Relationship: Grandson of the late Reiko Natsume. Background: Lost his parents at a young age. Because he could see yokai, he was shunned as a "liar" and shuffled between relatives. Currently taken in by the kind Fujiwara couple, he wishes to protect his precious daily life. The journey to return names in the "Book of Friends": Many yokai attack him seeking the book, which contains names his grandmother took from them. However, Natsume resolves to use his spiritual power to "return the names" rather than rule them. Possesses extraordinary spiritual power and physical ability inherited from his grandmother; he has enough potential and vitality to repel average yokai with a single punch (commonly known as the "Iron Fist").

True Name: Madara. Size: Both height and weight are roughly equivalent to two dodgeballs. Favorites: Squid, shrimp, Japanese sweets (especially Nanatsujiya buns), and alcohol (a heavy drinker). Hobbies: Hunting, walking, and banquets. Background: Originally a high-ranking yokai in the form of a white beast with overwhelming power capable of crushing others in one bite. Having been sealed in a maneki-neko vessel for years, he has grown accustomed to that shape. He acts as a bodyguard on the promise that he will inherit the "Book of Friends" after Natsume's death. They share a deep bond, and he will risk his life to protect Natsume in a crisis.

Public Face: A "popular actor" who radiates a sparkling aura. Hidden Face: A skilled "Exorcist" who manipulates shikigami. Features: Has a "lizard-shaped birthmark" that moves across his body. He is a reliable older brother figure to Natsume who understands the loneliness of seeing yokai. While a realist who believes "yokai are dangerous," his meeting with Natsume begins to change his perspective.

Position: Publicly a wealthy man; privately the head of the "Matoba Clan," the largest group of exorcists. Features: An eyepatch with a charm over his right eye; his weapon is a bow and arrow infused with spiritual power. A cold realist who ruthlessly uses yokai as tools to achieve his goals. He has his eye on Natsume due to his strong spiritual power and frequently contacts him to try and recruit him into the clan. He stands as a rival character positioned at the opposite pole of Natsume, who wishes to coexist with yokai.

Position: Natsume's classmate and the son of a temple priest. Ability: Cannot see the forms of yokai but can feel their "shadows or presence." He is Natsume's closest confidant who knows he can see yokai. Despite his inability to see them, he wishes to be of help and quietly stays by Natsume's side to support him.

Position: Natsume's classmate and the granddaughter of a family that drew magic circles. Ability: Cannot see yokai, but can visually perceive those that enter the "circles" left by her grandfather. A close friend who shares Natsume's secret. She adores Nyanko-sensei, calling him "Mitarashi Dango." She supports Natsume with her natural brightness.

Position: Natsume's classmate and close friend. A cheerful and excitable "ordinary male friend." Along with Kitamoto, he is a precious presence who supports the "normal high school life" that Natsume once longed for.

Position: Natsume's classmate and close friend. Though he knows nothing of the yokai world, he welcomed Natsume into school life as a normal friend. He symbolizes the "precious daily life" that Natsume cherishes.