Spend the Year with Everyone’s Favorite Lucky Cat!
Fans of Natsume’s Book of Friends (Natsume Yuujinchou) have a special treat waiting for them! The December issue of the monthly shojo manga magazine LaLa, released on October 23, includes a gorgeous bonus item: a 2027 desktop calendar featuring the adorable yet powerful spirit bodyguard, Nyanko-sensei.
Designed with a modern Japanese aesthetic, the calendar allows fans to spend the upcoming year alongside Nyanko-sensei displaying various charming expressions created by original manga author Yuki Midorikawa.
A Beloved Franchise That Keeps Growing
Natsume’s Book of Friends tells the heartwarming tale of Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits (yokai). After inheriting the “Book of Friends”—a book containing the names of spirits conquered by his grandmother Reiko—Natsume decides to return the names to their rightful owners. Joined by his self-proclaimed bodyguard Madara (affectionately known as Nyanko-sensei), Natsume navigates daily encounters with both spirits and humans.
Since its first anime season aired in 2008, the franchise has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with its gentle story and nostalgic atmosphere. The long-awaited 7th season, Natsume’s Book of Friends Season 7 (Urushi), recently premiered in October 2024, proving the series’ enduring popularity.
Packed Issue for Manga & Anime Enthusiasts
Beyond the Nyanko-sensei calendar, the latest LaLa issue is filled with special features to celebrate the magazine’s upcoming 50th anniversary, including:
- Special Creator Talk: A cross-talk between popular manga creators Natsumi Itsuki and Yuki Nakaji.
- Motion Comic Announcement: Seri Serizawa’s Makuake is getting a voice-acted motion comic starring top voice actors Saori Hayami and Nobuhiko Okamoto.
- Color Pages & Special Giveaways: Featured color releases and photo-card presents for works like Ririko Tsujita’s Amane Ojou-sama no Iukoto ni wa.
If you’re a collector of Natsume’s Book of Friends merchandise or a fan of classic shojo manga, this issue is a fantastic piece to add to your collection!
Source: Yahoo News Japan