I watch SoL Anime for comfort and relaxation. Seeing a bunch of happy characters being happy in a rather laid back setting makes me happy but whenever I finish any SoL I always feel a bit empty. A realization occurs that everything Ive watched experienced so far is just a temporary feeling thatll fade away sooner or later. Thats because many of these SoLs never had a longlasting impression on me. They may have an original concept they may have some well written characters they may have or do something that I might love to appreciate but many of them didnt convey anything that touched my soul. But among those very few titles that did Natsumes Book of Friendshttps://anilist.co/anime/4081/NatsumesBookofFriends/ is one such favourite of mine. Upon my first introductionhttps://anilist.co/anime/4081/NatsumesBookofFriends to the series I thought it was a great Iyashikei. It has all the right elements to make for a relaxing watch. A rural setting a kind protagonist solving troubles of both humans demons cute mascot cat fairly well written characters and an episodic storytelling well managed with its cozy art style beautiful backgrounds and soothing OSTs but thats just it. It was good and great but nothing really special. Very little consideration was given to the character development and the overreaching plot/main mystery of Yuujinchou moves at a snail pace. But whats really special about this to me is what the series always encapsulates. The Warmth in interactions Everyone has their moments of highs lows in life and sometimes we just wish for someone to be there someone who cares for us. Every episodic story in every season of Natsume always highlights this warmth in interacting with someone who cares for you and thats what is truly special about this show. It shows Natsume growing out of his antisocial self hate personality triggered by his parents death and being labeled as a weird kid into a kind open hearted person who starts to accept himself and others into his life. And I like to say that I love the sound element very much. I really like the soothing melodies in their calm and heartwarming moments or its more intense or dramatic moments but what I really love about the series are the Ending Songs. Aishiteru https://youtu.be/N2iMEuegc98 I always listen to these ending songs after completing each season and while I usually avoid exaggerating but Ive never heard such a heartwarming song as ED2 and the fact that the song is titled Aishiteru I Love You just fills me with so much joy. Many thanks to all the staff who worked on and keep working on such a lovely show. Conclusion A personal favorite which reminds me of people who care for me and that I have to treasure them. https://i.ur.com/yledDBl.gif
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