Alternative TitlesEnglish: Kino's Journey Synonyms: Kino's Travels: The Beautiful World Japanese: キノの旅 -the Beautiful World-
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 13
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 8, 2003 to Jul 8, 2003
Duration:
24 min. per episode Rating:
R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 8.531 (scored by 20258 users)
Ranked: #762
Popularity: #349
Members: 45,004
Favorites: 1,799 1 indicates a weighted score
My Info
Popular Tags
action adventure drama fantasy |
SynopsisBased on a hit light novel series by Keiichi Sigsawa, the philosophical Kino's Journey employs the time-honored motif of the road trip as a vehicle for self-discovery and universal truth. Deeply meditative and cooler than zero, the series follows the existential adventures of the apt marksman Kino along with talking motorcycle Hermes as they travel the world and learn much about themselves in the process. Imaginative, thought-provoking, and sometimes disturbing, Kino's journey is documented in an episodic style with an emphasis on atmosphere rather than action or plot, though still prevalent. |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World
Prequel: Kino no Tabi: Nanika wo Suru Tame ni - Life Goes On.
Sequel: Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World - Byouki no Kuni: For You
Side story: Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World - Tou no Kuni
Character: Dengeki Bunko 2007 Movie Festival Special
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
|
|
Kayrhandros
275 of 381 people found this review helpful
|
13 of 13 episodes seen
|
| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Animation |
9 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
9 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
Ok, so this will be my first review for MAL. I've written for other resources but haven't done so for a while, so bear with me.
I've recently finished this anime, and I can say I am still surprised. Although I heard rumors that this was something really good, I tend to be skeptic and so I was caught of guard. Why?
Let's start with the story, which tells of the journey of a traveler and his motorcycle, while they visit a long range of countries or just meet someone on the way. The actual fact is: there isn't one sole story but 12 short stories that link together not by episode order but by events. And yet the fact that each one of this stories manages to be deeper than whole plots from many animes amasses me. Each episode approaches a theme of society, like censoring, violence, communication problems, right or wrong, the ability some people have to bite the hand that just fed them, and so on. And at every time I found myself smiling in front of the screen while realizing how superbly intelligent each of the episodes plot was. In resume, each of them is really well constructed, some exceeding the others, and you need "keen eye" to get every aspect of them.
There is a wide range of characters as expected from an anime that tells about travels over a world. While some of them are forgettable, some of them also stay in your mind. But the fact is, they are there to be a supportive role to the main character, Kino, and this is why my rating in character was high. But before that let's look at Hermes. Kino's travel companion. A Motorad, in short a motorcycle that talks. While I found this odd at first I grew found of the bike. He (it's a machine but I will refer to him as "he") usually asks a lot of questions to which the main character responds enigmatically most of times, he his kino's closest thing that can be called a friend and it's interesting to see how they interact. It was an interesting choice for a supportive role. Finally, Kino. Kino is the best character I've seen in a while and one of the best overall. I can't think of any character to make a comparison because I don't remember ever seeing a character like her. Calm, intelligent, skillful, sometimes unreadable, extremely wise for someone so young and still as capricious as a child could be. Though not fond of killing, will do so if necessary without felling remorse. An unique character that I enjoyed to watch throughout the whole anime, and if considered alone would deserve 10.
Animation wise, Kino's Journey is extremely solid. It kept the art quality throughout the whole anime, something I praise. Although the majority of supporting characters have an ordinary design, this being the downside, some of them exceed in this aspect. As does Kino. Movement is very fluid, each frame seems carefully drawn and the backgrounds are outstandingly well donen also. One thing I thought interesting and enjoyed was thing the interlaced video. Which gives the anime a different feel from any other.
As for Sound, voice actors do a good job in overall, Kino's VA does even better. The background music is practically inexistent, this would be thought as a bad thing, but in this particular case it is not. Not even once in the whole series did I fell it lacked music in any situation. It's "almost" absence gives the plot an even more serious look, keeping views attention more centered in it, while using sometimes a tone from a single instrument to denote a particular scene. Lastly the opening and ending theme. In one word, superb. They fit Kino's Travels like a glove. The opening theme has become one of my all time favorites and the ending is very good as well and it's actually performed by Kino's VA.
