its potential. read more 

report Recommended by mushi_Jyou

Fruits Basket addpermalink

In terms of appearance, there isn't much similarities but both plot has substance in them that is unmistakably heartwarming. Fruits Basket (or Fruba) is just one of those anime that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy and empathize with a lot of it's characters. Natsume has that kind of feel too, a sense of calm like your actually watching straight from your eyes and not from the screen. Comparing soundtracks, both are pretty neat, it's very pleasant to hear. Another thing that is pretty similar to both anime is the main lead's way of thinking, like, moving in to a new house with strangers and feeling a sense of acceptance, taking everything what life throws at them and being able to stand back up again and also handling the supernatural around them and learning to accept them as who they are. Both anime, in my opinion, are very excellent, but for those who can't stand slow paced stories (like Mushishi-pacing),  I think it's still worth a try. read more 

report Recommended by brightseries

Gakkou no Kaidan addpermalink

The lead characters have inherited a book that belonged to their deceased mother/grandmother and that it has something to do with ghosts, spirits and the like. :) 

report Recommended by MaeShareaza

The protagonist in these both find a book that was used to seal demons. The monsters are based on Japanese ghost stories.

 In Natsume Yuujinchou, the main plot was to release captured demons. In Ghost Stories the protagonist accidentally releases all the demons sealed in the book, and needs to find and reseal all of them instead. Both the mascot characters that help the protagonist is a demon in the shape of a cat. 

report Recommended by psycholoner

Extremely similar stories~ almost annoyingly similar. Both protagonists have inherited a book containing the names of the youkai their grandmother/mother fought, with the slight difference that in Natsume Yuujinchou, the boy wants to release those youkai, whereas in Ghost Stories, the girl releases them by mistake and tries to seal them again. 

They are both helped by strong demons which get by in a cat form, called Madara in Natsume Yuujinchou and Amanojaku in Ghost Stories.

report Recommended by Kahya5

Almost same type of plot, just one is supernatural slice of life, other is mystery and horror. Youkai hunting, diary/book related to youkai left by elders, demon disguised as a talking cat, MC possessing occult power- there are so many elements similar between these 2 shows. 

report Recommended by ugly_duckling55

-Both protagonist have inherited a book that belonged to their late mother/grandmother which contained the names of yokai whom their grandmother/mother fought 
-Both protagonist are helped by a strong yokai who is feared and respected in spiritual world 

report Recommended by Shefin

Kimi ni Todoke addpermalink

Although they differ in the genre, both animes give you a peaceful happy feeling. They also are about friendship and bonds. The main charas, Natsume and Sawako are also alike: they are very shy and at the beggining have a hard time, because they cant express themselves and so other people think of them as weird persons, but with the help of their friends they slowly start to open their hearts.  

report Recommended by Orulyon

Definitely different in genres, Natsume Yuujinchou is supernatural themed while Kimi ni Todoke is a pure romantic shoujo, but somehow i can tell that they are very similar indeed.
- Graphicly talking: they both do share very clear and quiet colors, amazing character design and pretty good music themes which all of them make lead the serie to this very calm and relaxing atmosphere, pretty enjoyable.
- About the story: the main characters from both series (Natsume and Sawako) are, at first, without friends due to been judged weird and lonely. But, thanks to their good personality they finally come to know new people and make real nice friends which will help them in many occasions.

I strongly believe that whoever liked one of those serie will love the other as well. read more 

report Recommended by EtnaEraclea

Both series have a very similar vibe, they give off a peaceful, relaxed feeling. =) And now that I think about it, both shows follow a reserved, misunderstood protagonist through the seasons as they begin to open up to new friends and form lasting relationships. 

