Exploring Compassion in 'Natsume's Book of Friends'
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- Natsume's Book of Friends is a currently ongoing shoujo manga that since its release has become a hit series in both Japan and America. Both the anime and manga have touched so many and one of the biggest reasons is how the story explores compassion.
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A video on my favorite shoujo series! Thank you! I watched the anime and haven't gotten to the manga yet though. This series is so soft and healing, it made me cry like a baby so many times. Aside from what you said, as a queer person I felt that Natsume's story really captured the queer experience of isolation, trauma, and then the huge sense of finally Belonging.
I'd like to add regarding empathy that kind of goes hand in hand, having low empathy isn't a sign of someone being evil. Having low empathy is a brain makeup it doesn't mean they're actively trying to harm others or they will in future. Internet and pop psych's views on empathy is quite harmful and that sort of belief adds to the demonization of neurodivergent people.
@@Serocco Having high or average levels of empathy doesn't make someone automatically benevolent.
Neurotypical folk are equally, if not more so, capable of causing suffering, on a mass scale even, and they do. Have been doing as long as humans have existed. You're just used to it. And you're simply proving my point about pop psych and internet's overall lack of understanding/ willingness to even perceive in the first place. Ironic that you can't muster the empathy or compassion to unlearn your own prejudice against neurodivergent people. That includes sociopathic people, actually.
Time spent less on concern trolling and more on taking steps forward to be a decent person would be time better spent Imho. Maybe you could learn a little about the ripple effect of compassion *and* of just general unpleasantness, from this video itself. Maybe you'll start to see people as just people, not fictional characters or the exceptional Other or inferior beings for not having the same brain makeup as you, maybe then *you'll* cause less suffering yourself Idk. Ciao!
Watch orange! U will cry for sure! xO
Natsume is criminally underrated in the West! Thank you for making this video--I hope it inspires more people to read and watch it!
I genuinely think reading shoujo and josei manga helped me to become more empathetic, especially towards women, because I enjoyed reading them specifically in the context of understanding that they were for women & trying to understand why each series would appeal to its female readers. I’m very thankful for that, it’s improved my life a lot.
I know! It's so sweet and cool the way first lead and second lead try to get female lead! XO
I'm surprised I haven't found this video until now! Its really well explored
Natsume Yuujinchou has been one of the most pivotal pieces of media I've ever consumed, I first found it when I was 13, and over 11 years later it's remained my comfort. I've collected all of the relased manga, as much merchandise and figurines are actually available in my country, created numerous paintings and cosplays, and even have Natsume Yuujinchou tattoos haha. Yet its so underrated in the west, I've tried convicing people to watch it and its never happened, although sometimes I love that its my own special interest. Although of course the supernatural aspect of the series isn't as relatable, the story has always resonated with me so well trying to battle loneliness and difficulties socializing whilst also showing love to the important things and people in my life! And watching Natusme's growth it somewhat reflects mine and makes me want to cherish it as much as he does...
I think I'll be heartbroken whenever the series finishes, but with the nature of the show I never tire of rewatching/re-reading it, so I absolutely know it'll always be my favourite and most important media
ngl I teared up a bit when you started talking about the manga 😭 I love Natsume a lot, I relate to a lot of his problems but, at the same time, I strive to be even half as compassionate as him cause he's that good of a protagonist
I always recommend people to watch the anime or read the manga, the latter is in my top 3 shoujo list
Natsume always has me tearing up too so I feel you 🥲🥲 The way he's always thinking of others and wishing for their happiness just makes me wish I could be that kind
I love this show and manga. Watching Natsume grow throughout the series and forming connections with those around him is beautiful. 🐈
TRULY 😌
I can comfortably say that Natsume Yuujinchou is my favorite anime of all time.
The show does so many things right.
Natsume is one of my favourite characters in anime, I can seriously relate to him as a foster child myself. I may not have powers but I was an outsider and because of my differences (autism) I was abused by my foster carers after my dad died, it wasn't until I got an amazing social worker that I was finally removed from that hell I'd lived for a year and was placed into an older couple's care who were absolutely amazing for me even if I had become extremely mentally unstable. Those foster parents are now who I refer to as my grandparents and I would never give them up for the world.
