Kino's Journey (2003) User Reviews

Kino's Journey

[a-bognar93 · 7/10 · 15 January 2015]

Definitely a very slow paced anime, if you are looking for action you are at the wrong place.

However, if you are interested in experiencing the elevating joys, the wide arsenal of emotions and artistic features an anime can offer then you have just found what you are looking for.

This piece of art is coming at you with a mixture of sounds, pictures, and dialog like not much other anime out there. Every single episode is a rather complex assessment of the different systems that have existed and exist throughout human history and of the different element of human personality in general.

Our main hero, Kino is a traveler and as such it is not the end point, not the destiny of the journey that is important for her, but the experience she gather while being on the road. Many of the episodes have not much connections to each other, they could be separated from each other and still be meaningful, in other words there are a lots of episodes (in the literature sense).

It was created by the same crew as Serial Experiments Lain, so if you've seen that you should have a good idea what you are in for, however this one is taking a less theoretic approach to the different problems humanity as a whole and an individual is facing. Most importantly, each episode gives you a comprehensive example, that way getting the problem close to you and is looking for practical solutions. Still in the end the Kino takes no active part in the events and is just a bystander, who forms her opinion but does nothing more (maybe with exemption of 1-2 life-death problems she can't stand by).

Summing up, to truly understand this piece you have to do your own part, this show doesn't serve you answers on a silver plate, but rather questions.

Good

[coles_notes · 7/10 · 25 September 2023]

Based on a Japanese light novel of the same name, we follow Kino, a traveller, and her talking motorcycle, Hermes, as they ride from country to country in a vast, sudo-futuristic world of many peoples and civilizations. Less of an overarching narrative or large scale world building, the core of Kino's Journey lies in each of its episodic visits to a new country, typically exploring some political or organizational ideal to its extremes, along with the moral lessons or implications we could learn should a society like it exist. The art style is quite strong, with crt scanlines superimposed over all its visuals, watercolour motifs through most of its backgrounds and scenery, especially when in nature, and the foregrounds washed out colours, giving that sort of punk aesthetic. I very much enjoyed it, the characters were all fantastic, although there was the odd bit of eye-rolling at some of the reveals or melodrama. There is also certainly violence and some tackling of heavy themes, so not for children. Definitely on the more grounded end of anime, I would highly recommend if it already seems something of interest, was good.

A brilliant format

[Derache · 8/10 · 31 December 2018]

Its a brilliant format to teach a bunch of philosophical concepts. Each country has its own philosophy, and the countries are all small. Kino travels from country to country, while the viewer gains a deeper understanding of the concept. The format is the best format I have ever seen in a TV show and it will always stay in my memories.

Brilliant and Uniquely Unveiling..

[spiderliliez · 2 July 2005]

Animé is known for showcasing characters with super-human powers, or mostly not even human at all. It is known for it's original and bizarre stories and story lines, which seem to fascinate every animation fan. It is a big hit among viewers who enjoy watching the endless possibilities of story making. It is, I believe the very nature of japanimation. But to be honest it is very rare to see an animé much like this one I'm going to review about, called –"Kino No Tabi".

Sometimes called "Kino's Journey" or "Kino's Travels" –"Kino No Tabi" is probably the most artiest and most thought-proving animé I've seen (really!). Based from the sensational novel series by Keiichi Sigsawa that became popular in Japan back in 2000, "Kino No Tabi" is the unique story of a young traveler named Kino, and Kino's traveling companion, a talking motorcycle named Hermes. Together, they travel from country to country, meeting different people, and exploring different cultures. They learn and discover new things as they travel, and thus, making this show a delightful series, because you learn with its characters.

It is likely that you'll be surprised with the series' unconventional stories, and it's unusual characters (that appear in every episode) it may seem slow sometimes since the characters do much talking than anything else, since this is after all the way that this show uplifts itself –through the characters' interactions with one another, especially the conversations with Kino and Hermes. You will marvel at Kino's calmness and rational ways of dealing with matters that most of us don't give a damn about.

Kino is an intelligent, and charming character despite having to act coldly at times. Another unusual thing about "Kino No Tabi" is Kino's gender. It wasn't made clear in the first to third episodes, since some characters in the stories refer to Kino as a boy and some called her "miss". What's even more confusing would be Kino's use of "boku" (a Japanese pronoun used by a male to refer to himself) when speaking. But this will be made clear during the 4th episode. I don't want to give spoilers, but it was a cool concept by the author to make Kino's gender a mystery.

Featuring the voice of Ai Maeda as Kino (she played Shiori Kitano in "Battle Royale 2: Requiem"). Hers is perfect for the character of Kino, since it's quite hard to distinguish her voice (if male or female). As you know, most animé have women do the voice acting for some male characters (especially if the characters are young boys). So it won't be surprising if her character, Kino is a boy –or maybe not.

