The first episode of Natsume’s Book of Friends is quiet but very moving. It’s not the kind of anime filled with intense, dramatic moments, and the pace is quite slow, but it still hits you emotionally. It introduces Natsume as someone who can see spirits, but more importantly, as someone who feels lonely and misunderstood. The story is gentle in tone, yet it makes you deeply feel his sadness and kindness. He is one of the most gentle characters I’ve ever seen.