It's nice to me seeing a character that's been through trauma and pain along with foster care (which is technically what he's in if they can just toss him around) and yet we see him learn to thrive. 💜
I'm so sorry to hear that but so glad you've been able to heal from that time!! Also love that there's a character like Natsume that you're able to relate to in that way.
@@ColleensMangaRecs it's very rare tbh especially when the character is so kind like Natsume, most foster care characters aren't exactly the nicest and treat others especially their foster parents poorly which makes you feel ashamed of the fact that you were in that situation even if you had no control over your situation.
Honestly why I was so excited for this video, finally someone talking about an anime that I connected so heavily with even if I'm not a guy or have powers to see yoki. Honestly at my lowest and loneliest I'd start imagining my favourite anime and video game characters to have someone to talk to because I was so isolated.
Thanks for commenting, reading you makes me feel a little less lonely, I'm also adopted, luckily I got to my moms care with just 10 days of being born, but been bullied and isolated for being different. I'm also autistic and have ADHD. Natsume warms my heart when I get tired of trying unsuccesfully to make human connections.
@@javijanuaryarts life is tough and people can be cruel but we can be stronger and not stoop to their level. The best thing life has taught me is treat people how you want to be be treated which had allowed me to make friends especially after school.
Natsume's book of friends is my absolute favourite manga/anime of all time. It just warms my heart and make me feel at ease, occasionally makings me cry but comforting me at the same time. I absolutely love it
Okay but hearing you say "Me, an empath" in the opening set off my fight or flight response lmao
Lost count of how many times I cried everytime I read the manga or watch the anime. This series is so beautiful and wholesome, personally love vol 11 the most. The mangaka hopes for this series to go as long as it can... which I'm sure we all hope the same thing :')
This is my favorite series of all time! I'm so glad someone's talking about it.
I think Natsume's journey throughout the series really influenced me when I was little
I hope more people come to love this series even as time passes
Natsume is actually an interesting character to follow and so is his relationships; mostly with Madara/Nyanko-Sensei. It isn't just episodic where you never see a character again, characters do come back and it's great. Natsume learns to open up more and tsundere Nyanko is just so wholesome. I love it.
I actually teared up a bit twice watching this video. I am deeply in love with Natsume Yuujinchou, and it’s a series that deeply touches me because of its main themes: the supernatural and compassion, both being very dear to me, and to which I feel naturally inclined/moved by.
I don’t know what to say other than state the fact that I am so thankful to have been able to watch all seasons of the anime and, more recently, read the manga. It’s been a really positive and heartwarming experience. 🌸
This really is ilone of my fave manga. Every story never failed to give warm feeling. It always make me sad is when the Youkai being friendly to human ( Natsume, Reiko, or Saki's grandpa) and then they're realize that human's life span is so short. It just broke my heart 💔
Natsume Yuujinchou changed me, I randomly bought a LaLa magazine back in 2008 and saw the anime annoucement and got really excited because of the cute designs, but once I watched it I began to learn japanese to buy more magazines and read the newest chapters.
I cried so much reading and watching this.
Wonderful discussion! Seeing Natsume gently get resocialised over the course of the story feels healing in an inner child sorta way. Isolation habits are hard to notice and even harder to kick. The literal connection to his grandma was touching too. I think many of us have these generational pains; when you're the one in a better place, it's quite bittersweet for that to have rippling closure.
Natsumes growth is really inspiring throughout the manga definitely one of my fav Mc.
This is such a wonderful series! Thank you for the deep dive into why Natsume yu jin cho is so awesome!
I love this video essay... Natsume's book of friends has been my favorite animanga series for a long time and I very rarely see content centered around the series. I love your interpretation of natsume and explanation of the series
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! That means a lot to me!
natsume it's kinda underrated fr, one of the best slice of life - iyashikei ever
I mentioned it in the video but the fact that it's really only underrated in America is so sad. Wish we could have the amount of merch and hype for this series as Japan does because I need all that nyanko-sensei merch I showed at the beginning 😭🙏
LOVE THIS SERIES!! Getting my snacks ready 🍿.
