I watch SoL Anime for comfort and relaxation. Seeing a bunch of happy characters being happy in a rather laid back setting, makes me happy but whenever I finish any SoL, I always feel a bit empty. A realization occurs that everything I've watched & experienced so far is just a temporary feeling that'll fade away sooner or later. That's because many of these SoLs never had a long-lasting impression on me. They may have an original concept, they may have some well written characters, they may have or do something that I might love to appreciate, but many of them didn't convey anything that touched my soul. But among those very few titles that did, Natsume's Book of Friends is one such favourite of mine.
Upon my first introduction to the series, I thought it was a great Iyashikei. It has all the right elements to make for a relaxing watch. A rural setting, a kind protagonist solving troubles of both humans & demons, cute mascot cat, fairly well written characters and an episodic storytelling well managed with its cozy art style, beautiful backgrounds and soothing OSTs, but that's just it. It was good and great but nothing really special. Very little consideration was given to the character development and the overreaching plot/main mystery of "Yuujinchou" moves at a snail pace. But what's really special about this to me is what the series always encapsulates.
The Warmth in interactions
Everyone has their moments of highs & lows in life and sometimes, we just wish for someone to be there; someone who cares for us. Every episodic story in every season of Natsume always highlights this warmth in interacting with someone who cares for you, and that's what is truly special about this show. It shows Natsume growing out of his anti-social, self hate personality triggered by his parents death and being labeled as a weird kid, into a kind & open hearted person who starts to accept himself and others into his life.
And I like to say that I love the sound element very much. I really like the soothing melodies in their calm and heartwarming moments, or it's more intense or dramatic moments, but what I really love about the series are the Ending Songs.
Conclusion
