Fans of the supernatural slice-of-life series Natsume’s Book of Friends can now enjoy an additional adventure, as Crunchyroll has begun streaming the bonus episode for the anime’s seventh season. Titled “The Outstretched Hand,” the special episode is available with both English subtitles and an English dub, adding further depth to Takashi Natsume’s encounters with yokai.
A Special Treat for Fans
The bonus episode, “The Outstretched Hand,” was originally a special inclusion in the fifth Blu-ray and DVD volume of Natsume’s Book of Friends 7th Season (also known as Natsume Yūjin-Chō Shichi). Its arrival on Crunchyroll allows a wider international audience to experience this additional story without needing to acquire the physical media. This release is a welcome surprise for many, as evidenced by fan discussions online expressing excitement and appreciation for the timely streaming availability.
Continuing Natsume’s Journey
The seventh season of Natsume’s Book of Friends originally aired from October 8 to December 24, 2024, comprising 12 episodes. The series, based on Yuki Midorikawa’s manga, continues to follow Takashi Natsume, a young man who has the ability to see yokai (Japanese spirits). He inherited this unique power, along with the “Book of Friends”—a ledger containing the names of yokai his grandmother, Reiko, bound to her service—from his late maternal grandmother. Assisted by his self-proclaimed bodyguard, the powerful yokai Madara (who often takes the form of a lucky cat, Nyanko-sensei), Natsume dedicates himself to returning the names to their rightful owners, leading to heartwarming, melancholic, and sometimes perilous encounters.
Production and Staff Behind the Series
Studio Shuka has been responsible for animating Natsume’s Book of Friends from its fifth season onward, with Hideki Ito directing the seventh season and Takahiro Ōmori serving as chief director. Sadayuki Murai oversees the series scripts, Akira Takata handles character designs, and Makoto Yoshimori composes the evocative music that has become a hallmark of the franchise. The consistent quality in animation and storytelling has resonated with a dedicated fanbase, further solidifying the series’ place in the iyashikei (healing genre) of anime.
Crunchyroll has been a long-standing platform for the Natsume’s Book of Friends anime, streaming all seven seasons and also producing English dubs for the series. This ongoing support ensures that new and old fans alike can immerse themselves in Natsume’s compassionate journey through the human and spirit worlds.