report Recommended by TehManyard

First differences. Sawako from KimiTo is rumored to be able to see ghost or to be heavily involved in the supernatural. Natsume from NatsumeYuujinchou can actually see ghosts and the supernatural. Sawako has more trouble hiding her emotions, she cries a lot more when she is happy or when she is sad. Natsume is better at hiding when he feels hurt because he grew up being called a liar. KimiTo is a romance.  Natsume is supernatual and a slice of life. 
Similarities: Both stoires leave you with this wonderfully sweet feeling. both characters feel isolated from the people around them. Both want to be close to others. Both are hurt by bullying but are not broken or twisted because of it. Both are quietly strong. Both care a lot about other ppl (or in natsume's case yoki). Both have familys that care about them (natsume are not bilolgical though) and are important to the characters, but the characters they don't confide in them. and finally i love the sweet relaxed feeling of both of them. read more 

report Recommended by BreathOfFire3

Kimi ni Todoke and Natsume Yuujinchou have the same gooey feeling when you're watching. Although Kimi ni Todoke is romance and Natsume Yuujinchou is slice of life, they leave with the same floaty feeling. Kimi ni Todoke's heart warming story about innocent and pure love between two high schoolers is on par with Natsume Yuujinchou beautiful stories centering around the hardship of our main character and the spirits he meets. Both main characters in the shows have similar characteristics. Natsume and Sawako are shy and awkward at times. They both yearn to have a colorful school life with friends, yet don't have the courage to approach people most the time. This characteristic is one many people can relate to which makes both stories all the more beautiful. I highly recommend both shows to anyone looking for a light hearted, comedic, and heart rendering watch. read more 

report Recommended by ummi-chan

Anime: Youkai Apartment no Yuuga na Nichijou

Youkai Apartment no Yuuga na Nichijou addpermalink

-Both series are about a human who interacts with yokai and solves some problems.
-Both stories are pretty relaxing with much focus on "life" and its problems. 

report Recommended by iwsifakismag

Can't have a series about humans and youkai interacting without mentioning the granddaddy of them all. Both protagonists deal with issues of isolation, the death of their parents and finding one's self. Both are surprisingly heartfelt in places but mix in a good dose of comedy as well. 

report Recommended by The_McS

These are both slice of life shows about youkai, and masters who can control them. They are both pretty relaxing.
Youkai Apartment has more comedy elements than Natsume Yuujinchou. 

report Recommended by CSHCHnehir

What if humans could interact with supernatural beings? These two anime will answer to that question, in two different yet similar ways. Both in Natsume Yuujinchou and Elegant Youkai Apartment Life develop their protagonists to learn how to live with the youkai in their lives. Although story wise it isn't completely alike, it does share similar traits. 

report Recommended by Phloup

Both Natsume Takashi and Inaba Yūshi are orphans that had trouble fitting in with other people (whether those people be classmates or living relatives), and they both have an affinity with yōkai. Although they are both friendly with yōkai, they are both close friends with an exorcist. Both Natsume and Inaba find themselves in the possession of a magic book (Inaba's book chose him, and Natsume's belonged to his grandma). Both Natsume and Inaba try to keep their book and connection with yōkai a secret from their human friends (Natsume because he was bullied as a child for his ability to see yōkai, and Inaba because he wouldn't believe it himself if it wasn't happening to him). read more 

report Recommended by Ameonna93

Chihayafuru addpermalink

The stories aren't similar at all, the idea behind the anime's are completely different, and the characters have little in common. However both Natsume Yuujinchou and Chihayafuru are very warm-spirited anime. In Chihayafuru and Natsume Yuujinchou you find yourself smiling unconsciously when the main characters succeed at one of there goals or a nice emotional moment happens. The most striking similarity between the two is the inter-character relations. Both characters are able to make friends because of their various skills and personalities and this friendships blossom into strong bonds which I think are the basic foundations which make each of these anime so great. Natsume makes fiends with the spirits that continue to bother him and Chihaya is able to conquer the challenges that face her because of her friends.  read more 

report Recommended by JordanDN

Noragami addpermalink

Both series focus on characters involved in the supernatural world and take a "monster of the week" approach (though Noragami is more action-centric compared to Natsume Yuujinchou which is more character-centric). 

report Recommended by Savanting

Ushio to Tora (TV) addpermalink

A young boy releases a Youkai and they become partners with the intent of the yokai eating them in the end. In both a friendship type bond begins to form between them. There's also a similar "youkai of the week" thing going on. Ushio to Tora is more actiony than the slower paced Natsume Yuujinchou however. 