Enjoyment is probably the thing I appreciate in any anime, and the thing that will variate more from person to person. So how did Kino do enjoyment wise? 10/10. Perhaps my initial skepticism helped but the truth is even if I hadn't been skeptic, I probably would not rate differently. Kino no Tabi brought me to many smiles to be rated otherwise. It is something I will re watch and probably discover things that missed my "eye" on the first watch
Overall Kino no Tabi is very artistic, intelligent, surprising, and approaches a variety of themes, that always create discussion withing societies in a cold and sometimes brutal way, that leaves you glued to the chair with eyes fixed on the screen, and perhaps like me smiling unconsciously as I joined each plot line realizing how intelligent they where. Do not wait long to watch this. The only people to which I wouldn't recommend this, are perhaps to a younger audience or people who don't enjoy to think much during an anime.
That was long :). Well if you read it through, feel free to give me feedback. It's all ways good to improve this or further reviews. read more
|
|
kumarei
132 of 189 people found this review helpful
|
13 of 13 episodes seen
|
| Overall |
10 |
| Story |
10 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
9 |
| Character |
10 |
| Enjoyment |
10 |
Kino's Journey is a collection of societal parables, told through the eyes of a wanderer who visits countries and observes them. Kino, the main character, takes a somewhat prime directive stance toward the civilizations, although she is sometimes coaxed to interfere out of compassion.
The show is a collection of parables, and as such, the societies it portrays are exaggerated portraits of a certain societal trait. It's possible that some viewers will feel as if they're being beaten over the head with the moral on some of the episodes. As for me, I thought that it was refreshingly straightforward, and had no problem accepting it for what it was: a story.
Although the show is frequently dark, exploring the depths of mankind's ruthlessness and stupidity, there was a core of hope to the show. A message that, looking out at the world around us, and looking in at human resilience in even the worst of societies, you can't help but have hope for the world.
Excluding the few actiony episodes, the show generally keeps a slow, contemplative tone, and a pace to match it. I imagine that this will lose some people who are looking for something faster and with more bang.
This show is one of my favorites, and stands out as an incredible testament to the power of the medium. read more
Recommendations
|
|
These are both episodic anime that center around someone who travels from town to town and they usually wind up helping someone through a difficult situation at each stop. While Kino's purpose is only to travel and to see different countries, Ginko's is to find and research "Mushi." Both stories have beautiful animation and offer up "life lessons." Although these lessons may be a little easier to see in Kino's Journey, they're there in Mushishi, as well. Enjoy ^_^
One story per episode, with each episode not having much action in but still has something special about them.
Both of these shows focus on a traveler and the people they meet along the way. In Kino's case, she's simply a traveler with no set destination. For Ginko in Mushishi, he goes around to many different places and helps those who have been effected by 'mushi', which is also his job.
They also both share the same thinking-based mature atmosphere as well, sometimes even delving deep into the way the mind works and peoples own effects on the things around them.
These two rather slow, yet extremely interesting, shows are very alike and if you liked one of them you should definitely check out the other.
Both animes are very philosophical. Both tell the stories of two travelers, what pushed them to travel and what happens during their journey.
With each episode being an incident from their journey.
both are very philosophical and, for the most part, bloodless. . .two highly entertaining series that are great to watch when you want to wind down for the day. . .
Both tell the life of a traveller who don't stay for very long on the same place.
Mushishi tends to the supernatural genre while Kino no tabi is just a fantasy genre. The main thing they have in common is that both have really deep stories and don't tend to the comedic spot.
I see so many similarities, I don't know where to begin. Both Ginko and Kino are force to give up there past lives due to something happening in their early childhood, and thus travel around the world. While Kino learns about the cultures of different places in her travels, Ginko's journey is more of one to help others affected by the mushi. Either way, both have episodal storylines. Though frankly I found myself enjoying Kino's journey more, there's no way one wouldn't enjoy both in the same way.
Bothe animes have a separate story for each episode. Both are very deep, and focus on making the audience think. Both are quite good.
Story per episode, not much action, both about forced journey which was started because of some accident, similar beautiful animations, both almost bloodless. If you love one of them you'll love another one for sure.
Both series are episodic, and tied together by the travels of their protagonists. Still, they both hold together very well and have solid pacing. The two anime also frequently have a mythological or philosophical vibe to their stories. The main difference is that Kino has a more surreal kind of setting, while Mushishi's is more traditionally Japanese.
Episodic, sometimes philosophical about life
They both have a similar story telling method where tales of the unusual come into everyday life. Must see if you're a fan of either series!
