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Natsume Yuujinchou is about the bonds and relationships we come across no matter how short or long they last. This series is beautiful for not only its’ characters and stories, but for the art and music as well.

It is not often that I can right out say what a favorite of mine is; for example movies,
bands, tv shows, actors, and so on. But if someone was to ask me what my favorite anime was, I’d immediately say, ‘Natsume Yuujinchou’.

This series as made me cry, laugh, and sigh with its’ story telling. Most of the episodes introduces a new youkai and their trouble. At first it ... is only the ones that have their names’ in Reiko’s old book of friends, but as the series goes on ones that Natsume just happens to come across and meet show up. 9 out of 10 times they cause trouble, but most of the time their intent is not malicious.

The one episode stories can be so heartbreaking, and there is struggle and pain that has to be faced. Yet there is a resolution that comes at the end, not always as Natsume hoped it would be, but there is always a sense of peace at the end; even in the sadness.

Later in the series Natsume meets some humans that he can relate too. Though isn’t as he hoped it would be, there is regret in the joy. Again his interactions help him grow and shape into a stronger and surer character.

Natsume is an excellent lead; there is a sad history that is easy to sympathize with, yet he doesn’t live by that history. He’s very much a present and future focused type of character; keeping him from being whiny and annoying. He also is a very empathetic and kind person that always wants to help; even it means risking his life (something that really annoys Nyanko-sensei). It’s very hard not to like him; at least a little.

Nyanko-sensei is the teacher and main source of humor for the series. He is the relief from overload of tension. Some might find him annoying at first, until it becomes clear that he’s growing attached to Natsume; no matter how much he might deny it. There is a heart under all the fat and selfishness.

Together it is heaven, opposites in some ways and kindred souls in others. Their ever evolving relationship is what shapes the core of this series. One of the best none romantic partnerships out there for anime and manga, even if in season one it is new and just starting to develop.

Overall the characters are the heart and soul of Natsume Yuujinchou. Their history and outlook on life makes it easy to connect and feel for them. Sometimes their stay is very brief and others they just happen to reappear (sometimes much to Natsume’s chagrin) giving a familiar face to see once in a while.

Of course the characters wouldn’t so memorable if it wasn’t for the people giving them voices. The talent is mind boggling it is so impressive. It is hard to imagine anyone but Kamiya Hiroshi as Natsume what with his gentle and smooth voice being the narration. Or Inoue Kazuhiko as Nyanko-sensei; he is good at being hilarious and serious at the same time, still have no clue how he does that. The rest of the cast is just as good, but not as important (lead wise). If you watch a lot of recent anime you’ll recognize a bundle of seiyu or voices.

I’m going to combine the music and art together, because they complement each other so well. That and when I hear the soundtrack I think of the art or vice versa. The art is soft and full of pastels. The sky is full of fluffy clouds and the backgrounds draw you in and make you feel like you really could be in Japan’s open and expansive farm and country lands. The music is always soft and flowing (like the clouds) and match the setting or feeling perfectly. There isn’t much heaviness to the soundtrack. The opening and ending themes fit the theme well and always as me listening to them as the credits and animations scroll by.

Overall it’s easy to enjoy this season. It’s deep enough that it doesn’t feel fake or cheap, but it isn’t so heavy that exhausts and bores either. It has steady and even pacing for an introduction of the later seasons (even if there was a lot of us that had to wait about a year between two and three each).

It is very easy to go straight into Zuko without and problems. The season ends at a good cut off point and leads very nicely into the next season. No confusion or too much recap.

I am writing this after the third time rewatching so there is another plus.

Only negative thing is Sasada Jun, I find her annoying and more annoying. She’s mostly for gags than anything else, but the season really could have done without her.

My score is 10 all the way; I’d rate it higher if I could. The start of my favorite series and the reason why I keep watching anime. Seriously everyone should give this a try.

I put off finishing Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou, the sequel to Natsume Yuujinchou, only because I didn't want it to end. I had really enjoyed the first season, and this one was even better.

Like it's prequel Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou has a very gentle feel to it. It's heavy focus on loneliness and longing, is evened out with cheerfulness of love and friendship that Natsume experiences not only with the youkai he encounters but with his foster parents, school friends, and other humans.

You can see Natsume growing stronger bonds with characters introduced in the first season. It's enjoyable to see the almost sibling love between Natsume and ... Madara, along with a growing friendship with Natori.

More characters are introduced and the human characters have a stronger role as well. Natsume is growing into someone very different from the first season, and it is very noticeable that it is because of what he experiences with his fellow cast and the problems that he helps the youkai solve along the way.

Madara of course is the main source of humor, be it his comments and bad habits, or bantering with Natsume, he sometimes steals the show. It is also interesting to see how this season changes his relationship with Natsume, definitely not disappointing.

And the most pleasing is the better look into the past and character of Reiko; Natsume's grandmother. However, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding her, leading to fans hoping for the series continuation, if only to have the biggest questions about Reiko answered.

The show could only go so far with it's fascinating characters and heart catching stories. The art and music really help to pull everything together. With the light colors and almost paint brush feel of the scenery, along with the gentle soundtrack playing in the background, it just helps cement the feeling that the creators tried to create and pull off.

Sadly, one of the last episodes got a little sloppy,'little' being the key word as it is barely noticeable. Other than that the animation is smooth and pleasing to the eyes.

The opening and ending really complement the over all feel and message of the show. I especially liked the ending 'Aishiteru' by Kourin, her voice gave the lyrics a lonely but hopeful feel, it is very nostalgic.

Some might say that this show is boring because of how mellow it can be. This is not true, and the reason is that most of the series is focused more on 'themes' as the main plot, with one story episodes; rarely does a story or conflict go on for more then one episode.

The ending of the season is especially pleasing. While it clearly shows some bridges have been crossed as far as story development, it was left open for either the viewer's interpretation or a third season.

Over all, this series really makes one think about the workings of the heart, friendship, and trust. I recommend that everyone give this series a try, there is so much that it offers, and it would be sad to miss out on it.

---PS. This is my first review on MAL. Let me know what you thought.