Takashi Natsume is a young man who’s been able to see youkai since he was a child. Since inheriting his grandmother Reiko’s Book of Friends, a bundle of contracts proving that she had made youkai her followers, he spends his days returning youkai’s names to their owners alongside his self-proclaimed bodyguard youkai, Nyako-sensei.

As Natsume meets all kinds of youkai and kind-hearted people and builds a warm place of belonging, he starts to wonder how to protect humans, youkai, and other things precious to him.

Takashi Natsume

Voice Actor: Hiroshi Kamiya

Just like his grandmother Reiko, he has a rare ability which allows him to see youkai. After he lost his parents when he was a child, he’s been handed around from relative to relative. Spends his time returning the names of youkai that were taken by his grandmother after inheriting her Book of Names.

Madara (Nyanko-sensei)

Voice Actor: Kazuhiko Inoue

Madara, a youkai with a graceful appearance, was confined in a lucky cat ornament and at some point ended up looking like this. Promising to take the Book of Friends if Natsume dies, he lives with him as a pet cat whilst serving as his bodyguard.

Reiko Natsume

Voice Actor: Sanae Kobayashi

Takashi’s grandmother. It seems she passed away at a young age, but the details are unclear. Her beauty and spiritual powers meant she was respected by youkai, but hated by humans. Collected the names of youkai and made the Book of Friends.

Shuuichi Natori

Voice Actor: Akira Ishida

A popular actor. Like Natsume, he can also see youkai, so understands him well. Has a gecko-shaped youkai on his skin that moves around. His household used to be made up of exorcists and he still takes on youkai purification work.