If you’re looking for an anime that feels like a warm hug from a gentle forest spirit, Natsume Yuujinchou is the show you didn’t know you needed.
With its heartwarming, episodic tales of a boy who can see youkai and his adorably grumpy cat companion, who might also be a fearsome beast in disguise, this series will make you laugh, cry, and wonder why your own cat isn’t secretly a powerful spirit.
With a lot of seasons and a handful of movies, you might find yourself tangled in a web of where to start. Fear not! Here’s your watch order guide to dive into this beautifully tranquil world without missing a beat.
1. Natsume Yuujinchou (2008)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Aired | Summer 2008 |
Natsume has always been an outcast because he inherited his grandmother’s ability to see yokai.
After moving to his grandmother’s hometown and accidentally releasing a yokai imprisoned in a Lucky Cat statue, he learns about his grandmother’s “Book of Friends,” which contains the names of the yokai she defeated, and allows its wielder to command the yokai named within.
Since then, yokai now visit him on a daily basis, seeking to either get their names back or take possession of the Book of Friends.
2. Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou (2009)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 2 |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Aired | Winter 2009 |
The second season of Natsume Yuujinchou.
As with its prequel, Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou is about Natsume Takashi, a boy who has had the ability to see youkai since he was young, and his bodyguard youkai, Madara, nicknamed Nyanko-sensei.
Natsume attempts to return names written in his Book of Friends, which he inherited from his grandmother Reiko, to youkai in his village.
Throughout these adventures, he meets some youkai that are friendly, some that want to steal the Book of Friends, and some that want to kill him. Natsume learns about himself and his relationship with youkai along the way.
3. Natsume Yuujinchou San (2011)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 3 |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Aired | Summer 2011 |
The third season of Natsume Yuujinchou.
Takashi Natsume has always been shunned by those around him because of his mysterious ability to see yokai. Eventually, he came into possession of his grandmother Reiko’s “Book of Friends,” and together with his bodyguard Nyanko-sensei he set out to return the names of the yokai contained within it.
Since then, he’s found a home with the Fujiwaras and surrounded himself with friends at school. Little does he know he’s about to be dragged unwittingly into further trouble.
4. Natsume Yuujinchou Shi (2012)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 4 |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Aired | Winter 2012 |
The fourth season of Natsume Yuujinchou.
Still in possession of his grandmother’s Book of Friends, Natsume spends his days returning the names of yokai to their rightful owners.
He has been learning how to deal with the yokai and humans that surround his life, but the time has come for him to deal with something even more difficult — his own past, and future.
5. Natsume Yuujinchou Go (2016)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 5 |
| Episodes | 13 |
| Aired | Fall 2016 |
The fifth season of Natsume Yuujinchou.
Season 5 continues the tradition of delivering tranquil yet emotionally resonant stories, but this time with a deeper exploration of Natsume’s past and his evolving relationships.
The season gracefully balances the heartwarming encounters with youkai and the poignant flashbacks to Natsume’s childhood, offering a richer understanding of his character.
The familiar, soothing tone of the series is maintained, but there’s a noticeable maturity in how it handles themes of loneliness, acceptance, and the bonds that tie people—and spirits—together.
6. Natsume Yuujinchou Roku (2017)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 6 |
| Episodes | 11 |
| Aired | Spring 2017 |
The sixth season of Natsume Yuujinchou.
This season delves even deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Book of Friends—a powerful tome that contains the names of spirits who were once bound by Natsume’s grandmother, Reiko. As Natsume navigates the challenges of returning these names and freeing the spirits, he also strengthens his bonds with both humans and youkai.
Season 6 shifts its focus slightly toward the relationships Natsume has built over the years, particularly with the Fujiwara couple, who have become like family to him, and his growing friendship with fellow exorcists. The season also explores the lingering effects of Natsume’s lonely childhood, adding emotional depth to his current connections.
7. Natsume Yuujinchou: Utsusemi ni Musubu (2018)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond |
| Episodes | 1 |
| Aired | Summer 2018 |
The film features an original story written under Midorikawa’s supervision.
8. Natsume Yuujinchou: Ishi Okoshi to Ayashiki Raihousha (2021)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor |
| Episodes | 1 |
| Aired | Winter 2021 |
In “Ishi Okoshi,” Natsume meets a small youkai called Mitsumi in a forest. Mitsumi is entrusted to wake up the divine youkai “Iwatetsu” from its deep slumber. Mitsumi weighs on Natsume’s mind, so he sets out to help Mitsumi with his task.
In “Ayashiki Raihousha,” a mysterious visitor appears in front of Tanuma. Nearly every day, the visitor visits Tanuma, talks to him a little, and then leaves. Natsume, who knows the visitor is a youkai, worries for Tanuma, but Tanuma enjoys these exchanges with the youkai. The youkai means no harm, but Tanuma’s health slowly starts to deteriorate.
9. Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi (2024)
| Alternative Title | Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7 |
| Episodes | TBA |
| Aired | Fall 2024 |
The seventh season of Natsume Yuujinchou.
Natsume Yuujinchou stands out as a serene oasis of heartwarming stories and gentle, episodic encounters with youkai.
Whether you’re here for the soothing atmosphere, the touching moments of human-spirit connection, or just Nyanko-sensei’s snarky commentary, this guide will help you navigate the tranquil yet captivating world of Natsume with ease. Happy watching!