report Recommended by NaoiSama

Amatsuki addpermalink

They're both about the interaction between 'ayakashi'/'youkai' and humans. 

report Recommended by Eclia

Cardcaptor Sakura addpermalink

Both have a animal-like sidekick and are mostly about capturing things like animals and ghosts.  

report Recommended by DragonsWhip

Aria the Natural addpermalink

Thoughtful stories aimed at the heart examining small happiness and sorrows in our lives. A tad too "lighthearted" for some, but any story that can warm people's hearts and sometimes bring tears are notable series worth checking out. Absolutely beautiful music and scenery rendered gently makes for a perfect escape for the tired. 

report Recommended by CookieBun

Mokke addpermalink

Both the main character in Mokke  and Natsume Yuujinchou are able to see youkai, which ordinary people can't, which makes them special. Both series also show the main character trying to deal with them in different ways. Natsume give them back their names, while the main character in Mokke tries to protect her sister from being posessed. Both series have a nice feel and where mokke perhaps is a bit moreslice of life, they are both good anime series and if you liked Mokke, then you'll perhaps like this, since it s a bit similar. 

report Recommended by Telnari

Anime: Mahoutsukai no Yome: Hoshi Matsu Hito

Mahoutsukai no Yome: Hoshi Matsu Hito addpermalink

Story and character-wise, they're both very similar in ways and are slice of life genre but with supernatural or magic genre added in, which isn't very common for the SoL genre. While this is a anime recommendation, I am recommending both anime and manga as the Mahoutsukai no Yome anime only focuses on the backstory with 3 OVA.

Both have a similar backstory where both the protagonist grew up in a similar way. Troubled and scared as a child because of seeing things normal people can't and because of that, they act differently in a way that scares other people to the point even their own families don't want anything to do with them. How each managed to cope with it is what sets them apart.

The main story itself revolves around them as teenagers where they've manage to find a place they can call home and even meet people or creatures along the way who befriend them and they do their best to live their daily lives with those who understand them, while occasionally running into trouble.

Mahoutsukai no Yome focuses on magic and fantasy elements while Natsume Yuujinchou focuses on supernatural with yokais and such. read more

report Recommended by Paul

Bai Yao Pu addpermalink

Both MC's meet Spirits and the People involved with them.
They listen to the Stories, then try to help them with the problems that arise from Humans and Spirits meeting.
Not all encounters are Happy outcomes, but both are Great to watch. 

report Recommended by bushman66

Barakamon addpermalink

The setting of the two shows is rather different, but they both have that really strong "feelgood aura" to them. They are both really, really sweet, and full of emotions. They pick you up after a bad day and leave you with good feelings. 

report Recommended by d388

Hyouka addpermalink

Both give a similar feeling. Stories aren't alike at all but both share a quiet and mysterious atmosphere.
The friendship is  important in both. Natsume and Oreki aren't social  people, but they finally create a group of friend around them.
Plus, both anime refer to a traditional aspect of Japan.  

report Recommended by karoochan

Kamisama Hajimemashita addpermalink

Both is about spirits, altough Natsume yuujinchou doesn't have all that romance 

report Recommended by Mizuzuu

Sousou no Frieren addpermalink

Both are chill anime with only small but impactful action. Centered on a character that doesn't really understand the world around him. Both will make you cry at almost every episode because of how life can be so simple and hard and fragile and beautiful and wholesome, all at the same time.

Seriously, if you want another show like Frieren, Natsume's book of friend is a gem that will leave you with that same smile on your face and peace in your heart.

