New merchandise based on the popular anime series Natsume’s Book of Friends is set to debut at this year’s Animate fair, featuring original illustrations with an exorcist (祓い屋) theme. The ‘TV Anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Animate Fair in 2026’ will begin advance sales from September 12, 2026.
The series, adapted from Yuki Midorikawa’s manga serialized in Hakusensha’s Monthly LaLa, has sold over 18 million copies. It follows the story of Takashi Natsume, a boy who can see spirits, as he inherits his grandmother Reiko’s ‘Book of Friends’ and returns names to the yokai bound within it, alongside his self-proclaimed bodyguard Nyanko-sensei. The anime first aired in 2008 on TV Tokyo and celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2023. The seventh season, Natsume’s Book of Friends: Shichi, aired in October 2024.
Exorcist-Themed Product Lineup
This fair will feature a range of new products with exclusive exorcist-themed illustrations. Items for advance sale include can badges, trading illustration cards, trading acrylic cards, trading clear die-cut stickers, and trading acrylic stands. A large acrylic stand set will depict Takashi Natsume, Shuichi Natori, Hiiragi, Seiji Matoba, Yorishima, and Nyanko-sensei.
Nyanko-sensei Goods
Separate Nyanko-sensei merchandise will include a one-pocket pass case, a B8-size multi-card holder, and a stick mirror.
Fair Purchase Bonuses
Customers who purchase one box of the trading can badges (12 types total) will receive an exclusive bonus: a newly drawn can badge featuring Takashi Natsume and Nyanko-sensei in exorcist version, available only at Animate.
Additionally, during the fair period, every purchase of 1,100 yen (tax included) on Natsume’s Book of Friends character goods at any Animate store nationwide or through Animate online shopping will come with one randomly selected postcard from a set of six as a purchase bonus.
Fair Details
TV Anime Natsume’s Book of Friends Animate Fair in 2026
Period: September 12 (Saturday) – September 27 (Sunday), 2026
Location: Nationwide Animate stores and Animate Online Shopping
(C) Yuki Midorikawa, Hakusensha / ‘Natsume’s Book of Friends’ Production Committee