All I can say, "Kino No Tabi" will not be like any other animé you've seen. It's a brilliant series that uniquely unveils various human philosophies. It's one of those shows you'd be glad you took the time to watch.

From the people behind the shows –"Serial Experiments Lain", "Haibane Renmei", and "Boogiepop Phantom".. "Kino No Tabi" is another show yet to impress you with it's brilliance and it's unique expression of a radical sense of "beauty".

A delightful tale

[Tweekums · 10/10 · 16 September 2010]

This series is quite different to other anime series I've seen; it is neither action packed nor full of laughs although that doesn't mean it is totally lacking in these. The animation has a style of its own too; in some ways it has a simple look but it is stunningly beautiful. The series follows the travels of Kino and her talking 'Motorrad' (motorbike) Hermes as they visit various countries, each of the countries are effectively city states that each have their own unique customs, some are friendly, others less so. As a general rule Kino is just an observer of the countries she visits but occasionally gets involved although that is usually because she has no choice. Just because Kino prefers to avoid conflict does not mean the guns we see in the opening credits don't get used, it did come as a surprise the first time though.

As they are constantly travelling the only regular characters are Kino and Hermes; Kino is an interesting character whose gender is open to question for the first few episodes and is sometimes addressed as a boy and sometimes as a girl in the various countries, Hermes might be a talking motorbike but isn't as silly as that sounds, it looks like a real bike and does not have a face like other animated talking vehicles.

While the stories were gently paced I was never bored, I'd certainly recommend this for anybody looking for something a little different. It is suitable for most ages although one or two scenes might disturb young children; some people and a few rabbits do get shot and we aren't spared the sight of spilt blood.

These comments are based on watching the series in Japanese with English subtitles.

If you liked "Mushishi", you'll love "Kino's Journey".

[simmsnation · 10/10 · 19 January 2014]

This is one of those little gems you discover late one night binge- watching anime. No one has ever mentioned it to you, you have nothing else better to do, and the cover art doesn't remind you of another action-packed vampire love story. That being said, I went into Kino's Journey blind and I came out enlightened. It was like I was a child exploring the world for the first time again.

Along with her talking motorcycle companion, "Hermes", Kino is a traveler who has a rule to never stay in one place for more than 3 days. The world is similar to Earth except that what are considered "countries" are really independent, walled cities that are seemingly very spaced apart. Each episode is self contained as Kino visits one or more country, and just as Kino and Hermes, we experience each place for the first time. The countries have their own unique histories, customs, and cultures. All are interesting; some are dangerous.

There is something so powerful in the quiet storytelling of this series. Kino's Journey really explores the very edges of what it means to be human. We are all flawed, yet it is how we deal with our flaws that defines us. Similar to many other series I have watched, I just wish there was more.

There are only two other anime that I have seen that have mastered the art of quiet storytelling: "Mushishi", and "House of Five Leaves".

As of now (Jan 2014), the English Dubbed version is available on Amazon Prime and Hulu Plus. NOTE: Amazon Prime doesn't have any commercials.

Captivating, eccentric and existential journey

[spireo · 10/10 · 17 August 2015]

So what is Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World about? The story focuses on Kino, a young dark haired girl and her talking motorrad named Hermes, as they travel from country to country, experiencing the abstract and hyberbolic customs and traditions of each land, staying only three days in each country before moving on to a different one and repeating the process.

So lets start with the setting. Kino's Journey has arguably the most impressive world building that I have ever seen in an anime. Every episode (with the exception of one 2 episode long country) we are treated to a new country with traditions completely different from the previous one. The lands that Kino and Hermes arrive in show off the different aspects of the human condition brought on by the circumstances of each country. It is jarring to comprehend this show's ability to create such distinct and fleshed out setting and to be able to do it as many times as they do during the course of the show.

The soundtrack in this show is and interesting point to discuss since music is seldom used. The saying "less is more" is something I would use to describe the way music is used throughout the show, when music is used so little during the show, you really feel the magnitude of the moment when music is used. It really captures the crucial moments in the series. Kino no Tabi's soundtrack is seamless and the music chosen is chosen perfectly for each part.

The story is not a character driven one because the events themselves are what put forward the anime's heavy messages. Because of this we get very little insight into Kino's motives, aside from episode 4 where we learn about her past, she still remains a fairly static and mysterious character. Hermes, Kino's talking motorrad, acts as Kino's voice of reason and for the most part serves as an extension to Kino's character and allows for dialogue throughout the story since Kino and Hermes are the only major characters we see. despite what may be thought of a talking motorbike as a major character, Hermes is not by any means a comic relief character and offers realism in situations where Kino is challenged. I think that character is this story's weakest point, but is by no means bad. Static characters are okay when the story does not rely on character development to present it's themes.

The art style is really quite simple, you wont get anything spectacular from the visuals but you won't be disappointed either. The colours chosen are deliberately dull and plain. The art takes a back seat to the story and serves as a canvas to convey the more important messages.

Overall, Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World is an elegant dissection of the characteristics that compose human existence represented by foreign lands and exaggerated cultures. If it sounds like a lot to comprehend that's because it is, this is a story that must be paid close attention to in order to comprehend it's depth. Every episode raises a heavy existential question that will leave you lying awake all night trying to figure out it's meaning, that's my favourite part about it and these are the reasons that I think Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World deserves it's 10/10.

Definitely worth watching

[yamatoirie · 10/10 · 1 December 2017]

If your reading this, you've probably already read the summary so I'm just gonna go on with my thoughts. My friend, who knows my taste well, introduced me to this anime and it definitely was something I like. I've watched and completed many different ones, but this anime was probably the one that struck me most so far. It's unique comparing to all the others. It will give you a different kind of emotional experience through the eyes of a traveler, and many life lessons along the way. You get to know the complex character of Kino very well as you go on throughout the episodes. Which is another reason why it is different from other clichè anime with simple characters that are very easy to figure out.

The black mirror before black mirror

[chochaztyler · 10/10 · 27 April 2022]

Some of these stories felt uncanny to me and i still can't quite know exactly why But it is a very good show and even though I'm on episode 4 i can tell this'll be good.

🏍 Wonder as she wanders °7.3° °VG° 💯%🔍

[50fiftillidideeBrain · 7/10 · 16 September 2023]

KJ is structured much like Aesop's Fables. Each episode is a simplified cautionary tale of the foibles of human nature, particularly mankind's tendency to go to extremes. Kino inhabits a sparsely populated world - most likely a post-apocalyptic world, though that information is not divulged. Staying at each place for 3 days, she is exploring various lands with her talking 🏍, Hermes. Her first stop is a country in which the inhabitants thought they could eliminate pain if they all understood eachother better, so they all drank an elixir that would enable them to read eachother 's minds. Obviously, people separated, grew apart, isolated themselves, and now the population is dying out. No children are born as nobody can tolerate another's presence. Yes, it should have been obvious. The motif ends with non-verbal communication via expression alone that is eerily like mind reading.

KJ is a 2003 release that is rated 8.29 on MAL. It is 1 season consisting of 13 24-minute English dubbed episodes with CC available. Several sources say it is 12 episodes. Hidive, on Prime, has 13 episodes to watch. There are offshoot productions that do not appear available for streaming currently: Sequel Kino no Tabi: The Beautiful World - Byouki no Kuni - For You; PrequelKino no Tabi: The Beautiful World - Nanika wo Suru Tame ni - Life Goes On; Alternative VersionKino no Tabi: The Beautiful World - The Animated Series; Side StoryKino no Tabi: The Beautiful World - Tou no Kuni - Free Lance; and CharacterDengeki Bunko 2007 Movie Festival Special.

Episode 2 is bad@$$. In ep4 we get her backstory, and it's rough. The show feels ancient as these "countries" are much like ancient walled off cities. Every country/town she visits has people with foolish notions. Due to isolation, each country comes up with rather extreme and mostly untenable solutions to problems. Quite often these countries are somewhat ruthless and harsh. (Like a fable, it's not entirely make-believe, it mirrors reality). We'll see a threatening inspector explain through gritted teeth that every country has its customs and it's no outsider's business. Yet a traveler does step in to save the life of a girl, leaving the residents befuddled. In one country machines do all the work. Since resources are limited, they created useless jobs as a measure to divvy out these scarce resources: Those with the highest stress (useless) jobs get the most resources. And around and around we go. In a land where books are banned because 📚 cause readers to get lost in illusions, we hear that "All people exist in the illusion that °they° are the main character." People get trapped in irony's cruel grip because nature always denies them the ability to truly be the main 🎭. The solution? Escape by becoming an author. "All I know is that no one sane would become an author," says Kino. My favorite philosophical discussion is Kino discussing man's-obligation-to-man with Hermes.

The art supports the simplicity of the show. People are drawn at a 3/10 reality scale with little detail and some exaggeration, all fitting in with the fable setting. Backgrounds are closer to a 4/10 with simplified, minimized and stylized realism. Though simple, the art is plenty expressive, reinforcing the sounds and verbiage that increase the sense of wonder. Wonder as she wanders 🏍

QUOTES📢

A traveler's most important asset is what helps you get back up after a struggle's left you so close to the end.

The Critics: "All they do is expound their store of knowledge. They excite themselves with their ranting. Their disapproval excites them with a feeling of importance and sick victory. They thrive on spoiling the pleasure and trashing the creativity of others."

〰🖍 IMHO

📣7 📝7.5 🎭7.5 🌞6 🎨7⚡5 🎵/🔊7 😅3 😭5 😱7 😯3 😖2 🤔6.5 💤3 🔚7

Age 14+ We see a 🐰 shot in the head, fall, bleed out in the snow. The episode is called: "I want to live." Kino says she has an obligation to the rabbit. Rabbit is skinned and fed to homeless people.

Violence and blood. Cannibalism

Rated R-17+

Re-📺? Probably not, but once was great

💮

Ultimately flawed, but highly enjoyable.

[crashmasterd · 24 January 2005]

Through the grapevine I had heard rumors of this very nice little 13 episode Anime called "Kino's Journey" (Kino no tabi). Reviews seemed to be mixed, but I picked up the first volume anyway and was immediately drawn in. The next day I ordered the final three volumes and waited patiently for them to arrive. I wasn't disappointed.

Kino is a traveler. She spends her time traveling from country to country never spending more than three days in any one place. As a companion she only has Hermes, a talking "Motorrad" (German for Motorcycle). Between countries Kino and Hermes discuss philosophy and life on the road in a very Kerouac style. Interestingly, none of the insights are into the travelers lifestyle, but rather the little things that grace it almost as ornaments.

For instance, Kino. Near the beginning of the first episode: "A travelers most important asset is what helps you get back up after a struggle has left you so close to the end. I know it as luck."

These statements are scattered randomly and regularly throughout the series, while each place she visits has some statement to make on some part of society. Sometimes those statements are subtle, and other times it's like being hit on the head with a baseball bat. As a rule, Kino doesn't get involved in the situations she comes across in these countries. However, we all know about rules and their exceptions!

Stylistically, Director Ryutaro Nakamura is heavily influenced by Hayao Miyazaki ("Spirited Away", "Kiki's Delivery Service", "Castle in the Sky") and Rintaro ("Galaxy Express 999", "Captain Harlock"). However, Nakamura is best known for "Serial Experiments: Lain". (Writer Sadayuki Murai has many Anime Writing credits, including "Perfect Blue" and "Cowboy Bebop")

"Kino's Journey" doesn't have the cohesiveness of "Serial Experiments: Lain", nor does it have Lain's series wide story. Each episode of Kino can stand on it's own, even when it alludes heavily to earlier stories. Worse, all the episodes seem to have no real order. Many of them are shown simply as a series of flashbacks, while others are obviously earlier in her life even though they are at the end of the series.

This can be confusing.

My biggest complaint though is the fact that this seems to be a series with a story that has a lot of chapters missing. I don't know if this was based on a Manga, but it has that feel to it. The feel that there's more story that has been told somewhere else and that we're expected to know something about it. I consider this minor, and possibly to be corrected if more episodes are ever produced.

Some highlights I'd like to mention are the excellent animation and attention to detail. For instance Hermes, Kino's motorcycle and partner, is a very detailed and exact animation of a 1920's to 1940's Borough Superior J.A.P. engined SS100. It is correct right down to friction dampers, suspension, and saddle bags. Another example is Kino's pistol. It is a Colt Army, cap and ball black powder revolver of roughly Civil War vintage. Even when disassembled it is correctly drawn.

The characters Kino meets and the places she goes are also nicely drawn in a fashion that is very reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki's various films. Almost every place seems to be stuck in a time period somewhere between 1920 and 1960, and in a world where WWII never happened.

Kino's Journey reminds me of a mixture of a lot of things. It's "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance" combined with "Then Came Bronson" and "Easy Rider" and even "Kung Fu". It will not appeal to all Anime fans, but anybody that is attracted to Anime like "Serial Experiments: Lain" or "Ghost in the Shell" should appreciate this.

Yeah I thought it was gonna be up my alley but nope...

[Irishchatter · 4/10 · 7 August 2019]

One of the reviewers here is right, this anime is way too slow paced and doesn't necessarily focus on a plot. I suppose it depends on your mood, my mood at the time watching this needed a breather but then it bored me quickly. I probably need more topics than just relaxation while watching an anime....

Amazing

[cuteyskull · 1 February 2006]

Best show I have EVER seen. I mean, Kino is so composed, and Hermes is so interesting...It's not stupid, but it's not boring. Intriguing. Wonderful. Beautiful art. Amazingly well thought out characters, considering they only stay for one or two episodes. Definitely one of the greats. And, plus, Kino can take care of herself. Considering that she's a girl, at least. She has like ten knives, and plus her three guns, one of which is named Mori no Hito, Person of the forest. Too bad it's so short, I wish it would last longer. Hopefully the movie will explain the loose ends. Also, the fact that Motorrads talk is very fun. I also love the dialog, and the sayings that appear at random throughout the anime.