Kino's Journey (Anime)


 * -|Kino's Journey (2003)=

is the anime adaptation of Keiichi Sigsawa's light novel series of the same name. It was produced by Studio A.C.G.T. and aired for 13 episodes between April and July 2003.

Synopsis
Kino, a 15-year-old traveler, forms a bond with Hermes, a talking motorcycle. Together, they wander the lands and venture through various countries and places, despite having no clear idea of what to expect. After all, life is a journey filled with the unknown.

Throughout their journeys, they encounter different kinds of customs, from the morally gray to tragic and fascinating. They also meet many people: some who live to work, some who live to make others happy, and some who live to chase their dreams. Thus, in every country they visit, there is always something to learn from the way people carry out their lives.

It is not up to Kino or Hermes to decide whether these asserted values are wrong or right, as they merely assume the roles of observers within this small world. They do not attempt to change or influence the places they visit, despite how absurd these values would appear. That's because in one way or another, they believe things are fine as they are, and that "the world is not beautiful; therefore, it is."

Theme Songs
OPENING THEME:
 * All the Way by Shimokawa Mikuni

ENDING THEME:
 * The Beautiful World by Maeda Ai

Characters & Cast

 * Kino (VA: Maeda Ai)
 * Hermes (VA: Aigase Ryuji)
 * Shizu (VA: Irie Takashi)
 * Riku (VA: Ootsuka Houchuu)

Episodes

 * -|Kino's Journey: The Animated Series (2017)=

is the second anime adaptation of Keiichi Sigsawa's Kino's Journey light novel series. It was produced by Studio Lerche and aired for 12 episodes between October and December 2017. This adaptation aimed to adapt fan favourite chapters voted for in the 2015 "favourite country" poll distrubted to light novel readers.

Synopsis
When 15-year-old Kino is feeling weighed down by heavy thoughts, one thing always manages to cheer her up: traveling. Nothing fills her heart with joy like exploring the beautiful, wonderful world around her and the fascinating ways people find to live. However, Kino is not as helpless as her cute appearance and courteous demeanor suggest. Armed with "Cannon" and "Woodsman," her trusted handguns, Kino isn't afraid to kill anyone who would dare to get in her way. Always by her side is her best friend and loyal companion Hermes, a sentient motorcycle, who supports Kino through the sorrows and hardships of their journey. Together, they travel the vast countryside with the shared goal of always moving forward, and a single rule: never stay in one country for more than three days.

As Kino and Hermes encounter new people and learn the rules of their civilizations, they grow and find out more about their own values and virtues. But as Kino slowly discovers the world around her, she also finds herself facing dangers that linger within the vast unknown.

Theme Songs
OPENING THEME:
 * here and there by Yanagi Nagi

ENDING THEME:
 * by Yanagi Nagi

Characters & Cast

 * Kino (VA: Yuuki Aoi)
 * Hermes (VA: Saitou Souma)
 * Shizu (VA: Umehara Yuuichirou)
 * Riku (VA: Kenichirou Matsuda)
 * Tifana (VA: Sakura Ayane)
 * Photo (VA: Minase Inori)