Natsume’s Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor Anime Movie

Natsume‘s Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor (Anime Movie)

_{Genre: Supernatural / Slice of Life / Iyashikei}

Japanese Title: 夏目友人帳石起こしと怪しき来訪者 (Natsume Yūjin-Chō: Ishi Okoshi to Ayashiki Raihōsha)

Year of Release: 2021

Origin: Japan

Runtime: 51 minutes

Director: Hideki Itō

Production: Shuka

Other Related Anime Movies: Natsume’s Book of Friends the Movie: Ephemeral Bond (2018)

TV: Natsume’s Book of Friends Anime Series 2008 – 2024 (87 episodes)

Manga: Natsume’s Book of Friends Manga 2003 – 2026 (continues) (33 volumes)

Plot Summary

Natsume’s Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor is a 2021 anime film that unfolds through two distinct yet thematically connected stories, continuing the beloved narrative of Takashi Natsume and his interactions with the spirit world.

Story 1: Ishi Okoshi (The Waking Rock)
In this segment, Natsume encounters Mitsumi, a small and determined yōkai. Mitsumi is on a crucial mission to awaken Gantetsu, a powerful water spirit. Natsume, drawing upon his unique ability to perceive and interact with yōkai, offers his assistance to Mitsumi. Through their collaboration, Natsume utilizes his understanding and connection to the spirit world to help Mitsumi achieve her goal, demonstrating his compassionate nature and his role as a bridge between humans and spirits.

Story 2: Ayashiki Raihousha (The Strange Visitor)
This second story focuses on Kaname Tanuma, a close friend of Natsume’s. Tanuma begins to suffer from a series of peculiar health problems, which he realizes are linked to the persistent visits of a mysterious yōkai. Deeply concerned for his friend’s well-being, Natsume takes it upon himself to investigate the unusual circumstances. His investigation uncovers the hidden connection between Tanuma and the enigmatic yōkai, shedding light on the reasons behind the spiritual affliction.

Main Characters

Takashi Natsume: The central protagonist, Natsume possesses the rare ability to see yōkai. He consistently uses his powers and compassionate heart to help both humans and spirits navigate their complex relationships and challenges.
Mitsumi: A small yōkai who seeks Natsume’s aid in her significant task of awakening the powerful water spirit, Gantetsu.
Kaname Tanuma: A friend of Natsume’s who finds himself mysteriously afflicted by a yōkai’s visits, prompting Natsume’s intervention and investigation.