English Dub Review: Natsume’s Book of Friends “The Dew-God’s Small Shrine”

Overview (Spoilers Below):
Natsume is visited by the village’s local god, who is currently fading because of the lack of devotees.

Our Take:
Last week gave us the long-awaited English dubbed version of one of the well-received anime adaptations of the 2010s. Unsurprisingly, it was worth the five-year wait for longtime fans of the series. But, more importantly, it was also a solid introduction for newcomers like myself with its sense of serenity and simplistic plot. So now we see if the main character’s quest to free the spirits can begin on the right foot in its second episode.
The episode sees Natsume and his kitten comrade continuing their mission to free the spirits’ names from the book following Natsume’s encounter with a one-eyed ghost at school. The latest yokai he’s helping is Old Man Surikawi, a tiny man whom his devotees praise after giving them the gift of rain to their drought land. Unfortunately, Surikawi’s page is stuck with another name, Susachi, a ghost living in the shadows. So they attempt to find the other spirit and free them from Reiko’s bond.
“The Dew-God’s Small Shrine” maintains the formula of Natsume’s attempt to free the yokai like in the previous episode. Additionally, it represents more of Reiko’s encounter with the spirits she trapped, with her capturing Susachi. Although, it hasn’t had a moment with Reiko confronting Surikawi. Instead, Surikawi remembered being discovered by Hana, an older woman who comes by his shrine daily to pray and is the only devotee keeping him alive. Due to the lack of people believing in Surikawi, he continues to shrink until he disappears, so Hana plays a significant role in this predicament.
Along with its formula, the episode still contains the lovely atmosphere that made the first chapter endearing without overhyping its action and comedy with its music. More importantly, it offers some decent emotional depth to its characters, mainly Natsume, who hates being lonely like Surikawi. There’s also a scene with Surikawi disappearing entirely due to Hana’s passing that may draw a tear or two.
Overall, “The Dew-God’s Small Shrine” is another solid chapter in the yokai series that favors heart and peace amid its ghostly encounters. I also still enjoy the chemistry between Natsume and Madara so far, especially when Madara tried to eat him while he was sleeping. While I liked the first episode a bit more, this one was enjoyable enough to keep me intrigued by the show’s tranquil and unique direction.