The beloved anime Natsume’s Book of Friends is receiving its first official game adaptation, set to launch on June 5 for the Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam. The game, described as a visual novel-style experience, allows players to step into the shoes of protagonist Takashi Natsume as he explores his town during summer vacation, interacting with familiar characters and yokai from the series. According to its Steam page, the story stays true to the anime’s heartfelt themes, following Natsume’s unique ability to see supernatural beings others cannot. A special collector’s edition—packed with exclusive merchandise like a pin badge set, acrylic poster, and trading card game promo—is also available for pre-order.
The game will support simplified and traditional Chinese subtitles alongside Japanese audio, catering to a global audience. This release coincides with the franchise’s 15th anniversary, further celebrated by the ongoing seventh season of the anime, which premiered in Japan last October. The season is currently streaming on platforms like Netflix, Crunchyroll, and regional services, ensuring accessibility for international fans.
Originally a manga by Yuki Midorikawa, Natsume’s Book of Friends debuted in 2003 and remains a cornerstone of supernatural storytelling. Viz Media continues to publish the English-language version of the manga, while the anime’s enduring popularity underscores its cultural impact. With the game’s launch, fans can now immerse themselves in Natsume’s world in an entirely new format.