"Natsume Yuujinchou" is a great series, especially if you need a break from the usual anime or would like to relax.

Its setting is nothing out of the ordinary. A highschool boy can see spirits. However unlike other series he doesn't destroy them all but tries to understand their situations and help them. This makes for an anime with very little shounen elements. I would have liked it though if Natsume had shown some more guts and strength every now and then but I guess that wouldn't be a realistic reaction.

There are only a couple of side characters but their personalities and relationships with Natsume are each different. The conversations stay interesting and especially the cat can be really funny.

Just like the theme of this show, its main character and the music, the art is calm and suits it perfectly.

"Natsume Yuujinchou" is a very enjoyable anime. You don't really feel the need to know what happens next and it isn't the most suspenseful but I was always looking forward to watching another episode. Its ability to relax reminded me of "Aria" but it contains less moral and a bit more action.

what I liked:
- Very relaxing
- No shounen focus
- Fitting music and art

what I didn't like:
- The main character does'nt grow much.
Only his situation changes a bit.
- The appearance of spirits was recycled a few times. (show less)

Natsume is a young boy often bothered by spirits because he is able to see them while others can't. Spirits keep chasing him until one day during a chase, he accidentally breaks a seal setting Madara, a spirit, free. Madara takes a form of a mischievous looking cat most of the time and promises to take the role as Natsume's bodyguard. Natsume finds out that the reason spirits chase after is because of a Yuujinchou left by his deceased grandmother. Together Natsume and Madara deal with the spirits while living an everyday life.

This anime is very mellow in taste. It's meant to be heartwarming and make its viewers look towards the good. Natsume is a very nice person. He doesn't act high and mighty and always tries to help others whether they are human or spirit. Madara on the other hand is very comedic when he is in his cat form, Nyanko Sensei. Nyanko Sensei claims that he will attack Natsume and calls him an idiot but in the end, he always chooses to save Natsume in life threatening situations.

Natsume Yuujinchou is not a fast paced anime. Don't expect it to be an exorcist versus youkai storyline because it's more like a human and youkai harmony theme. Otherwise, enjoy this simple series. (show less)

If you've watched enough anime, you'll find the typical "spirits are bad" anime that includes lots of action around destroying the evil spirits. After all, it's standard fair. Natsume Yuujinchou hover presents the "spirits" in a different way....more as other "beings" just trying to live as well with a human that actually wants to help them.

It's a nice, non-action, oriented anime that would be much more suitable to a younger audience and a good break for an older audience. It's easy to watch with some good humor going on but not overly dramatic. (show less)