(I would dare say that Natsume's music is even better) 

report Recommended by claudinou

Natsuyuki Rendezvous addpermalink

Both can see ghosts, and have a similar, easygoing calm pace. 

report Recommended by Maitreya

Mieruko-chan addpermalink

Both anime deal with yokai (ghosts) and their protagonists who can see them while the rest of the world can't. Both protagonists try to avoid the evil yokai, although Natsume talks to them while Miko is scared to talk to them. Mieruko-chan has a LOT of fanservice as well but Natsume doesn't. Also, both protagonists are students and some events take place at school. 

report Recommended by Walter_White18

Gin no Saji addpermalink

Both are on friendship and trust theme...both are on slice of life and have comedy in them.. 

report Recommended by industrylamp

Mononoke addpermalink

Both contain philosophical themes and stories with spirits tied into both. They each have deeper meanings. Natsume Yuuijinchou deals with a teenage kid who has an abnormal ability to see these spirits with a rambunctious fat cat supporting him along his excursions. It is also a more calm tempo style that lets you take everything in within an easy pace and less emphasis on horror. 

report Recommended by ChewysPeanuts

Kimetsu no Yaiba addpermalink

Both contain dramatic stories of supernatural creatures which the protagonist meets. For "Kimetsu no Yaiba" these are stories of people who lost their lives and became demons that try to compensate their regrets from the lifetime. Tanjirou is helping them just by understanding them and treating like humans. In "Natsume Yuujinchou" the protagonist solves problems of many youkai, the most common issue of whose is loneliness caused by inability to communicate with people. 

report Recommended by Monogatari

Mob Psycho 100 addpermalink

They both share the same theme, just Natsume is more serious, while Mob Psycho is comedy 

report Recommended by CrowleYo

Momo e no Tegami addpermalink

Although not too alike in terms of story, both anime involve a main character who is able to see beings that others cannot. In fact, they make connections with these beings and throughout the anime, both good and bad fortune comes along with it.

Both movies also follow a somewhat slice of life style type of story with a gentle touch of soft rhythm. Yes, there is also the theme of youkai involved in both anime which are present. They are the supernatural beings from the anime that other people cannot see while the main character can; supernatural addition.

Both anime have a slow pacing but are enjoyable by the way it is presented through its backgrounds.

 read more

report Recommended by Stark700

Fumetsu no Anata e addpermalink

Both follow the life of a young boy(ish) who has supernatural abilities and how he makes friends along the way. He has to grapple with being different and having to protect the ones he loves. 

report Recommended by mai_mai_

Anime: Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World

Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World addpermalink

Both follow an episodic structure with a slower, gentle pacing. The vignettes are often somber in tone, with quite a few sad moments in both series. If you enjoyed the thoughtful nature of one, you'll like the tone of the other.  

report Recommended by iwantcandy2

Tanaka-kun wa Itsumo Kedaruge addpermalink

Like the other user said, they are relaxing. But it is not only that. Although they don't share a similar plot, they focus on aspects of everyday life and interpersonal relationships. They also share a certain vibe that is both relaxing and showcases they beauty in everyday's life. 

report Recommended by KaipZ

Durarara!! addpermalink

I recommend Durarara because it has a similar feel to Natsume Yuujinchou , its mostly a peaceful anime even when there is violence just like Natsume Yuujinchou and there are charactrers and types of people similar to the anime, i dont want to give any spoilers. 

report Recommended by Dannyboy420

Pupipo! addpermalink

Both protagonists suffer because they see Youkai / spirits and are judged by those who can not. In both the main character finds a round and fluffy creature that protect them and begin to live together. 

report Recommended by Luffy22194

Ojiisan no Lamp addpermalink

"Beautiful" is the word I'd choose to describe both stories. They both leave you with this heartwarming, happy feeling. Ojiisan no Lamp is a lot shorter than Natsume though. 

report Recommended by xpaula

Saraiya Goyou addpermalink

The show is very calming and slightly slow-paced like this show but both are very enjoyable just the same. ^_^ 

report Recommended by hamstar138

Anime: Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai.

Ano Hi Mita Hana no Namae wo Bokutachi wa Mada Shiranai. addpermalink

Both lead characters (Natsume and Jinta) are able to see spirits, in Jinta's case its only Menma. Both are slice of life/dramas, but AnoHana is much more of a tear-jerker.  

report Recommended by apolloisfine

Tonari no Totoro addpermalink

One of the things "Tonari no Totoro" is known for is the cat themes which also shows up in "Natsume Yuujinchou. Both" involve the spirit world yet involve a soft take on the subject yet utilizes soft tones for the art work. 

report Recommended by Yemi_Hikari

Kuroshitsuji addpermalink

At first it doesn't seem similiar at all.
But there is some things that connect these series and I probably only noticed because I watched them one after another (I watched Natsume immediately after Kuroshitsuji).

