Anime enthusiasts can now delve deeper into the world of yokai with the release of a special bonus episode for Natsume’s Book of Friends 7th Season, titled “The Outstretched Hand,” now streaming on Crunchyroll. The episode became available around November 4, 2025, expanding on the beloved supernatural narrative.
A Timely Addition to the Seventh Season
“The Outstretched Hand” arrives as a welcome surprise for fans following the ongoing broadcast of Natsume’s Book of Friends 7th Season, which originally premiered in Japan on October 7, 2024. The seventh installment of the popular anime, officially titled Natsume Yūjin-Chō Shichi, has been a highly anticipated return for the series, continuing the heartwarming yet often poignant tales of Takashi Natsume and his encounters with spirits.
Crunchyroll, a leading platform for anime streaming, is making the bonus content accessible to a vast international audience. The episode is available with both English subtitles and an English dub, catering to diverse viewing preferences. This global reach extends across North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, CIS, and India.
Exploring the World of Takashi Natsume
Natsume’s Book of Friends is based on the popular manga by Yuki Midorikawa and centers on Takashi Natsume, a young man with the unique ability to see yokai (Japanese spirits). This gift, inherited from his grandmother Reiko, also comes with a mysterious artifact: the “Book of Friends” (Yūjin-Chō), which contains the names of yokai Reiko bound into servitude.
Natsume, often accompanied by his self-proclaimed bodyguard, the powerful yokai Madara (who usually appears in the form of a lucky cat, Nyanko-sensei), dedicates himself to returning these names to their rightful owners. This journey often leads him into bittersweet encounters, exploring themes of friendship, loneliness, and acceptance.
Production Details and Continued Legacy
The seventh season continues the narrative with its characteristic blend of supernatural elements and profound emotional depth. The main season is expected to run for 13 episodes. The anime’s consistent animation quality and ability to capture the atmospheric essence of the series have been praised by its dedicated fanbase.
The series has seen Takahiro Ōmori returning as chief director at studio Shuka, with Hideki Ito directing the new season. Sadayuki Murai is overseeing the series scripts, Akira Takata is responsible for character designs, and Makoto Yoshimori is composing the music, maintaining the consistent artistic and auditory style that fans have come to appreciate.
As Natsume’s Book of Friends celebrates its 15th anniversary, the addition of “The Outstretched Hand” further enriches its long-standing legacy, offering fans more of the comforting yet mystical world they cherish.
