TV-Series
Description
Reiko Natsume possessed distinctive dusty-blonde hair and amber eyes, her appearance closely mirroring her grandson Takashi Natsume. This striking resemblance frequently caused youkai to mistake Takashi for Reiko. Her bust-length hair often appeared unkempt. Flashbacks typically depicted her wearing a torn school uniform, sometimes bearing injuries like facial bruises from human children throwing rocks.
Shaped by severe social isolation and rejection from both humans and youkai, Reiko developed a complex personality. She adopted bullying behaviors toward spirits and humans alike, masking her profound loneliness. Her expression rarely shifted from a slight smile, though she was internally affected by others' negative assumptions, using this defensive demeanor as a coping mechanism. Despite her abrasive exterior, she demonstrated unexpected empathy and kindness. She assisted youkai without personal gain, such as befriending a young Shigeru and helping exorcise the misfortune-causing spirit Karime from his home. Similarly, she attempted to return a stolen doll to a human child, only to be accused of the theft by the family. Her personal habits included poor table manners and significant forgetfulness, traits which caused practical complications like pages sticking together in the Book of Friends and forgotten promises to youkai.
Inheriting potent spiritual abilities that allowed her to perceive youkai, Reiko faced severe ostracization throughout her life. Human rejection drove her to seek companionship among spirits, though her approach involved challenging youkai to matches. Defeated spirits were forced to surrender their names in the Yuujinchou (Book of Friends), granting her control and establishing her formidable reputation among supernatural beings. The Book's creation stemmed from her profound loneliness and desire for connection, though her social isolation and negative human experiences resulted in flawed methods of forming bonds. Some youkai developed genuine appreciation for her kindness during rare unguarded moments, though most remembered her negatively, having never witnessed her softer aspects.
Her personal history remained marked by tragedy and mystery. She never married and had a daughter, Takashi's mother, under undisclosed circumstances. Details surrounding her death were unknown, though she died young beneath a tree as recounted by Takashi. Her passing erased her from human memory as she seemingly desired, while youkai retained their memories. Reiko maintained a significant relationship with the powerful youkai Madara, who could perfectly imitate her physical form, habits, and mannerisms. Madara stated she was one of few humans he had "taken a good look upon," indicating a bond comparable to his later connection with Takashi.
Reiko's legacy persisted through the Book of Friends inherited by Takashi. Her forgotten promises and unresolved relationships with youkai created numerous encounters for her grandson, who sought to release the bound spirits' names. Many spirits initially approached Takashi with animosity stemming from Reiko's actions, forcing him to navigate her complicated history. Her formidable spiritual power and reputation continued to influence both human exorcist circles and the supernatural world long after her death, shaping Takashi's experiences and challenges.
Shaped by severe social isolation and rejection from both humans and youkai, Reiko developed a complex personality. She adopted bullying behaviors toward spirits and humans alike, masking her profound loneliness. Her expression rarely shifted from a slight smile, though she was internally affected by others' negative assumptions, using this defensive demeanor as a coping mechanism. Despite her abrasive exterior, she demonstrated unexpected empathy and kindness. She assisted youkai without personal gain, such as befriending a young Shigeru and helping exorcise the misfortune-causing spirit Karime from his home. Similarly, she attempted to return a stolen doll to a human child, only to be accused of the theft by the family. Her personal habits included poor table manners and significant forgetfulness, traits which caused practical complications like pages sticking together in the Book of Friends and forgotten promises to youkai.
Inheriting potent spiritual abilities that allowed her to perceive youkai, Reiko faced severe ostracization throughout her life. Human rejection drove her to seek companionship among spirits, though her approach involved challenging youkai to matches. Defeated spirits were forced to surrender their names in the Yuujinchou (Book of Friends), granting her control and establishing her formidable reputation among supernatural beings. The Book's creation stemmed from her profound loneliness and desire for connection, though her social isolation and negative human experiences resulted in flawed methods of forming bonds. Some youkai developed genuine appreciation for her kindness during rare unguarded moments, though most remembered her negatively, having never witnessed her softer aspects.
Her personal history remained marked by tragedy and mystery. She never married and had a daughter, Takashi's mother, under undisclosed circumstances. Details surrounding her death were unknown, though she died young beneath a tree as recounted by Takashi. Her passing erased her from human memory as she seemingly desired, while youkai retained their memories. Reiko maintained a significant relationship with the powerful youkai Madara, who could perfectly imitate her physical form, habits, and mannerisms. Madara stated she was one of few humans he had "taken a good look upon," indicating a bond comparable to his later connection with Takashi.
Reiko's legacy persisted through the Book of Friends inherited by Takashi. Her forgotten promises and unresolved relationships with youkai created numerous encounters for her grandson, who sought to release the bound spirits' names. Many spirits initially approached Takashi with animosity stemming from Reiko's actions, forcing him to navigate her complicated history. Her formidable spiritual power and reputation continued to influence both human exorcist circles and the supernatural world long after her death, shaping Takashi's experiences and challenges.