Both have a contract with a demon who promises to eat them after all is done (or in Natsume's case when there is an opening.)
In both cases the main lead is about the only one who knows about it.
Furthermore the male leads seem similiar in personality, appearing adult, serious and short-tempered. 

report Recommended by kujika

xxxHOLiC◆Kei addpermalink

Both have similar main characters with little supernatural adventures each episode. Both are fairly episodic though xxxHOLiC definitely links more episodes together. 

report Recommended by Chicken008

Usagi Drop addpermalink

when u watch this kind of anime its just make u want to watch more and never end 
but at somepoint it will end ,
natsume yujinchou its a great series and the slice of live is just astonishing in every way ive already watch all the series ova and the movie , it never give u hate or any short of it 

its a great shot if u never seen it  

report Recommended by yutshu_chan_lord

Shirokuma Cafe addpermalink

Both involving daily lives with human/humans and talking creatures/animals. 

report Recommended by ZeroMoon

Tamayura: Hitotose addpermalink

-Both anime's moods, animation, and flow of the story/plot are very lighthearted.
-Both are slow-paced and centered around Slice of Life over Comedy.
-Both have the calming quality. 

report Recommended by MagicFlier

Dororo addpermalink

- Both deal with youkai/demons/monster/spirits 
- Both shows focus heavily on a familial bond between of an unlikely pair, growing friendship that start off apart, but slowly grow closer and stronger over the course of the show 
- Both shows are based heavily in Japanese folklore 
- Both shows hold similar themes of overcoming/accepting ones painful past in order to move forward in life. 
- Both have seemingly unconnected singular episodes, but each episode plays a part in building the overall story and play into each character learning and growing.  

report Recommended by websky

Sketchbook: Full Color's addpermalink

relaxing atmospheres, yet natsume has more action and supernatural element as well. yet both seem to show how beautiful world it is and ends each episode with a nice calming feeling 

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

Shinreigari addpermalink

Natsume Yuujinchou gave me same feeling I felt while watching Ghost Hound. Even if the stories are quite different, they have this power to absorb you. Simply marvelous. 

report Recommended by kurotera

Kamisama Hajimemashita◎ addpermalink

I recommend the two because they give the same feeling to the audience when watching. Both anime are about spirits and humans becoming friends and understanding each other slowly. They possess similar themes and pacing with a slight slice of life quality about each episode. The music and animation of both anime are light and airy with a hint of laughter to relax the audience into unconscious enjoyment. 

report Recommended by eien_kiseki

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha. addpermalink

-Both main characters can see yokai's/spirits
-Both relaxing animes that give you the same feels
-Supernatrual 

report Recommended by iNinjeek

Re-Kan! addpermalink

Slice of life show with a protagonist that can see spirits and end up getting into all sorts of hijinks due to them.  

report Recommended by Pseudo_O

Aria the Origination addpermalink

They are both slice of life series with some fantasy aspect. Natsume yuujinchou is a bit more serious, but both have many heartwarming moments that really makes you happy for the characters. 

report Recommended by Telnari

Tonari no Youkai-san addpermalink

A calm small town vibe with co-existing yokai. 

report Recommended by TheSkyCrystal

Ghost Hunt addpermalink

natsume is more relaxed, whilst ghost hunt is more complex and less supernatural/mystical. however same humour, and both amazingly enjoyable watches. 

report Recommended by sugarplumfairy

Miira no Kaikata addpermalink

Kindhearted boys in the present day have encounters with the supernatural that range from cute and funny to scary and sad. They make friends with other teens and a motley but mostly cuddly assortment of critters. Together they laugh, cry, and go on mild adventures. You'll probably laugh and cry, too, often in the very same episode. 

