Natsume's Book of Friends Season 4
Synopsis
Takashi Natsume, the timid youkai expert and master of the Book of Friends, continues his journey towards self-understanding and acceptance with the help of friends both new and old. His most important ally is still his gluttonous and sake-loving bodyguard, the arrogant but fiercely protective wolf spirit Madara—or Nyanko-sensei, as Madara is called when in his usual disguise of an unassuming, pudgy cat. Natsume, while briefly separated from Nyanko-sensei, is ambushed and kidnapped by a strange group of masked, monkey-like youkai, who have spirited him away to their forest as they desperately search for the Book of Friends. Realizing that his "servant" has been taken out from right under his nose, Nyanko-sensei enlists the help of Natsume's youkai friends and mounts a rescue operation. However, the forest of the monkey spirits holds many dangerous enemies, including the Matoba Clan, Natsume's old nemesis. Stretching from the formidable hideout of the Matoba to Natsume's own childhood home, Natsume Yuujinchou Shi is a sweeping but familiar return to a world of danger and friendship, where Natsume will finally confront the demons of his own past. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
The audience consensus for Natsume Yuujinchou Shi is overwhelmingly positive, praising its heartwarming and emotional storytelling, beautiful art, and character development, particularly Natsume's growth. Some viewers noted a slight disappointment in the lack of significant events or overarching plot progression, but the series' tranquil and uplifting nature is widely appreciated. Many viewers found the season deeply touching, with some brought to tears by its beauty and emotional depth.
Strengths
- Beautiful storytelling and strong characters evoke powerful emotions.
- Each episode withholds a magic of uniqueness.
- Natsume's character development is explored deeply.
- The anime's tranquil nature is well-executed.
Weaknesses
- Some found the lack of 'big events' slightly disappointing.
- Episodic nature can sometimes be seen as forgettable.
- The series has lost it's sadness and deep realism it had to begin with.