Episodic series about a perpetually travelling protagonist who moves from one locale to another and becomes involved with its denizens on a regular basis. They both have a fairly laidback pace, and the rather stoic yet softhearted nature of both protagonists begs further comparison. Although Kino focuses more on the travelling and Kino herself while Mushishi brings more attention to the mushi and patients being treated, the similarities are very hard to miss.
Both laid back atmosphere until you get to near end of each episode leaving you to think. Both protagonists are travelers who left their formal selves as their price to where they are currently.
Episodic anime, very cerebral, not much action but very, very entertaining. It's philosophical, poignant, and beautiful. One of the best shows I have ever watched.
Both have a very calming feel to it and short one episode story lines and both involve traveling to different countries, but don't let that deceive you, each episode is filled with an amazing story and is concluded with an unexpected/philosophical twist that is bound to amaze you. Also the main characters are very similar in their passiveness(or sense of indifference) as well as their inability to settle down in one place.
Both are episodic series involving a traveling protagonist that helps out the people that they come across. They both also have a very similar feeling and style to the other.
Episodic nature with a detached main character, that functions more as a narrator or plot device, than a protagonist.
Let me start off by saying that these two are both very excellent series in my opinion. Kino's Journey and Mushi-shi possess a certain quality that draws you into their own world. Kino's Journey gives the feel of being in a slightly dark fairytale, whereas Mushi-shi draws you into what seems like a world of mythology and folklore. I strongly recommend either of these series to anyone who is interested in a story book feel to their anime.
They both have a similar vibe of unsteady peace and they both follow the lives of people who travel far. They both focus on the observation of aspects of life (Kino's journey is more moral and mental while Mushishi is more physical and natural)
They are also both very earie and inspirational. Highly suggested!
The step up of the both animes are similar, each episode (or short arc) is it's own story and one does not need to watch them in any particular order to understand them (though I think that is the better course). The reason this is possible is because both main characters are travelers who do not take on any new companions for the duration of both series. Their histories are a mystery and little bits of both are revealed slowly in certain episodes. In addition I feel both have interesting and unique little stories for each episode that seem to have a deeper meaning and come off quite philosophic, though you don't really need to think this way in order to enjoy them. If you liked the idea, plot, characters, stories, or everything about one of these animes I am fairly sure you will love the other.
Both anime's stories are episodic with each story arc usually contained to just one episode. In each anime the main character travels around to various towns and cities to observe what's going on and usually lending a helping hand to the residents.
Both have a stand alone episode plot structure. Both have protagonists who have very good reasons for traveling. And both acquire memorable experiences wherever they go.
Kino is more apethetic and distant. Ginko helps any and every.
Both are slow-paced and profound series, with own separate story in each episode. The protagonists are also very similiar: they are not good or bad, they are just observers.
These two anime are resembling because of putting more attention to philosophical ideas than to bright actions.
Both shows are about travelers who go ttown to town meeting new people and solving problems or getting a new meaning in life.
The same idea of a non-ending journey, a world and rythm like poetry.
They're both episodic anime that center around someone who travels from town to town and they usually wind up helping someone through situations at each stop. Both stories have beautiful animation and offer up "life lessons."
Both animes are slow paced and thought-provoking, episodical in structure and green in look and feel, still, with some drastic shots here and there. Maybe Mushishi is more 'supernatural' whereas Kino no Tabi gets more comical. Both travelling protagonists seem to be fine with solitude, yet accompanied all the time.
Both are about a journey, leading to a path of greater enlightenment. Whether it's understanding the meaning of life or just understanding oneself a little better, both tackle philosophical problems of existence and morality while trying to grasp our own place in the world.
Both anime are about a person who travels the world. Mushishi focuses more on beautiful storytelling, whilst Kino no Tabi is more about philosophical hypothesis.
Both Kino's Journey and Mushishi have a mysterious character that travels to a variety of different places and meets many people who have problems. Both series have that tranquil feel and are episodic yet still manage to pull you in each episode.
Kino, like Ginko, is on a journey and like Ginko he has many secrets. If you liked one, try out the other.
Both are beautifully serene and go along at a soft pace. In each, though the episodes may follow an overarching theme and central characters, they are individual stories rather than part of one continuous plot-line.