LETS GO FINALLY THE RECOGNITION IT DESERVES 😭
The Fujiwaras really are the Ma and Pa Kent of anime. Natsume could've grown up to be a jaded person and it would've been justified but instead he has such a big heart. Man, I love this series. Gets me every time.
I feel this is the only series that has made me cry so much from happiness, just seeing Natsume happy with his present life is all I need..! Which is also kind of scary with the more recent manga arcs...... -.-
Love this series (although more familiar with the anime & I still haven't watched the most recent season). Way back when I was first seriously starting to get back into anime (around the start of college), I was a huge fan of a similarly-paced/emotional "conflict of the week" type of series called MushiShi, and Natsume often came up on lists when looking for something similar. Just a super touching series whether it's dealing with a seemingly simple "spirit of the week" tale, or more focused on Natsume himself and his growing relationships and interactions with others (often both intertwined). I also particularly love the 2nd ED sequence "Aishiteru." Again, deceptively simple but brings up emotions in me I wouldn't expect at first glance.
Also completely nuts that CR decided to go back and dub this show considering its age - that's some serious investment.
One of the first animes I watched. I changed my tastes and opinion about lots of anime through out the years but with Natume's book of friends I came to appreciate it more and more as I've become an adult.
I didn’t know this was so popular in Japan? I’m obsessed w this series ahhhhh
this is my favourite series of all time - thank you for talking about it! i hope more people can discover it through your video
I LOVE Natsume Yuujinhou. I just casually found the Anime once and compleatly fell for it... Bur if in the USA is nt that well known imagine in LATAM... I would love for it to be more recognized and talked about. I'm still waitting for a S7.
Natsume is a precious Human Being and his Character Development makes me so proud :')
Beside, The Manga/Anime in general is so good, is a Beautifull Slice of Life but it does have a Story with Reiko and the Exorcists. I love it too much 🥺✨
No tiene ni versión física traducida al español, imaginate :,( Amo demasiado este anime, namás voy por la temporada 4 y saber que quedan solo 2 temporadas más me pone triste, no quiero q acabe nunca
It makes me so happy to see Natsume's friendship with the Yokai but also his human friends :) He's really come a long way and it all started with the Fujiwara's and them being the first to give him a real home.
Recently, i finished my 4th rewatch of the entire series and i still loved every single second. I really need a new season asap.
This anime has stuck with me since i watched it back in high school in 2014. I don't watch anime as much as I use to as before but I think about this one so often. It really left an impact on me haha. It's so under rated and I recommend it to everyone. It's such a comforting show and has you crying in a warm way. Especially, the episode with the yokai in the tree I watch that episode I need some comfort and a good cry. Thank you for talking about it! I hope more people watch it.
Finally, I found someone discussing Natsume Yujinchou, I think this anime is very underated if you find this anime it means you found the treasure of One Piece guys.
Your channel has inspired me to branch out from generic shonen or seinen manga like the hot shonen jump releases or berserk/vagabond/vinland saga. You have a pretty charismatic personality in your videos. you clearly have a lot a passion about the series you talk about. I really see your channel going far in the manga/anime scene. Shojo/josei content creators are severely lacking and you can fill that void. You have a lot of potential and I look forward to seeing where you go. Keep going at it! I've read prince freya and collette decides to die because of you!
This has been my favourite anime for over a decade!
After being a fan for years, I finally came across an official Nyanko Sensei plushie at a convention last year and it was the only one. I paid like $45 for it and I have no regrets 😂
Natsume's book of friends is hands down my favorite story ever and he's such an amazing protagonist. Watching this anime gave me great solace in times when I most needed it. I come from a broken family and I've struggled to make connections ever since I was a kid. Natsume's kindness and strong will inspired me in a huge way to keep trying to connect with others and be more kind myself. Of course, life ain't easy and some years later I'm very lonely and with no friends again, but this manga still gives me huge amounts of comfort and hope, while it reminds me to be compassionate and kind towards others.
Great video essay, the way you made the connection between compassion and NBF was really well thought out and you managed to make me tear up a couple of times. I love that you're shining a light on so many great shojos.
I absolutely LOVE this anime and I always go back to it. It has a soothing/serene quality that I haven't really seen in any other media.
