Natsume's Book of Friends 5: A perfect combination of heartwarming story and beautiful visuals

Natsume's Book of Friends Five

overview

Natsume's Book of Friends Five is the fifth season of the anime TV series based on the popular manga series Natsume's Book of Friends by Midorikawa Yuki. It aired on TV Tokyo from October 5 to December 21, 2016. It consists of 11 episodes, each 30 minutes long. Animation was handled by Shuka and the director was Omori Takahiro. Copyright belongs to Midorikawa Yuki/Hakusensha/Natsume's Book of Friends Production Committee.

story

In Natsume's Book of Friends Five, the story of Natsume Takashi and his guardian Nyanko-sensei (Madar) continues to deepen. Through the "Book of Friends" that Natsume inherited from his late grandmother, Natsume Reiko, he encounters various youkai and strives to grant their wishes. In this series, Natsume's personal growth and deepening of relationships are depicted as he comes face to face with the youkai whose names are written in the Book of Friends and learns about their pasts and feelings. Natsume's bonds with those around him, especially Taki and Nyanko-sensei, also become even stronger.

character

Takashi Natsume

The protagonist is a young boy who inherited the "Book of Friends" from his late grandmother, Reiko. He can see youkai and strives to grant the wishes of the youkai whose names are written in the book. He has a kind and sensitive personality, and is trusted by the people around him and the youkai alike.

Nyanko Sensei (Spot)

He is Natsume's guardian and a powerful youkai who stays by his side to protect the Book of Friends. He usually takes the form of a cat, but his true form is a giant monster called Madara. He often has a strict but kind attitude towards Natsume.

Taki

She is a friend of Natsume's who can also see youkai. She has a deep bond with Natsume and is an important presence that supports his adventures.

Background

"Natsume's Book of Friends" was highly praised for its unique atmosphere and beautiful illustrations in the original manga by Yuki Midorikawa, and was chosen for an anime adaptation. The fifth season, "Natsume's Book of Friends Five," has succeeded in depicting a new story and character growth while firmly retaining the essence of the original. Director Takahiro Omori aimed to deliver emotion to viewers through visual expression while respecting the worldview of the original. Shuka, who was in charge of animation production, has maximized the appeal of the original with beautiful backgrounds and delicate character designs.

Recognition and Awards

"Natsume's Book of Friends Five" has been highly praised by fans of the original work, and has also been widely embraced by new audiences. In particular, the heartwarming interactions between Natsume and the youkai, as well as the beautiful background art, have been highly praised. The fifth season also saw the introduction of new characters and the development of existing characters, and the expansion of the story has been praised. Specific awards include the Excellence Award at the Tokyo Anime Award Festival in 2017, and the series has received high praise both in Japan and overseas.

Response from viewers

Many viewers commented that the relationship between Natsume and Nyanko-sensei and their interactions with the youkai were touching. The beautiful background art and delicate character designs were also highly praised, and the series is loved as a work that heals the hearts of viewers. In particular, episodes depicting Natsume's growth and the deepening of the relationships around him touched many viewers. In addition, famous quotes from Natsume and Nyanko-sensei became a hot topic on social media, and fan art and fan fiction were actively created.

Recommended points

Beautiful background art

"Natsume's Book of Friends Five" depicts beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons, and its visual beauty is outstanding. In particular, the beauty of nature, such as the autumn leaves and the snowy winter scenery, is carefully depicted in detail, soothing the viewer's heart.

A heartwarming story

Through the interactions between Natsume and the youkai, the depth of human relationships and warmth of heart are depicted. In particular, the growth of Natsume as he learns about the youkai's past and feelings is depicted, which touches the hearts of viewers deeply.

Delicate character design

The designs of the characters, including Natsume and Nyanko Sensei, are faithful to the atmosphere of the original work, drawing viewers in. In particular, the contrast between Nyanko Sensei's cat form and the giant monster Madara is fascinating.

Related Titles

The "Natsume's Book of Friends" series has been produced not only as a TV anime, but also as a movie and an OVA. In particular, the movie "Natsume's Book of Friends: Ephemeral Bond" depicts the new adventures of Natsume and Nyanko-sensei and has been highly praised by fans. In addition, the OVA "Natsume's Book of Friends: Itsuka Yuki no Hi ni" delves deeply into Natsume's past and the relationships surrounding him, making it a must-see for anyone wanting to gain a deeper understanding of the series.

How to watch

After the series ended on TV Tokyo, "Natsume's Book of Friends Five" was released on DVD and Blu-ray. It is also available on video streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. In particular, the entire series is available on Netflix, so you can watch it all at once.

summary

"Natsume's Book of Friends Five" is a faithful anime adaptation of the original manga by Yuki Midorikawa, and tells the heartwarming story of Natsume Takashi and Nyanko-sensei. The beautiful background art, delicate character designs, and moving story have soothed the hearts of viewers and are loved by many fans. In particular, the episodes depicting Natsume's growth and the deepening of the relationships around him resonate deeply with viewers. Please watch it and experience its charm.