Everything You Need to Know About Natsume’s Book of Friends#
If you are looking for a series that blends the supernatural with a touch of melancholy and heartwarming connections, Natsume’s Book of Friends (also known as Natsume Yūjin-Chō) is a fantastic choice. The story follows Takashi Natsume, a young man who can see yokai and demons. Upon moving to his late grandmother’s hometown, he discovers she possessed the same power and used it to create a “Book of Friends”—a ledger used to enslave various spirits. Now, Natsume finds himself targeted by spirits who want revenge, those who want their names back, and some who simply need his help.
If you’re thinking about diving into this world, you can watch the anime on Prime Video to start your journey.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
For those wondering, no, the anime is not finished. The series has a long history of releases, and it continues to expand. Most recently, the 7th season debuted on October 7, 2024. Further evidence of its ongoing status includes news of a bonus episode for the 7th season streaming on Crunchyroll in November 2025 and continued North American releases scheduled as late as May 2026.
Because the anime is ongoing and adapts a manga that began serialization in 2003, viewers who watch only the anime will likely find themselves wanting more. To get a deeper look at the story or to see if the written material has progressed further, you can buy the manga.
Who Should Watch This Series?#
Natsume’s Book of Friends is best suited for viewers who enjoy:
- Supernatural Themes: The show focuses heavily on the interaction between humans and spirits.
- Folklore: The series draws deep inspiration from traditional folklore and the myths surrounding yokai.
- Character-Driven Stories: The appeal lies in Natsume’s journey as he navigates the complicated legacy of his grandmother while forming bonds with the spirits he meets.
If you love the aesthetic of the series, you might also enjoy picking up some official merchandise to show your support.
Recommended Watch Order#
Because this series has several seasons, side stories, and movies, the order can seem confusing. We recommend referring to the relationship tree provided below this article for a visual map, but here are the best ways to experience the show:
The Release Order (Standard Experience)#
For most viewers, watching in the order the content was released is the most natural way to experience the story:
- Season 1 (2008)
- Season 2 (2009)
- Season 3 (2011)
- Season 4 (2012)
- Side Stories: Itsuka Yuki no Hi ni and Nyanko-sensei to Hajimete no Otsukai (2014)
- Season 5 (Natsume Yūjin-Chō Go) (2016)
- Season 6 (Natsume Yūjin-Chō Roku) (2017)
- Side Story: The Stump of the Suzunaru Tree (2017)
- Movie: Ephemeral Bond (2018)
- Special: The Stone Waker and the Strange Visitor (2021)
- Season 7 (2024)
The Completionist Order#
If you want every single piece of content, follow the release order listed above exactly. This ensures you see the character development and the world-building as the creators intended, including the smaller side stories and the feature-length movie.
The Manga-Transition Order#
For those who don’t mind switching mediums, you can watch the anime seasons to enjoy the visual storytelling and then transition to the manga to fill in details or get ahead of the anime’s current progress.
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Useful Extra Information#
Beyond the anime and manga, the franchise is expanding. Fans should look out for the first-ever game adaptation, which was announced in December 2024, adding yet another way to engage with Natsume’s world.
Natsume's Book of Friends • manga • 2003-06-10 to 2007-04-10 (serialized in LaLa DX, July 2003 - May 2008)
└─(adaptation)→ Natsume's Book of Friends • anime • 2008-07-07 to 2008-09-29
└─(sequel)→ Natsume's Book of Friends • anime • 2009-01-05 to 2009-03-30
└─(sequel)→ Natsume's Book of Friends • anime • 2011-07-04 to 2011-09-26
└─(sequel)→ Natsume's Book of Friends • anime • 2012-01-02
└─(side story)→ Natsume Yūjin-Chō: Itsuka Yuki no Hi ni • anime • 2014-02-05
└─(side story)→ Natsume Yūjin-Chō: Nyanko-sensei to Hajimete no Otsukai • anime • 2014-02-05
└─(sequel)→ Natsume Yūjin-Chō Go • anime • 2016-10-04
└─(sequel)→ Natsume Yūjin-Chō Roku • anime • 2017-04-11 to 2017-06-20
└─(related)→ Natsume Yujin-cho the Movie: Ephemeral Bond • anime • 2018-09-29
└─(related)→ Natsume’s Book of Friends: The Stone Waker and the Strange Visitor • anime • 2021-01-16
└─(side story)→ Natsume's Book of Friends: The Stump of the Suzunaru Tree • anime • 2017-09-27
└─(sequel)→ Natsume's Book of Friends • anime • 2024-10-07
