Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yūjin-chō) is a gentle, emotionally resonant anime that follows Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits, as he returns names to the yokai his grandmother once bound. It’s a story deeply rooted in empathy, spiritual connection, and self-discovery, wrapped in soft supernatural elements. The series is known for its slow-burn pacing, introspective character development, and a narrative style that subverts the usual action-heavy tropes of the supernatural genre.
While Natsume’s Book of Friends has earned a loyal following, many anime with similar emotional depth and thematic resonance remain underappreciated. The following 15 series explore similar territory—lonely protagonists, spiritual or supernatural encounters, healing narratives, and atmospheric storytelling. If you’re searching for more anime with subtle magic, heartwarming growth, and emotional introspection, these underrated gems deserve your attention.
1. Mushishi (2005–2014)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Hulu, Funimation
- Episodes: 46 (across 2 seasons + specials)
- MAL Rating: 8.66
- Studio: Artland
- Notable Staff: Directed by Hiroshi Nagahama (The Flowers of Evil)
- Awards: Tokyo Anime Award (2006), Mainichi Film Award (2007)
Plot: Ginko, a traveling “Mushi-shi,” studies mysterious life forms known as mushi, which exist in the liminal spaces between the seen and unseen. Each episode is a standalone encounter with both human and mushi.
Similarities: Like Natsume, Mushishi features episodic spiritual tales, a contemplative pace, and a protagonist with deep empathy for beings others fear.
2. The Morose Mononokean (2016–2019)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.34
- Studio: Pierrot Plus
- Notable Staff: Based on manga by Kiri Wazawa
Plot: High schooler Hanae Ashiya becomes involved with the Mononokean, an exorcism business run by the aloof Abeno. Together, they help yokai find peace and return to the underworld.
Similarities: Themes of friendship, human-yokai interaction, and spiritual journeys echo Natsume’s tone and charm.
3. Nurararhiyon no Mago (2010)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 48 (2 seasons)
- MAL Rating: 7.60
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Notable Staff: Directed by Junji Nishimura (Ranma ½)
Plot: Rikuo Nura is part human, part yokai, destined to lead the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons—though he resists his legacy.
Similarities: Balances modern life with supernatural duties, featuring a conflicted yet kind protagonist torn between two worlds.
4. Elegant Yokai Apartment Life (2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.05
- Studio: Shin-Ei Animation
- Notable Staff: Based on a light novel by Hinowa Kouzuki
Plot: After losing his parents, Yūshi Inaba moves into an apartment filled with friendly spirits and quirky residents, learning to heal and grow through his encounters.
Similarities: Much like Natsume, this anime is about healing from trauma through relationships with supernatural beings.
5. Hotarubi no Mori e (2011)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 1 (movie)
- MAL Rating: 8.33
- Studio: Brain’s Base
- Notable Staff: From Natsume’s creator Yuki Midorikawa
Plot: A girl meets a spirit in the forest and forms a deep bond, but they can never touch. A story of love, impermanence, and memory.
Similarities: Shares creator, tone, and melancholic storytelling—ideal for Natsume fans seeking emotional resonance.
6. Somali and the Forest Spirit (2020)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.77
- Studio: Satelight
- Notable Staff: Directed by Kenji Yasuda (Macross Delta)
- Awards: Recommended by Japan Media Arts Festival (2020)
Plot: In a world ruled by spirits, a golem discovers a lost human child and vows to return her to her kind before his life ends.
Similarities: Explores deep bonds between human and non-human beings, with a gentle narrative and soft fantasy atmosphere.
7. Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, Funimation
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.47
- Studio: Gonzo
- Notable Staff: Based on a light novel by Midori Yūma
Plot: College student Aoi is spirited away to a hidden realm where she opens a traditional inn for yokai to pay off her grandfather’s debt.
Similarities: Combines food, folklore, and heartfelt interactions between humans and spirits—reminiscent of Natsume’s warmth.
8. Shounen Onmyouji (2006)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 26
- MAL Rating: 7.51
- Studio: Studio Deen
- Notable Staff: Based on a novel by Mitsuru Yūki
Plot: Young Masahiro, grandson of the legendary onmyouji Abe no Seimei, trains to fight malevolent spirits with the help of his guardian spirit.
Similarities: Focuses on growth, legacy, and compassion in dealing with yokai, with a coming-of-age angle similar to Natsume.
9. Natsuyuki Rendezvous (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 11
- MAL Rating: 7.26
- Studio: Doga Kobo
- Notable Staff: Directed by Kō Matsuo (Red Garden)
Plot: A man falls in love with a flower shop owner, only to find her deceased husband’s spirit still lingers—watching.
Similarities: Themes of letting go, emotional healing, and supernatural presence echo Natsume’s emotional depth.
10. Kino’s Journey – The Beautiful World (2003 / 2017)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll, HIDIVE
- Episodes: 13 (per version)
- MAL Rating: 8.37 (2003), 7.61 (2017)
- Studio: A.C.G.T (2003), Lerche (2017)
- Notable Staff: Directed by Ryutaro Nakamura (Serial Experiments Lain)
Plot: Kino travels from country to country on a talking motorbike, observing different ways of life without interference.
Similarities: Episodic, introspective, and philosophical—Kino’s Journey shares Natsume’s gentle pacing and moral ambiguity.
11. Zoku Natsume Yūjin-chō (Sequel, 2009)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 8.59
- Studio: Brain’s Base
Plot: Continuation of Takashi’s journey returning yokai names, deepening his friendships and exploring his past.
Similarities: Direct sequel, but often overlooked as a standalone experience.
12. Kyousougiga (2013)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 10 + 1 special
- MAL Rating: 7.91
- Studio: Toei Animation
- Notable Staff: Directed by Rie Matsumoto (Blood Blockade Battlefront)
Plot: A chaotic, visually bold series about a girl traveling to a mysterious city to reunite with her family.
Similarities: Rich in symbolism, family themes, and surreal storytelling—a more energetic spiritual cousin to Natsume.
13. Haibane Renmei (2002)
- Streaming: Funimation
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 8.09
- Studio: Radix
- Notable Staff: Created by Yoshitoshi ABe (Serial Experiments Lain)
Plot: Rakka, a newly “born” angelic being, learns about life, loss, and purpose in a mysterious town with other winged people.
Similarities: Quiet, slow-paced exploration of memory, death, and redemption in a liminal world.
14. Jinrui wa Suitai Shimashita (2012)
- Streaming: Crunchyroll
- Episodes: 12
- MAL Rating: 7.74
- Studio: AIC A.S.T.A
- Notable Staff: Directed by Seiji Kishi (Assassination Classroom)
Plot: A bureaucrat mediates relations between tiny fairies and the last remnants of humanity in a post-apocalyptic, pastel world.
Similarities: Subverts expectations with soft visuals and deep themes hidden under whimsical layers, much like Natsume.
15. Pet (2020)
- Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
- Episodes: 13
- MAL Rating: 6.87
- Studio: Geno Studio
- Notable Staff: Based on manga by Ranjō Miyake
Plot: People with the ability to manipulate memories are used as tools by a shadowy organization—but some rebel.
Similarities: Darker in tone, but its exploration of emotional trauma, memory, and connection shares thematic DNA with Natsume.
Why These Anime Work for Natsume’s Book of Friends Fans
All of these series offer more than just supernatural flair—they’re deeply human stories about empathy, growth, and connection, often told through quiet, reflective storytelling. Whether you’re drawn to emotional narratives, yokai-lore, or atmospheric worldbuilding, these underrated anime provide the same soul-soothing blend that makes Natsume’s Book of Friends so beloved.
