Natsume is a common Japanese surname and can also refer to various cultural works, including literature and anime. One notable example is the manga and anime series Natsume's Book of Friends, which follows a boy named Natsume Takashi who can see spirits. He inherits a book from his grandmother that contains the names of spirits she had bound to her service. In addition to its cultural significance, "Natsume" can also refer to Natsume Sōseki, a famous Japanese author known for his novels like Kokoro and Botchan. His works often explore themes of individuality and the complexities of modern life in Japan during the Meiji era.