What do you think?
Rate this book
夏目友人帳 [Natsume Yūjinchō] #4
Natsume's Book of Friends, Vol. 4
Takashi Natsume has always been aware of the supernatural world, but after he inherits a magical book from his grandmother, the supernatural world is aware of him!
Takashi Natsume can see the spirits and demons that hide from the rest of humanity. He has always been set apart from other people because of his gift, drifting from relative to relative, never fitting in. Now he's a troubled high school student who has come to live in the small town where his grandmother grew up. And there he discovers that he has inherited more than just the Sight from the mysterious Reiko.
Takashi's quiet afternoon in the forest is disrupted when an angry spirit tries to possess him. He manages to dodge the spiritual attack, but he can't as easily avoid the yokai's pleas for help. Now he's tracking down an escaped evil spirit that threatens the life of the forest. But he's still learning that yokai never tell the whole truth, and the secrets spirits keep spell trouble for him!
Takashi Natsume can see the spirits and demons that hide from the rest of humanity. He has always been set apart from other people because of his gift, drifting from relative to relative, never fitting in. Now he's a troubled high school student who has come to live in the small town where his grandmother grew up. And there he discovers that he has inherited more than just the Sight from the mysterious Reiko.
Takashi's quiet afternoon in the forest is disrupted when an angry spirit tries to possess him. He manages to dodge the spiritual attack, but he can't as easily avoid the yokai's pleas for help. Now he's tracking down an escaped evil spirit that threatens the life of the forest. But he's still learning that yokai never tell the whole truth, and the secrets spirits keep spell trouble for him!
200 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2007
18 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Yuki Midorikawa
100 books289 followersYuki Midorikawa (緑川ゆき, Midorikawa Yuki) is a Japanese mangaka (manga artist). Midorikawa is best known for drawing the manga series Natsume Yujin-cho ("Natsume's Book of Friends").
Yuki Midorikawa started writing manga when she was an elementary school girl. When she was a junior high school student, she sent her manga for the first time to "Hana to Yume", a semi-monthly Japanese shōjo manga magazine published by Hakusensha. Since then, she had kept drawing manga to become a mangaka.
Yuki Midorikawa started writing manga when she was an elementary school girl. When she was a junior high school student, she sent her manga for the first time to "Hana to Yume", a semi-monthly Japanese shōjo manga magazine published by Hakusensha. Since then, she had kept drawing manga to become a mangaka.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
November 8, 2010
Originally posted here at Anime Radius.
Natsume's Book of Friends is a rare series: it is consistently high quality and has a clear message through every volume: the loneliness of human beings and the need for connections. In this volume, we see more of Natsume's kindness as well as his loneliness and how the two feelings constantly conflict inside of him as he lives between words - the world of humans and the world of yokai. We also see a direct parallel of living with the ability to see and interact with yokai in the form of Natori; his narrative occasionally crosses with Natsume's and shows how living between overlapping worlds affects two individuals differently. And then there is Nyanko-sensei, Natsume's devious guardian who keeps the human boy safe while always keeping one eye on the Book of Friends - Reiko's lasting legacy for her grandson.
Yuki Midorikawa's typical gorgeous art and storytelling skills really shine through on the pages of this book and add depth to Natsume's story. His story is one of a boy looking for acceptance after a lifetime of being shunned by people who should have loved him, and in these chapters we see how Natsume reaches out in his own way to achieve this. He does not always walk away from each experience feeling like he's found it, but you can see how each moment touches him and affects his own views on himself and the rest of the world. Whether it's helping a guardian spirit looking for a wayward evil force or protecting a fox spirit from bullies, Natsume constantly gives parts of himself to other people because of his internal belief that everyone is good inside and can be trusted. I would not call him naive so much as overly trusting; he is capable of being angry and upset when he is lied to or tricked, especially when it's done by someone he wants to trust wholly. You can see the conflict most clearly in his relationship with Natori, a man who communicates with the world of yokai on a regular basis as does Natsume but sees them much more differently.
The fourth volume of Natsume explores the character of Natsume in nuanced and multiple ways, showing us the young man as a human being and a teen and a seer of yokai as well as someone who is vulnerable yet strong enough to bear the pain of both of the societies he lives in. People who demand a fast-paced series should probably not pick up Natsume's Book of Friends; the development in story and characterization is slow and subtle but absolutely fascinating to watch unfold. With Nyanko-sensei as his highly humorous sidekick, Natsume's journey is an involving one that proves that you can have a supernatural manga that still comments on the human condition and remains wonderful while doing so.
Natsume's Book of Friends is a rare series: it is consistently high quality and has a clear message through every volume: the loneliness of human beings and the need for connections. In this volume, we see more of Natsume's kindness as well as his loneliness and how the two feelings constantly conflict inside of him as he lives between words - the world of humans and the world of yokai. We also see a direct parallel of living with the ability to see and interact with yokai in the form of Natori; his narrative occasionally crosses with Natsume's and shows how living between overlapping worlds affects two individuals differently. And then there is Nyanko-sensei, Natsume's devious guardian who keeps the human boy safe while always keeping one eye on the Book of Friends - Reiko's lasting legacy for her grandson.