It is IMPOSSIBLE to find a Nyanko-sensei plushie in the US, though, I have managed to get things like stickers and art at cons.
What a beautiful and insightful video. Natsume still is one of my favorite stories in general. It has so many life-changing messages and lessons for practically everybody. Keep going
One of my favourite shojo series. Nyanko is a delight
Thank you for making such a beautiful and sensitive video about my favorite series! Just listening to you describing some of the chapters made me all emotional haha This series really hits me! Thank you for giving it the attention and love it deserves!
Nastume after years of watching anime has been my favorite and to see that the manga Carrie’s that feeling of loneliness, growth, compassion. I’m definitely going to get the manga now 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺
I want a Nyanko-sensei plush too! They are so hard to find (at least one original)
Through the seasons (I haven't read the manga) we can see the small changes he has had in his life and that's enough to make me emotional, he is so empathic HE IS SUCH A GOOD PERSON even though he has had a childhood story similar to other series characters that resemble him (Watanuki Kimihiro from HOLiC and Ginko from Mushishi) Natori my beloved. Anyways, nice video and analysis.
Natsume started getting dubbed recently so I've finally been able to start watching it
Natsume is my favorite anime ever. It is so genuine and lovely. It always cheers me up
Wonderful video thanks so much for sharing I'll check out these Manga and give them a watch.😁👏
My favorite series. I always feel so at peace after watching an episode.
Natsume has been my top 1 anime for years! It might sound funny, but I strongly believe this anime also changed me to a better person :”))
Natsume Yuujinchou is my all time favorite series, so anytime i see a video about it i have to drop everything to watch it. Thank you for posting this!!
I love natsume yuujinchou so much, if I talk about it I will cry. Happy you made a video on it!
YOOO so excited every time I see a new video!
OMG SOMEONE ACTUALLY TALKING ABOUT NATSUME YUUJINCHOU!!! ;A;
I love this series so much. I adore it with all my heart and soul.
I'm a guy and this is my favorite anime series. Kind of feel like it shouldn't be called a shoujo as I feel everyone should watch it, but it is what it is. Natsume somehow is a unique character in all my anime watching in that his strength comes from his relationships that he doesn't initially even realize he's growing. His selfless impact on others surprises even himself as the youkai end up choosing to be with him after he gives without asking anything in return and giving them freedom, which is the exact opposite of what his grandmother did. Natsume is not just healing his own trauma but also healing the youkai's trauma by trying to heal some of the past. The show hits on the emotional core of trust, loyalty, and security that we all crave and that's why I love it.
Definite top 2 series for me, maybe even #1. So good.
yes! I've seen three seasons of the anime and I love it.
Found this gem on Tubi, got sucked in pretty quickly.
I love this series, and I'm not even in the core demographic. It's great to hear other people talk about it. I've only watched the anime, but really want to read the manga someday, as I've heard Natsume's character development is explored more in depth. The series as a whole is definitely in my top 3 anime of all time. It JUST recently got a dub (literally a few months ago), but they didn't get the softness of Natsume's voice right, so I recommend anyone watching the sub.
I’ve been on a romance webtoon & manga binge for awhile now so this series sounds like the perfect break away! Great job on the video! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I'm so excited it's getting a dub and will open this series up to a whole new people who don't watch subs (whatever their reason)
Natsume deserves all the love
Natsume's Book of Friends is my absolute favorite shoujo!!!
This is one of my favourite anime of my life so far. I think the first anime that made me fall in love with a slice of life show.
Another banger from Colleen
I wish more in the west knew about Natsume Yuuujinjou, the most beautiful and meaningful story I've ever seen
Pretty funny coincidence that I finished this anime one day ago & this video popped up on my page. 🌸It truly is an amazing show that deserves more recognition and views. I discovered it like 4 days ago and started watching like two seasons a day and also all the extra OVAs and movies. I can't get enough, and I will highly recommend it to everyone.💖
I love this series, it's my favourite, I feel deeply represented with natsume, I'm queer, probably autistic and have ADHD, I suffered bullying when I was a kid and lived in loneliness most of my life. I still can't make friends tho... I'm 29 and sometimes feel like a failure as a human. I even got into an abusive relationship in the search of being loved. I have an autistic daughter that makes me see everything in a new perspective and animals just like nyanko that love me and support me when i'm sad. I hope someday i'll make friends just like Natsume.
