This anime is indeed beautifully made, from the animation, dialogue, plot, pacing and storyline. It is laid back yet interesting enough for you to want to go to the next episode. The animation will sunk you in, unlike mostly rigid animation style, this one is more like a painting. You can feel like you are bathing in the warm summer light, and listening to the rustling tree branch. Its main genre is slice of life but don't be fooled, it has a subtle darkness and adequate complexity for the adult viewers yet simple and delightful for the young ones (que. sensei~~). It is suitable when you want a relaxing watch while still having your thoughts in the story. Neat non-exaggerating humor, realistic characters' personality and most importantly the main character, Natsume is not your usual he-is-the-good-guy-coz-he-is-the-hero but his personality and attitude is built based on his childhood and his surrounding (he matures early, is a deep thinker and stable emotional level) making him a pleasant character. (show less)

This review will cover all seasons of 'Natsume Yuujinchou' following the first and not just the fourth. although these series extended on the first season, there was no notable drop in quality.

Each season seemed to have a different perspective which was also reflected in the opening. One was more about exorcists. Another about friendship and schoollife and the last leaned more toward the family aspect. Though the stories differ a bit, the characters don't. Their motivations stay the same but the events change their actions.

A few new characters were added and old ones appeared again. There were no real changes in the relationships between them though so the conversations stayed more or less the same.

If it wasn't for the recaps at the start of each new season you could watch all episodes of 'Natsume Yuujinchou' and barely even notice that there are separate seasons. Fitting its calmness this show seems unchanging and is still perfect if you want to relax.

What I liked:
- Doesn't stray from its original focus
- Soothing art and music
- The few new characters are a good addition


What I didn't like:
- Reiko is still shrouded in mystery
- Some recurring themes (love between human and spirit, protecting family)
- Some characters didn't appear as much as I would like (show less)

A different story each episode or two of occurrances in Natsume's not so normal life. The interlinking of these episodes weaves out a perfect, easily followable down to earth story. It is a classic in a sense, the animation is superb, the transition smooth.

I have been following Natsume Yuujinchou since season one and remember originally giving it a try as it strongly resembled the anime InuYasha - another of my favourite classics. It is a nice rainy day anime to sit down and watch, following closely along the lines of normal teenage high school life - with the addition of the fantastical, the Youkai. It is able to bring to the fore many of the things we misunderstand today - the amount of prosperity and love we are able to live in right now. Our homes, our family, our friends... it questions the things we take for granted most of the time. It leaves the watcher with a sense of peace and happiness, a warm feeling of home.

A melancholic and at times a sad happiness is able to be stongly felt through the dialogue and music. As the season progresses more action is present with a deeper plotline. You are able to see the amazing amount of growth the protagonist goes through and at the end of the day - you won't regret watching this.

I highly suggest this anime for those who are looking for a nice slice of life anime where you can kick back and watch leisurely at your pace. It is not an anime with a strong sense of drama or particularly vigorating, on-the-edge-of-your-seat type. And it is beauce of this unique in between peaceful feature that i have been able to follow it up until now with the same excitement for watching each episode. It is not something to be rushed and for you to best enjoy this, a nice rainy, moderately cold day is best.

Enjoy. (show less)