Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 6

Writer	Yuki Midorikawa
Illustrator	Yuki Midorikawa
Published in English	2011
Publisher	Viz Media
Demographic	Shōjo
Age rating	Teen

The Twisted Case of a Boy Called Kai

Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 6 was published in 2008 and had its English translation released in 2011. The tankōbon contains chapters 20–22 and special episodes 5 and 6 created by writer-artist Yuki Midorikawa. Also, her standalone comics The Corner of the Schoolhouse is added to the book. The young adult manga falls into supernatural fantasy and mystery genres.

Chapters 20–22 follow Takashi and Taki as they try to befriend and aid a young boy Kai who is being chased by an unknown forbidding figure. What appears to be a straightforward case of yokai threat at first sight is instead a considerably complex situation as the characters soon learn. The special episodes bring new adventures of the fox-like yokai and show the first time Hinoe and Reiko met. The Corner of the Schoolhouse is a romantic story not connected to Natsume,

Takashi assumes a young boy has had experiences similar to his own and wants to be of help. However, characters hide facts about themselves as well as their intentions, everything turns out to be more complicated, and there is inevitably a lot of misunderstanding. The story explores fragile trust the characters have between each other in such circumstances. The protagonist is told he has to choose between yokai and people. Although he wants to remain a peacemaker, this claim makes Takashi doubt himself when the things go wrong. His inner conflict is portrayed effectively when hostile confrontations take place. On the contrary, interactions with Taki are reassuring for Takashi as he is building friendship with her.

The longest continuous storyline so far in the series spans all three conventional chapters, consisting of intricate events and secrets. There is a great unexpected plot twist which works perfectly with the broader logic behind the tale. The author uses an old familiar trope of a sealed evil which urges a character to release them. Nevertheless, a convincing emotional reason is provided for why this deception is succesful. Takashi’s visits to an abandoned house with a sinister appearance as well as to a place rumoured to attract yokai give a sense of danger that constantly lurks around. Further on, some creepy creatures do show up, threatenng the characters.

The artwork is full of movement, highlighted by the layout of panels. Face expressions of the characters effectively convey their emotions, contributing to the storytelling. The artist has drawn vivd locations – a severly ruined house and area around a thicket that attracts yokai.

The fox yokai returns in a short cute story and in another special episode Hinoe recounts her peculiar first encounter with Reiko. The Corner of the Schoolhouse is about a schoolgirl who becomes attracted to a male teacher. The author comments in the afterword that this story makes her a little embarrassed and it indeed is rather odd.

One continuous storyline dominates Natsume’s Book of Friends Vol. 6 which contains complicated relations, mystery, and twists, presenting both emotional content and exciting development of plot. The readers who have waited for a longer, multi-chapter tale, will be especially satisfied.

Characters

Themes

Plot

Artwork

Content advisory

Erotic content: SLIGHT

Madara says to Hinoe: ‘Stop it, nympho! You’re spoiling my booze!’

In The Corner of the Schoolhouse the girl is showing explicit romantic interest towards her teacher who is about ten years older. It doesn’t get any further but the feeling is there.

Violence: SLIGHT

A yokai with an axe follows characters and holds Takashi. Handfighting with yokai, fantasy fights, characters lose conciousness and are slightly wounded. Takashi is tightly held in a trap that puts a strong pressure on him.

Profanity: NONE

Scary content: MODERATE

Dangerous locations, namely abandoned house. Takashi has a frightening dream. Some creepy creatures. A sense of threat throughout the main storyline

Alcohol, drugs, and smoking: SLIGHT

Yokai characters drinking alcohol. Hinoe is constantly smoking. In The Corner of the Schoolhouse some characters smoke.