I will check out this gem of a manga thanks for the recommendation
I just found the anime and had heard of the Manga a bunch of times. I love the anime and am keeping my eye out for the Manga. It’s a very beautiful story.
My favorite manga ever
im so happy you made a video on natsuyuu sobs...
This is one of my favorites I need a new anime season.
I love Natsume and need to read the manga someday as I'm dying waiting for the next season of the anime! I have a small plushie of Nanko Sensei that I got at a combini lucky pick ( buy a ticket and gamble a bit) soo worth it. You will need to go to Japan the next time Natsume has a movie and they will have so much cool stuff out :). Yep hop on a plane just for that ;D. Thank you for your channel.
Not 5 minutes in, I have to pause the video because I’m getting misty eyed and i’m in a public setting. 😭
I'm surprised it's shoujo cos I had that misconception that shoujo is mostly about romance and relationships. Discovered the anime last year and it's been a fav for me and my sis. Very wholesome and at the same time grounded.
Hey collens please talk about banana fish as well. I think you have read/watched it already
Both banana fish and natsume are my favourites
I fking love Natsume
I havent watched this series in a long time but when I did I binged like 5 seasons
my fave anime!!!! we need those Nyanko sensei plushys >W
I really love this manga!!
I kinda want a prequel series of Reiko Natsume cuz only very little is known about the natsume family
I haven't read this series yet, and while this video basically felt like a summary, I remain skeptically interested. It sounds soooo heavy. Like a companion to Goodnight Punpun. It sounds overwhelming emotional, I'm not sure if I can handle it right now. Does the series inject levity into this heavy story, or are you supposed to just cry after each book?
It's much lighter than I made it out to be. The two stories I picked out to talk about served to move Natsume's backstory forward which is why they are so heavy. A lot of chapters are very much cry worthy but none of them make you feel too sad afterwards because it's about people healing. It's much more feel good.
Amazing! We should do a zoom meeting to watch anime o read some shoujo manga in groups so I don't cry alone hahah xS
My comfort anime
Every time I read book 8, I think that if he had gone with the yokai, it would have been the equivalent of leaving your abusive family for an abusive spouse... The yokai feeds on suffering, after all.
Dont make me CRYYyYyYyY
the beeeest anime ever !!! anyone has any news about a new season ? :/
I started reading book of friends a long time ago but could never finish it when the library changed location. I loved the manga though and Im sad I couldnt continue reading it.
Sweater and hair cut are fire
Another day another video with the tiny microphone!
This comment is an offering to the algorithm god, may they bless this video 🙏🙏🙏
omg you've talked abt a Motomi Kyousuke work and now Natsume's Book of Friends? Taste.
Did the title used to say comphet or am I tweaking?
I never changed the title lol
@@ColleensMangaRecs thank you I was thinking of another video
this Anime can become big "What If?" become easily edgy teenager who exorcist yokais who out of spite and harm humans most of time. without love from his family , zero compassion , we got action shaman kid in first time too just like his grandma
Always wanted to watch this anime. But just had other animes prioritized🤷
Tbh ive always found Natsume boring. Tried starting it like 4 times over the years and have been wondering if the mangas any better cause I like its pretty art
It's okay if you aren't able to read, then skip it. Don't you think forcing yourself to read it will just make it more boring? There will be some other manga that you might love.
@@lasttimeimaskingyouthis Yeah but I was just wondering if the mangas better than the anime which is what I don't like. For instance I love the one piece manga but I think the anime isn't that good.
I think if u thought the anime was boring then u probably won’t like the manga either. They are pretty similar, and so I think you might be even more bored in manga form (since it doesn’t have the pretty ost or great voice acting). I don’t think it’s boring at all considering it’s my favorite piece of media ever but I understand that it’s slower pace and episodic nature isn’t for everyone.
@@paleteas6296 I'm actually pretty into slow paced episodic stuff, idk why I can't get into it but whatever.
Let's start a revolt and bring natsume and nyanko to the usa