The 2017 television adaptation of Kino's Journey -the Beautiful World- is now streaming on Crunchyroll, complete with both English subtitles and a newly released English dub. This 12-episode series offers a contemplative journey through diverse, often peculiar, nations as seen through the eyes of the enigmatic traveler Kino and their talking motorcycle, Hermes.
Animated by Lerche, the studio behind such varied works as Assassination Classroom and Given, this adaptation focuses on fan-selected stories from the original light novel series. Each episode presents Kino arriving in a new country, observing its unique culture and societal rules, and departing after a brief stay, adhering to their personal creed of not staying longer than three days. The premise distills complex themes of human nature, societal constructs, and morality into self-contained, thought-provoking vignettes.
While not reaching the heights of the original 2003 anime, which boasts a higher MAL score, this later adaptation (rated 7.61 on MyAnimeList with over 89,000 voters) provides a faithful and visually engaging rendition of the source material. It leans into the philosophical and episodic nature that defines the franchise, making it an ideal choice for viewers seeking introspective adventures rather than high-octane action.
Fans of the franchise can revisit beloved tales or discover Kino's world for the first time. The complete series' availability on Crunchyroll makes it an accessible entry point for those curious about this enduringly popular exploration of different ways of life.