Yuki Midorikawa's typical gorgeous art and storytelling skills really shine through on the pages of this book and add depth to Natsume's story. His story is one of a boy looking for acceptance after a lifetime of being shunned by people who should have loved him, and in these chapters we see how Natsume reaches out in his own way to achieve this. He does not always walk away from each experience feeling like he's found it, but you can see how each moment touches him and affects his own views on himself and the rest of the world. Whether it's helping a guardian spirit looking for a wayward evil force or protecting a fox spirit from bullies, Natsume constantly gives parts of himself to other people because of his internal belief that everyone is good inside and can be trusted. I would not call him naive so much as overly trusting; he is capable of being angry and upset when he is lied to or tricked, especially when it's done by someone he wants to trust wholly. You can see the conflict most clearly in his relationship with Natori, a man who communicates with the world of yokai on a regular basis as does Natsume but sees them much more differently.
The fourth volume of Natsume explores the character of Natsume in nuanced and multiple ways, showing us the young man as a human being and a teen and a seer of yokai as well as someone who is vulnerable yet strong enough to bear the pain of both of the societies he lives in. People who demand a fast-paced series should probably not pick up Natsume's Book of Friends; the development in story and characterization is slow and subtle but absolutely fascinating to watch unfold. With Nyanko-sensei as his highly humorous sidekick, Natsume's journey is an involving one that proves that you can have a supernatural manga that still comments on the human condition and remains wonderful while doing so.
November 20, 2016
*rolls around in the beautiful peaceful stories*
January 15, 2025
5 ⭐
Natori and Natsume's friendship is one of my favourite things in this series, and it's so heartwarming to see how they progress. "Would you continue meeting me?" I've said this before, but I'm glad Natsume has an adult he can depend on, who can also see ayakashi.
Gen and Sui, Yasaka and Miya, this volume is full of beautiful yet sad love stories. It is kinda of bittersweet to see their endings, though I love how it concluded their stories for now.
WOLF BOY IS HERE! I love him he's my baby.
Natori and Natsume's friendship is one of my favourite things in this series, and it's so heartwarming to see how they progress. "Would you continue meeting me?" I've said this before, but I'm glad Natsume has an adult he can depend on, who can also see ayakashi.
Gen and Sui, Yasaka and Miya, this volume is full of beautiful yet sad love stories. It is kinda of bittersweet to see their endings, though I love how it concluded their stories for now.
WOLF BOY IS HERE! I love him he's my baby.
December 4, 2022
i really love the relationship between natsume and natori and this is the volume that has a chapter in which i think it starts being developed more
February 8, 2018
In SHORT: Magical, personal and quietly brilliant.
In DETAIL:
Themes: Being different, loneliness, creatures from myth and legend, friendship and camaraderie and the meaning of family.
Setting: Rural Japan in all its loveliness! (When it comes to a time period I’d say, roughly the ‘here and now’.)
Atmosphere: At once magical and ordinary. The focus on interpersonal relationships in a world where a vast array of supernatural creatures are never far, is the key to making this story so wonderful. It is almost always less about the being’s strangeness and abilities, but rather its hopes and wishes.
Characters & Relationships: Every character is incredibly unique and loveable in their own way. What I adore the portrayal of the ayakashi is that Natsume always tries to understand the circumstances of a creature first and only if there is no other way will try to bind it or even kill it. Mostly the ayakashi are shown as having different values or being ignorant of human customs.
Plot: Natsume has to cope with his ability to see ayakashi and with the mysterious “Book of Friends” his grandmother left behind. Not to mention this erratic lucky-cat (that is actually something very different) called Nyanko-sensei. At first the chapters are rather episodic in a monster of the week style (but many really touching and never boring), but somewhere along the line more characters, supernatural and human, appear and as Natsume’s friends and acquaintances expand, the plot branches out.
Cover & Artwork: The artwork has a lovely light touch which adds to feeling of otherworldliness and gives it a sense of fragility.
In DETAIL:
Themes: Being different, loneliness, creatures from myth and legend, friendship and camaraderie and the meaning of family.
Setting: Rural Japan in all its loveliness! (When it comes to a time period I’d say, roughly the ‘here and now’.)
Atmosphere: At once magical and ordinary. The focus on interpersonal relationships in a world where a vast array of supernatural creatures are never far, is the key to making this story so wonderful. It is almost always less about the being’s strangeness and abilities, but rather its hopes and wishes.
Characters & Relationships: Every character is incredibly unique and loveable in their own way. What I adore the portrayal of the ayakashi is that Natsume always tries to understand the circumstances of a creature first and only if there is no other way will try to bind it or even kill it. Mostly the ayakashi are shown as having different values or being ignorant of human customs.
