Natsume's Book of Friends 3 - A heartwarming story and the charm of deep bonds

Detailed review and recommendation of Natsume's Book of Friends 3

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

From July 5, 2011 to September 27, 2011 (Monday) 25:30-26:00

■Broadcasting station

TV Tokyo series

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 13

■Original Story

Yuki Midorikawa (Hakusensha (serialized in Monthly LaLa)

■ Director

Director: Takahiro Omori

■ Production

Animation Production: Brain's Base Production: NAS
・Production: “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Production Committee

■Works

©Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / "Natsume's Book of Friends" Production Committee

■ Story

Natsume Takashi is a boy who has been able to see youkai since he was a child. Ever since he inherited the "Book of Friends" from his grandmother Reiko, in which she had written the names of the youkai he had made his minions, he has been chased by youkai every day. Together with Nyanko-sensei, a self-proclaimed bodyguard youkai, Natsume decides to return the names to the youkai, and he meets various youkai and gets to know their hearts. Meeting and parting with youkai, and the feelings of kind-hearted people... Before he knew it, Natsume had many important things in his hands...

■ Main staff

Director: Takahiro Omori Series Composition: Sadayuki Murai Character Design: Akira Takada Monster Design: Kiyoshi Yamada Art: Yukihiro Shibuya Color Settings: Hiromi Miyawaki Cinematography: Hitoshi Tamura Editing: Kazuhiko Seki Music: Makoto Yoshimori Animation Production: Brain's Base Production: NAS
・Production: “Natsume’s Book of Friends” Production Committee

■Subtitle

1. The name of the mysterious thing 2. The town of floating spring 3. A false friend 4. In my childhood 5. The thing hiding in the storehouse 6. The thing that is not human 7. The exorcist 8. The clock of the baby fox 9. Cutting through the autumn wind 10. The broken mirror 11. The thing that is reflected

■Detailed evaluation

"Natsume's Book of Friends 3" is the third season of the TV anime series based on the original work by Yuki Midorikawa, and aired from July to September 2011. The series follows the journey of a young boy named Natsume Takashi, who meets various youkai and returns their names through a "Book of Friends" he inherited from his grandmother. The third season delves further into Natsume's growth, the relationships that surround him, and the deep bond he has with the youkai.

Natsume Takashi, who is at the center of the story, has been able to see youkai since he was a child, and has felt lonely because of this ability. However, after inheriting the "Book of Friends," he comes face to face with the youkai, and in the process deepens his understanding of them, he finds the meaning of his own existence. The third season in particular depicts Natsume reexamining his relationships with his friends and family and healing his own emotional wounds. This is a theme that viewers can easily empathize with, and it gives viewers an opportunity to reexamine their own lives as Natsume grows up.

Another indispensable character is Natsume's partner, Nyanko Sensei (real name: Madara). Nyanko Sensei is a humorous yet insightful character who plays an important role in supporting Natsume's journey. In the third season, Nyanko Sensei's past and the struggles he faces are depicted, adding depth to the character. This allows viewers to enjoy the story from not only Natsume's point of view, but also Nyanko Sensei's.

Brain's Base, the animation studio in charge, is known for its beautiful backgrounds and intricate character designs, and their skills are on full display in "Natsume's Book of Friends 3." In particular, the designs of the monsters have a unique charm and provide a visual treat. The music was also carefully crafted by Yoshimori Makoto, and is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story.

Each episode of the third season depicts Natsume's encounters and partings with different youkai, and tells a story that symbolizes Natsume's growth. For example, "False Friends" shows Natsume reexamining his relationships with his friends, while "Childhood Days" depicts how Natsume's emotional wounds are healed by coming to terms with his past. These episodes have the power to deeply move viewers and make them empathize with Natsume's journey.

Furthermore, by depicting the relationship between humans and youkai, "Natsume's Book of Friends 3" explores the importance of human relationships and understanding others. The process in which Natsume meets the youkai and opens up his own heart by getting to know their minds provides many insights for the viewer. This is a very important theme even in modern society, and is one of the reasons why it resonates with so many people.

■Recommendation details

"Natsume's Book of Friends 3" is a work with a heartwarming story, beautiful animation, and deep themes. It is especially recommended for those who like works that deal with themes of human relationships and self-understanding. It is also enjoyable for those who like monsters and fantasy elements.

To enjoy this work even more, check out the original manga and other series. The original manga contains more detailed story and character backgrounds, and you can enjoy episodes that are not depicted in the anime. The other series also continue Natsume's journey and depict his encounters with new youkai and humans. This will allow you to understand and enjoy the world of "Natsume's Book of Friends" more deeply.

Furthermore, after watching "Natsume's Book of Friends 3", we also recommend "Fruits Basket", another work by Midorikawa Yuki. "Fruits Basket" is also a work that deals with themes of human relationships and family ties, and shares themes with "Natsume's Book of Friends". Through these works, you will be able to experience Midorikawa Yuki's worldview more deeply.

Finally, "Natsume's Book of Friends 3" is a work with a heartwarming story, beautiful animation, and deep themes that will move and sympathize with many viewers. Please watch this work and reexamine your own life along with Natsume's journey.