What is it: Natsume Yuujinchou San
Natsume Yuujinchou San, also known as Natsume's Book of Friends Season 3, is the third season of an anime series based on the manga by Yuki Midorikawa. The series follows the life of Takashi Natsume, a high school student who has the ability to see spirits and yokai, supernatural beings from Japanese culture. Since he was little, Natsume has faced difficulties due to this ability, which isolated him from his peers and made him feel different. However, over the course of the series, he discovers that he can use this ability to help spirits and, at the same time, find his place in the world. The third season continues to explore these themes, delving deeper into character development and their interactions with the spiritual world.
Production by Natsume Yuujinchou San
- Directed by: Takahiro Omori
- Screenplay: Takayo Ikami
- Studio: Shuka
- Release date: 2016
- Genre: Slice of Life, Supernatural
- Themes: Friendship, Acceptance, Spirituality
Natsume Yuujinchou San's narrative is marked by its sensitive and poetic approach to life and death, in addition to exploring the connection between humans and spirits. Each episode features a new story, where Natsume encounters different yokai and spirits, many of which have their own sad stories and unfulfilled desires. Through their interactions, Natsume learns about empathy, compassion, and the importance of helping those who are lost. This episodic structure allows viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level, while the animation and soundtrack create a magical and immersive atmosphere.
One of the most endearing aspects of Natsume Yuujinchou San is Natsume's relationship with the spirit of a cat named Madara, who transforms into a lucky cat. Madara, also known as Nyanko-sensei, is a charismatic character who brings humor and lightness to the series, balancing the more emotional moments. The dynamic between Natsume and Madara evolves throughout the season, showing how friendship can flourish even in the most unusual circumstances. This relationship is one of the central points that keeps viewers invested in the story, as they root for Natsume's growth and happiness.
Natsume Yuujinchou San's animation is one of its most notable features. The Shuka studio, responsible for production, brings a visual aesthetic that captures the beauty of nature and the delicacy of the characters. The soft colors and detailed settings create a feeling of tranquility and nostalgia, perfectly complementing the narrative. Furthermore, the soundtrack, composed by Takatsugu Wakabayashi, is immersive and emotional, helping to convey the nuances of the stories and the atmosphere of the spiritual world that Natsume inhabits.
Natsume Yuujinchou San is not just a series about yokai and spirits; is a profound exploration of loneliness, friendship and the search for belonging. Through Natsume's experiences, viewers are invited to reflect on their own lives and the connections they form with others. The series is an ode to empathy and understanding, showing that, even in a world full of challenges, there is always room for kindness and friendship. With its gripping narrative and memorable characters, Natsume Yuujinchou San stands out as one of the most beloved works in the supernatural genre.
