Spring (Autumn in Aust.) Anime Charts
The charts have been released and a much clearer version of the chart can be viewed here.
Credits go to the maker of the chart.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Anime Review: Natsume Yuujinchou

Natsume Takashi has never been an ordinary boy, he was born with strong spiritual energy and the ability to see Youkai (traditional Japanese ghosts/spirits), which was passed on by his deceased grandmother, Natsume Reiko. During his childhood Natsume became very scared and alone, his family had passed away and Natsume was moved to relative to relative because no one  believed  that what he said he saw, was not actually there. He was called a lier, was bullied, had no friends, was teased by the youkai and had no family. He was truly alone. Natsume learns that some humans are even  worse than terrifying youkai.
However, this is not as a sad, depressing tragedy for our young and strong protagonist! 
Natsume is eventually passed on to the Fujiwaras, a middle-aged couple on his father's side of the family. He loves them, and they love him,  and does not want to cause them trouble, so he keeps this 'alternate landscape' problem to himself. He is then given a book that once belonged to his grandmother, Reiko, Yuujinchou the book of friends. This Yuujinchou holds the names of youkai that Reiko had defeated. Once a youkai's name has been written in this book, they belong to the person that they have given their name too and must serve and obey them. Natsume meets a very powerful Youkai Madara,  also known as Nyanko-sensei who takes the form of a lucky cat, who wants the book for himself to rule over the youkai and become even more powerful. However, Nyanko-sensei agrees not to take the book off Natsume until he dies, and Natsume promises to return all the names to the youkai that had their names taken away from them. Just like Nyanko-sensei who wants the Yuujinchou for his own selfish reasons, there are both weak and powerful youkai that also want the book for themselves. Natsume, with his body guard Nyanko-sensei by his side, face off many youkai that want the book for their greedy hands. Natsume learns how to slowly be accepted by people and youkai for the first time on his adventure to return the names to the youkai, and gain a normal and peaceful life for himself. But along the way, Natsume is confronted with compelling feelings of what is friendship and wonders if he can ever be normal and accepted. But will Natsume regret leaving his life behind from the youkai and stepping into society with humans? 


Yumii's response:
This series is very powerful and the audience can easily adapt to the story by relating to characters along the way. This series is not like some series that have incorporated sci-fi, Western themes or etc, but takes on the traditional Japanese myths and legends. The art brings the audience back to a traditional but fresh style that contrasts each other with the traditions of Japan and the modern fresh age for youth. This has also been used in the music and soundtrack used for the series. The music has a very Japanese traditional feel to it but also has that modern edge that appeals to youth. 
From the very first episode I was hooked and I didn't want to let go. It has a very deep meaning, not just for Natsume, but for the audience that they can also relate to. Being accepted into society is very hard and difficult with people being quick to judge on the way we act, but we must fight our own 'demons' to over come it. Each episode ended with a very touching and emotional message, that I just couldn't help but tear up. Besides the emotional side to the series, it does have fight scenes and cultural aspects that can appeal to both genders of audience.
I really love this series, and with the recent release of the third season, you just know that it will defiantly be enjoyable, exciting new adventures and a little something for anyone's preference. I highly recommend this series, and I promise it is not disappointing at all. 
Yumii out~~


((Aiyya~~ my first official post!! >//////<))

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