Both are execelentes Oran series that make you think about life.
|
|
|
Both of these shows leave things open-ended, even after the end. If you're interested in thinking about the world that the characters live in when you watch anime, what important concepts are expressed in anime, or want to still think about a show long after it's over, these two shows work well. While they cover different ideas among those concepts, I feel they both cause similar responses.
Both are slow-paced, slice-of-life quiet shows with a lot of character development. Kino's Journey is more episodic, while Haibane Renmei has an over-arching plot.
Slow-paced story about life in a world different than ours. Both anime have the same light atmosphere.
Both are lyrical, soft, eccentric collections of stories about various philosophical observations. Kino is far more preachy and direct with its observations, but is ultimately no less beautiful.
Both Animes start quite slow, and carry on calm and relaxing, but have got a very deep meaning about them. As well, both have got a theme you could call "talk about philosophical life and meanings". A bit exaggerated, but they still definitely have got a special meaning. The Ending is quite open too, nothing really ever happens particular, but still both have got that little, special sparkle, that's rare to find in an anime.
same beautiful and philosophical plot
Both have a calm and slightly ominous atmosphere, make good use of muted colour palettes, and are chock full of metaphor. Kino no Tabi is episodic and more focused on giving a different message or making a different point each episode while Haibane Renmei is built around character interaction and drama.
I found these two series quite alike with their philosophical themes with an emotional story and an insightful main female protagonist. Although slow paced, both of their stories are intriguing and unique that explores subjects that can be emotional for viewers.
Both series also made me think about life and death occasionally that also deals with themes like redemption and forgiveness.
Both series takes an approach in a dream like environment with an insightful depth exploring questions that we often so much around the world. I also found two female protagonist in both series quite similar in several aspects especially in their independence and personalities.
Both series are quite beautiful as well that takes journey of its own.
Both anime have a very similar feel in terms of storytelling and both contain many philosophical and thoughtful undertones, like Kino's Journey Haibane Renmei is very unique and intelligent, and will make you think deeply after every episode. While the plot may be different at the core you will find many similarities, it is safe to say that if you enjoyed Kino's Journey you will definitely enjoy Haibane Renmei.
|
Opening Theme"All the Way" by Mikuni Shimokawa
Ending Theme"The Beautiful World" by Ai Maeda
| No posts for this board were found |
Fansubbing Groups
Which fansubbers do you like the best? Click + to approve of their subs for this show. Click - if you don't think they did such a great job.
Oga [Oga] (Brazilian Portuguese)
Related ClubsThieves with Style, Thoughtful Discourses on Japanese Audiovisual Culture Club, ✖Metroid Exterminator✖, Goggles!, English Dub Fanclub, Watch Anime Together Club Headquarters, , hardcore violence and gore, Kino no Tabi, Stargate Fan Club, Missile Punch, kino's club, CNCFixins, Anime with Well-Developed Female Characters and Relationships!, Fantasy Anime Club!, Kionniko's Stuff, Girls With Guns FC, /r/Anime Reddit Club, Anime Using Philosophy <3, My personal favorites.Slice of Anime Life, OPs that Rock! [And EDs too], The Noble Heroines, Critics and Connoisseurs, Kino Fascination Club , Lordcrab86's Fun House!, Reverse Traps, Anime Experience, We love Winter and Snow in Anime, Many Goats' favourite characters, anime and manga, World of Animes (W.O.A.), Kino No Tabi's Brothers, ..., The Epic Plot Twist Club, Secret Club for Girls, !~~tsubasalover's Friendships~~!, Anime art that sUcks!!, The All-Over Otaku Club Okawari, ABe/Konaka/Nakamura Fanclub, All Hail Roloko!!!, Overrated Shit, Dark Fashion FC, FanArtsClub, seinen & josei, Yukkuri, The Overrated Anime Club, Otaku Works, Tragedy Club, Slice of Life Club , Kino Fanclub, Salvare's Favorites, Dengeki FC, Vic Mignogna: The Club, Marketplace Germany, ~ C.and.Y Fan.Club ~, Elegant Imouto, Cogito Ergo Sum - Philosophy In Anime and Manga, ~ Takai's LEAGUE ~, The Cross of Venus Club, Draccon's Tea House, Anime Pulse Podcast, Scooter Girls see all
Recently Watched By|
10 minutes ago |
12 minutes ago |
39 minutes ago |
45 minutes ago |
2 hours ago | |
2 hours ago |
2 hours ago |
2 hours ago |
2 hours ago |
2 hours ago |
|
|