report Recommended by q_3

Kure-nai addpermalink

Both series have a relaxes, slow pace to them, while telling a story that involves a lot of action. They have a similar brand of humor, and tell a story of a young, lonely, powerful boy 

report Recommended by as3

Konohana Kitan addpermalink

Heart-warming stories told in a spiritual way. 

report Recommended by king_pineapple

Koukyuu no Karasu addpermalink

Both follow the daily lives of a mc with spiritual powers as they help different spirits/yokai each episode. Both mcs are quiet and reserved, and they start being somewhat isolated and progressively make more human connections as the anime progresses. They also both have a similar melancholic but warm mood.  

report Recommended by susururu

Youkai Watch addpermalink

Youkai Watch and Natsume Yuujinchou are similar in that both the protagonists befriend and are troubled by youkai (though one can see youkai because they are "gifted" and the other through the use of a watch-like device). Natsume Yuujinchou takes a more sad and serious tone to the youkai presence in the protagionist's life and focuses more on the protagonist. Whereas Youkai Watch takes a more lighthearted and comical tone and focuses more on the youkai. However, both series have a tendency to leave you feeling the same way. They both have touching and warm stories that can make you smile. 

report Recommended by awkwardbonds

Isekai Shokudou addpermalink

-easy, slow paced show
-episodic
-a few "main" characters but a focus on side characters
-quality sound track
-a feeling that the show could be very different but consciously chooses to be a simple story that focuses on human interaction and simple feelings.

Both Isekei Shokuduo and Natsume Yuujichou give you a sense of a greater world that what you expect, yet they limit your view into that world. this can either be infuriating or enjoyable and happily both fall in the latter category.  If you like one, I would recommend the other as a similar, worthwhile story. 

report Recommended by treeflyer

Hakkenden: Touhou Hakken Ibun addpermalink

Both main characters are in a lot of contact with monsters—as friends, not as enemies. A nice change compared to all the monster-slaying anime out there. 

report Recommended by GeniusofIron

Otome Youkai Zakuro addpermalink

They both entail demons/youkais and humans understanding each other. They both are visually appealing and not to mention cute!  

report Recommended by hello_moto

Fruits Basket 1st Season addpermalink

It gives you the same beautiful and relaxing feeling after watching it.
It goes deep into a sad story background.
And the type of music are quite of similar  

report Recommended by Sommeil-Eternel

Mushishi Zoku Shou addpermalink

Both of them are episodic anime.
Both of the stories are based on supernatural events and spirits.  

report Recommended by Shusmita

Inu x Boku SS addpermalink

Both deal with supernatural entities, such a youkai and ayakashi, and feelings of loneliness of the main characters. 

report Recommended by Cureyurika

Uchouten Kazoku addpermalink

Both relatively quiet anime revolving around the secret world of yokai that runs parallel to the human one in urban fantasies that weave together perfectly. While they have their share of action and humor, their effortless psychological and emotional depth elevate them to something more than your average anime without falling into the "Obviously trying to Hard" syndrome or becoming something that hurts your head to watch. Both awesome anime that should appeal to people who like fantasy, yokai and a little something more. 

report Recommended by noirgrimoir

Jigoku Shoujo addpermalink

although jigoki shoujo and natsume yuujincho have a VERY different atmosphere, i feel each show is similar because...
-both have episodes which show the main character helping characters that mostly do not appear a second time
-both have a message in each episode
-involve main character helping people  

report Recommended by Neko-Shinobu

D.Gray-man addpermalink

Both main characters decide to live for both sides. In Natsume Yuujinchou, Natsume helps both the ayakashi and the human, and as for D. Gray Man, Allen fights for both the Akuma and humans. They both portray the interesting internal conflicts between the supernatural and themselves.  

report Recommended by 78cheesecake

Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi addpermalink

Also based on Japanese folklore and interactions with ayakashi. Like Natsume, the main character has a grandparent who is well-known in the youkai world. Both anime have a laid-back atmosphere where the main character helps solve ayakashi's problems. 

report Recommended by Kaiyume

Kai Byoui Ramune addpermalink

Both have a similar vibe concerning supernatural and the ability to see youkai or mysterious things. Both have good humour and similar supporting characters 

report Recommended by holmeskudo