Plot: Natsume has to cope with his ability to see ayakashi and with the mysterious “Book of Friends” his grandmother left behind. Not to mention this erratic lucky-cat (that is actually something very different) called Nyanko-sensei. At first the chapters are rather episodic in a monster of the week style (but many really touching and never boring), but somewhere along the line more characters, supernatural and human, appear and as Natsume’s friends and acquaintances expand, the plot branches out.
Cover & Artwork: The artwork has a lovely light touch which adds to feeling of otherworldliness and gives it a sense of fragility.
July 20, 2025
A fantastic volume, with stories both funny and poignant. I really appreciate the little author sidebars as well. Highly recommended!
August 5, 2012
A couple particularly scary stories, and a couple particularly tender ones.
October 1, 2019
Natsume, who can see yokai spirits that other humans cannot, continues to help them.
Natsume interacts with a guardian stone spirit who is temporarily trapped in the body of a snow bunny, goes on a visit to a hot springs with Mr. Natori, and helps a yokai whose friend has become trapped in a painting. There are also a few shorts on Natsume from the point of view of the yokai which I didn't enjoy as much. The snow bunny story was adorable and the painting story was creepy. These continue to show a good range of emotions and I love Natsume. I'll definitely read more in the series.
Natsume interacts with a guardian stone spirit who is temporarily trapped in the body of a snow bunny, goes on a visit to a hot springs with Mr. Natori, and helps a yokai whose friend has become trapped in a painting. There are also a few shorts on Natsume from the point of view of the yokai which I didn't enjoy as much. The snow bunny story was adorable and the painting story was creepy. These continue to show a good range of emotions and I love Natsume. I'll definitely read more in the series.
June 12, 2019
I really liked this installment of the series. Even though they are short stand alone pieces you can really see in this book how Natsume has grown and changed. His character is revealed a little bit more and Sensei is softening a bit too.
I really enjoyed this one and wish the library had the next one.
I really enjoyed this one and wish the library had the next one.
March 25, 2024
⭑*•̩̩͙⊱• 4.5/5 this was the perfect pick me up! I just finished my second English exam and I needed something to bring up my spirits! This series will forever be one of my favs and I love the anime so much that I may rewatch it soon! Omg especially the special episodes in this volume! My hearttttt I love Natsume so much!!
June 11, 2017
Dieser Band hat mir wieder besser gefallen, die Inhalte haben mich wieder mehr gerührt und wir haben auch wieder Rückblicke in Natsumes Vergangenheit - die kurzen Stories am Ende aus anderen Sichtweisen haben mir sehr gut gefallen.
August 6, 2022
4.5
Kolejny wspaniały tomik. Tutaj nawet dodatkowe rozdziały (które zazwyczaj mnie nudzą i uważam je za "no spoko dodatek, można przeczytać, ale można też np. umrzeć") zasługują na miano jednej wielkiej wholesomawki. Ta manga jest rewelacyjna!
Kolejny wspaniały tomik. Tutaj nawet dodatkowe rozdziały (które zazwyczaj mnie nudzą i uważam je za "no spoko dodatek, można przeczytać, ale można też np. umrzeć") zasługują na miano jednej wielkiej wholesomawki. Ta manga jest rewelacyjna!
March 26, 2023
In this fourth volume, we learn about yokai energies. Natsume is learning that he may be too trusting, but he still wants everyone, human and yokai, to be happy. The story has grabbed me and I need to know more.
November 7, 2017
夏目の子供頃の話いつも大好き。チビ夏目はとても可愛いよ。
この巻結構好きだった。私の一番好きなキャラが登場した。子狐すごく好き！超可愛い！
一つの質問あるけど。漫画のなかに夏目の睫毛は白い。どうやってやるの？
この巻結構好きだった。私の一番好きなキャラが登場した。子狐すごく好き！超可愛い！
一つの質問あるけど。漫画のなかに夏目の睫毛は白い。どうやってやるの？
November 22, 2017
I need to read more from this manga. It's so good.
January 30, 2018
Perfect.
June 12, 2018
This series is turning out better than I thought!
June 16, 2018
This series gives me too many feels but I love it 😭😂🤣
September 24, 2018
I liked the short episodes at the end more than the main story chapters of this volume.
October 28, 2018
Awesome stories and beautiful art.
January 30, 2019
I have so many feels for Natsume. Those short stories at the end? Killer.
December 5, 2020
With the addition of arcs, this volume is more heartwarming than before.
September 11, 2021
cada vez mas me esta gustando esta historia, me gusta mucho como van contando la historia de natsume al mismo tiempo que van apareciendo nuevos yoikais.
December 7, 2021
I absolutely adored these heartfelt chapters.
August 27, 2022
I've watched all the anime that was based on this series, and am now making my way through the manga. I love these stories full of compassion and melancholy.
February 28, 2023
Natsume will always hold a special place in my heart.
March 7, 2023
Awe. Natsume’s rubbing off on you Sensei.
July 15, 2023
I can't explain just how sad and simultaneously feel-good this series is. And so far, every single story has hit.
August 6, 2023
I think this series is growing on me. Worth reading.
August 21, 2024
It’s beautiful (está hermosa la portada de este tomo)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews