Kino no tabi. "The world is not beautiful; Therefore, it is."

[Alexander]

Someone once told me when they saw a bird it made them want to set out on a journey." "Who said that?" "I forgot."

Kino no tabi, also known as Kino's Journey or Kino's Travels, is a light novel series and an anime by Keiichi Sigsawa. And one of my personal favorites.

The story is about a girl named Kino who travels the world on her talking Motorrad (Motorcycle to those who don't live in Kino's world) Hermes. One of the unique things about her is that she only stays at one place for 3 days and 2 nights total. Without exceptions. She states the reason for this is because she fears that she might want to settle down if she stays any longer.

The places she travels too are very unique, surreal, and mysterious comparable to that of Gulliver's Travels and The Little Prince. It's very hard for me to describe everything without spoiling it, so this is the best I can do.

I'm currently reading the novel version, and did try the anime but was morally stunned with a very graphic scene in episode four. So for those of you who had the bravery to continue past that, I'm afraid I'm going to be a little behind in the series until Volume 2 of the novel come out this September. XD

So, are there any other fans of this series?

[Felix]

Yes! I'm a fan! ^^ I agree, episode 4 was a bit disturbing, but also one of the most interesting episodes, in my opinion. I won't elaborate further, to avoid spoilers.

This series is one of my favorites! It's hard to pinpoint what makes it so enjoyable to me, as it moves pretty slow, and there is little action (those are big factors for me) but I think what's so wonderful about it is just seeing all these amazing and odd and beautiful places in this world and watching all these processes and meeting these fascinating people... it's really quite something.

I'm also reading the novels, which I find just as - if not more enjoyable than the anime, but there aren't many books released in america yet, so it's hard to say.

So yes, I love this series, and I reccommend it to anyone! Aside from some bloody parts, and a few questionable morals, it's quite clean! ^^

[Blitzkrieg1701]

One of the best anime programs I've ever seen, and what I've read of the books is just as good!

I love how focused and self-contained the episodes are, along with the strangeness. Almost Twilight Zone like.

Speaking of the books, though, it annoys me that the English version of Book One has it's chapters in a different order. A number of surprises are lost when the events are laid out in strict chronological order.

[Mimiru14]

aw,man1 Kino's Journey is awesome! I've only seen the first episode,but that was enough to get me hooked.

[Blitzkrieg1701]

Well, it's just about all as good as that first episode!!!

[Alexander]

Well, it's just about all as good as that first episode!!!

Although if you're sensitive to blood, I would strongly recommend being careful.

And yes Felix, I loved that chapter. My hands were litirally shaking at the comments her parents and the whole atmosphere the City of Adults had at Kino was quite literally beyond surreal.

Oh, I suppose we should put in spoiler tags soon if we plan to go into depth with this series shouldn't we? XD

Also, I HAVE to read this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gakuen_Kino ALTERNATIVE REALITIES!!

[Blitzkrieg1701]

MUST... HAVE!!!

[TriezGamer]

I actually thought the first episode was the most boring in the series -- which is saying a lot since I liked it.

[RedMage]

I actually thought the first episode was the most boring in the series -- which is saying a lot since I liked it.

I watched the first two episodes and was so bored I couldn't stand any more.

[Blitzkrieg1701]

That's okay. Some people are just born without imaginations. It's nothing to be ashamed of.

The 1st episode is paced a little weird, though, what with the almost total lack of supporting characters. The only one I just plain don't like is episode 11. Neither of the plots really worked as "stories," just ironic anecdotes at best.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

So I bought the boxset for 30 bucks at Otakon because both Alexander and Fish and Chips said it was worth buying (Fish and I have nearly identical tastes, so I always put what he says into account).

I'm currently in the middle of episode 2. So far I'm really enjoying it.

Edit: Analytically, I'd say that one important theme I've noticed would be about personal morality.

I am really loving this.

Edit Edit: I wouldn't say that episode four was really graphic by any means, if anything, it was an interesting twist with a little dystopian flavor.

[Cognitive Gear]

I've been thinking about buying this series for quite some time. Because of this thread I think I'm going to try to get it for a decent price now.

Thanks guys!

[Fish and Chips]

Ryan, you do know that at the time, I was acting only on Alec's word, right? Started and polished off the series a couple weeks ago, after I returned home.

Overall a good series, even if only a couple of episodes felt a little weak/assorted flavoring. Personal favorite episode might have to be the Land of Books. Although I have to say I am a little bothered, personally, by Kino's distant persona. Just a traveler going through, I understand, but at times her detachment seems a bit too cold.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Ryan, you do know that at the time, I was acting only on Alec's word, right? Started and polished off the series a couple weeks ago, after I returned home.

Yeah I know, but then you told me that you really liked it.

Although I have to say I am a little bothered, personally, by Kino's distant persona. Just a traveler going through, I understand, but at times her detachment seems a bit too cold.

In a way it's bothersome, but I can totally understand why they did it. To me it feels like we're not supposed to really know Kino herself, rather just go on for the ride and see what she's up to. I think one of it's strong points is that you still have the capability to feel close to Kino even though she is distant from the audience. I also like how she doesn't really solve everyone's problems. That adds to the realism.

[Fish and Chips]

In a way it's bothersome, but I can totally understand why they did it. To me it feels like we're not supposed to really know Kino herself, rather just go on for the ride and see what she's up to. I think one of it's strong points is that you still have the capability to feel close to Kino even though she is distant from the audience. I also like how she doesn't really solve everyone's problems. That adds to the realism.

Oh, no, I agree there. But it still just bothers me a tad.

[Alexander]

I think that's where Hermes comes in to add in character from some of Kino's coldness. While Kino acts as a faithful companion to Hermes. If Hermes were a person, in fact, I would guess that he would much rather stay at home and read books then go on dangerous journey's if it wasn't for Kino.

And while the novels do go further into the story, and of course, only two books are available now, I do wish there more lightened and warming moments. But as of now there doesn't seem to be.

But I'm only on book 2 right now. And over 10 books have been written. And translation appears to be going slowly as usual. XD

[Kuro-Mizu]

Kinos journey is amazing IMO although I have been watching all of the episodes out of order since I have been getting the dvds from my library (and I always just check out whatever they have)

I really would like to buy this series... though I'm waiting till I can find a good deal! (my freind got it for 20$)

what I really like about this series is how it just tells you the story without neccesarily giving you all the answers,, its very thought provoking!