In the enchanting world of "Natsume's Book of Friends," we follow the journey of Takashi Natsume, a seemingly ordinary teenage boy with an extraordinary gift: the ability to see spirits and supernatural beings that others cannot perceive. Voiced by the talented Hiroshi Kamiya, Natsume has carried this burden in silence for much of his life, feeling isolated and misunderstood due to his unique ability. His life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a mysterious book from his late grandmother, Reiko, who, like him, had the ability to interact with these ethereal entities.
The book Natsume inherits is a collection of names of spirits that Reiko had encountered throughout her life, along with the contracts she made with them. This discovery opens up a new world for Natsume and reveals the reasons behind the spirits that have always surrounded him. He learns that these spirits possess their own desires, grudges, and stories, many of which are tied to his grandmother. As he delves deeper into the contents of the book, he feels a growing responsibility to help these spirits find closure, beginning a series of heartwarming and sometimes bittersweet interactions.
One notable companion on this journey is Nyanko-sensei, a chubby, cat-like spirit, voiced by Kazuhiko Inoue. Initially appearing as a guardian, Nyanko-sensei becomes a pivotal figure in Natsume's life, providing guidance, support, and comic relief. As Natsume navigates the complexities of his supernatural encounters, his bond with Nyanko-sensei deepens, highlighting themes of friendship, understanding, and the importance of acknowledging one's past. "Natsume's Book of Friends" is not just a tale of spirits; it's a poignant exploration of loneliness, connection, and the legacy of love left behind by those we cherish.
Main Cast of Natsume's Book of Friends
Hiroshi Kamiya
Takashi Natsume (voice)
Hiroshi Kamiya delivers a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance as Takashi Natsume in the beloved anime series "Natsume's Book of Friends." His voice work beautifully captures the protagonist's complex personality, balancing Natsume's inherent kindness and empathy with the loneliness and vulnerability that stem from his unique ability to see spirits. Kamiya's portrayal brings to life Natsume's internal struggles and his journey towards self-acceptance and connection with both the human and spirit worlds. His interactions with other characters, whether they be friendly, tense, or heartwarming, are conveyed with a depth of feeling that makes Natsume an endearing and relatable figure. Kamiya's consistent and heartfelt performance is a testament to his skill as a voice actor and is a significant factor in the emotional impact of the series, making Natsume a character that viewers can't help but root for and cherish throughout the show's seasons.
Kazuhiko Inoue
Nyanko-sensei / Madara (voice)
Kazuhiko Inoue delivers a nuanced and captivating performance as Nyanko-sensei, also known as Madara, in the heartwarming anime series "Natsume's Book of Friends." His voice work masterfully brings to life the complex character of Nyanko-sensei, a powerful yokai who is initially introduced as a mysterious and somewhat intimidating figure. Inoue's portrayal expertly balances the character's gruff exterior with hidden depths of wisdom and compassion, which unfold as the series progresses. His ability to convey both sternness and a softer, almost paternal side adds layers to the relationship between Nyanko-sensei and the protagonist, Takashi Natsume. Inoue's voice acting is instrumental in endearing Nyanko-sensei to the audience, as he captures the character's transformation from a self-interested bodyguard to a true companion and mentor to Natsume. His performance is marked by a rich timbre and an emotional range that runs from comedic grumpiness to touching moments of tenderness, making Nyanko-sensei one of the most beloved characters in the series and a testament to Inoue's talent as a voice actor.
Eiji Itoh
Shigeru Fujiwara (voice)
Miki Ito
Touko Fujiwara (voice)
Miki Ito delivers a nuanced and emotionally resonant performance as Touko Fujiwara in the beloved anime series "Natsume's Book of Friends." Her voice work breathes life into Touko, a supportive and wise grandmother figure who plays a pivotal role in the growth of the protagonist, Takashi Natsume. Ito's portrayal captures the warmth and kindness inherent in Touko, making her a comforting presence whenever she appears on screen. Her ability to convey a sense of gentle strength and understanding is particularly evident in scenes where Touko offers guidance to Natsume, helping him navigate the complexities of the supernatural world he's inherited. Ito's performance is a testament to her skill in voice acting, as she seamlessly transitions between moments of tenderness, concern, and the occasional firmness required to keep the impulsive Natsume in check. Her voice becomes a maternal anchor in the series, providing a sense of home and belonging that is central to the show's heartwarming appeal.
Kazuma Horie
Kaname Tanuma (voice)
Akemi Okamura
Hinoe (voice)
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Takaya Kuroda
Misuzu (voice)
Cho
Chobi-hige (voice)
Rina Sato
Taki Tooru (voice)
Rina Sato (佐藤 利奈, Satō Rina) is a Japanese voice actress and singer who works for Haikyō. She won the Best Lead...
Hiroshi Shimozaki
Ushikao no Chuukyuu Youkai (voice)
Secondary Cast of Natsume's Book of Friends
Crew of Natsume's Book of Friends
Full backstage crew list →