ABEMA to Offer Free Binge-Watching of Popular Heartwarming Fantasy 'Natsume's Book of Friends' TV Anime Series and 'The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor' Film Every Weekend in May, Including First-Ever Free Streaming on ABEMA!

New future TV "ABEMA" will conduct a free binge-watching broadcast of the popular anime "Natsume's Book of Friends" series every weekend in May 2026. "Natsume's Book of Friends" is based on the manga of the same name by Yuki Midorikawa, serialized in "LaLa" (published by Hakusensha). It depicts a heartwarming story of the bonds between humans and spirits, sparked by the encounter between Takashi Natsume, a boy who has been able to see spirits since childhood, and Nyanko-sensei, his self-proclaimed bodyguard. The numerous gentle yet poignant episodes and the world view full of delicate emotions have resonated with many viewers, leading to its first anime adaptation in July 2008, with seven seasons broadcast since. It has also been made into a movie, making it a popular series that has been loved for many years. This newly decided free binge-watching project for the "Natsume's Book of Friends" series will include all TV anime series episodes, as well as "Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor," which was screened in theaters in 2021. The broadcasts will run for five consecutive weekends starting from May 2nd (Saturday), with free on-demand streaming available for one week after each broadcast. Furthermore, TV anime Season 7 "Natsume's Book of Friends: Urushi" and "Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor" will be available for free on ABEMA for the first time. We invite you to fully enjoy the heartwarming stories of humans and spirits on ABEMA for free this May. ■ "Natsume's Book of Friends" Series Free Binge-Watching Broadcast Every Weekend Overview ▼ "Natsume's Book of Friends" (Season 1) All Episodes Free Binge-Watching Broadcast Broadcast Date & Time: May 2, 2026 (Saturday) 9:00 AM~, 3:30 PM~ Program URL: https://abema.tv/channels/anime-live/slots/A8XAMCPfxEJcMu ▼ "Natsume's Book of Friends: Zoku" (Season 2) All Episodes Free Binge-Watching Broadcast Broadcast Date & Time: May 3, 2026 (Sunday) 9:00 AM~, 3:30 PM~ Program URL: https://abema.tv/channels/anime-live/slots/ABnA4PCoQt8Ty1 ▼ "Natsume's Book of Friends: San" (Season 3) All Episodes Free Binge-Watching Broadcast Broadcast Date & Time: May 9, 2026 (Saturday) 9:00 AM~, 3:30 PM~ ▼ "Natsume's Book of Friends: Shi" (Season 4) All Episodes Free Binge-Watching Broadcast Broadcast Date & Time: May 10, 2026 (Sunday) 9:00 AM~, 3:30 PM~ ▼ "Natsume's Book of Friends: Go" (Season 5) All Episodes Free Binge-Watching Broadcast Broadcast Date & Time: May 17, 2026 (Sunday) 9:00 AM~, 3:30 PM~ ▼ "Natsume's Book of Friends: Roku" (Season 6) All Episodes Free Binge-Watching Broadcast Broadcast Date & Time: May 24, 2026 (Sunday) 9:00 AM~, 3:30 PM~ ▼ First on ABEMA! "Natsume's Book of Friends: Urushi" (Season 7) All Episodes Free Binge-Watching Broadcast Broadcast Date & Time: May 30, 2026 (Saturday) 2:30 PM~, May 31 (Sunday) 2:00 PM~ ▼ First on ABEMA! "Natsume's Book of Friends: The Waking Rock and the Strange Visitor" Free Broadcast Broadcast Date & Time: May 30, 2026 (Saturday) 9:00 PM~, May 31 (Sunday) 8:30 PM~ Broadcast Channel: Anime LIVE Channel *All episodes can be enjoyed for free for one week after broadcast. ■ About "ABEMA" "ABEMA" is a video streaming business launched on April 11, 2026, celebrating its 10th anniversary, aiming for television innovation as a "new future TV." Since its launch, it has been an internet TV that can be enjoyed without registration and basically for free, broadcasting approximately 25 channels in various genres 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a 24-hour news channel, original dramas, romance reality shows, variety shows, anime, sports, and more. In addition to boasting the highest number of original episodes among domestic video services in Japan (※), it also offers a rich lineup of notable new movies, popular domestic and international dramas, trending anime, and live sports broadcasts and online concerts. Viewers can enjoy works anytime, regardless of time, on smartphones, PCs, tablets, and TV devices, providing a viewing experience that adapts to diverse lifestyles. Furthermore, with "ABEMA Premium" for 1,180 yen (tax included) per month, users can enjoy exclusive features and works, and with "Ad-supported ABEMA Premium" for 680 yen (tax included) per month, users can watch ABEMA Premium exclusive content with ads. (※) As of March 2026, based on internal research. Please check official social media for the latest information. "ABEMA," the new future TV where you can enjoy free videos and trending works (https://abema.tv/) "ABE (truncated)