Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World - The Animated Series

Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World - The Animated Series is a Japanese animation series that was aired by AT-X in 2017. This version of the show was a renewed adaptation of the previous series. The story, focusing on philosophical themes and humanistic values, unfolds within an episodic format where each episode is a self-contained narrative allowing for both standalone viewing and continuous progression within the show's universe.

Kino's Journey traces the expeditions of the principal character, Kino, a youthful adventurer who rides a talking motorcycle named Hermes. Together, Kino and Hermes traverse diverse lands; each one follows a distinct political and social structure, with their own unique customs, principles, and aspects of human life. The duo only stays for three days in each country, stating "Three days is enough to understand everything about a place."

The series stands apart by artfully merging science fiction with metaphysical themes. It steers clear from the typical action-packed nature of many other anime shows, opting instead for a more subdued and reflective approach to storytelling. It intertwines multiple genres by incorporating elements of fantasy, adventure, and slices of life into its plot.

Kino’s character is inquisitive and dispassionate, and the show paints Kino's world through a filter of neutrality, encouraging audiences to view each community with open-minded curiosity without passing immediate judgement. Each episode presents an allegorical introspection of human nature while illustrating the acute observations of the central character in discerning the subtleties of each culture.

Hermes, Kino's speaking motorcycle, is not merely a mechanical motorbike but rather an essential part of the narrative. The motorrad acts as a companion, a travel buddy, and an enlightened conversational partner to Kino. Their dialogues, often brimming with profound insight, add depth to the narrative while simultaneously providing comic relief.

The animation, sound design, and voice acting in Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World - The Animated Series elevate the storytelling. Characters are drawn with meticulous attention to details that fully brings them to life. Backdrops of the many countries they visit are crafted with remarkable creativity and variety. Furthermore, the atmospheric music complements the varying plot themes and tones of each episode, successfully immersing viewers in Kino's journey.

Though the storyline grapples with complex themes and candid realities, the show's development is remarkably soft-spoken and tranquil, its narrative pace leisurely and contemplative. This provides a refreshing contrast to the frequent drama and allows the viewers to thoroughly explore each episode's topics at their own pace.

One of the distinguishing aspects of Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World - The Animated Series is its ability to stimulate thought and philosophical discussion among its viewers, not just through its profound exploration of human nature, but also by showcasing the inherent beauty in the simplicity of life. Each country that Kino and Hermes visit offers a fresh understanding of human existence, thus inviting audiences to reflect on their ideas about society and cultural differences.

An integral part of the show is its element of occasional unpredictability. It ensures no two episodes feel the same, and it often takes turns that one might not expect. While the path Kino and Hermes tread is full of beauty, it also holds an element of darkness that offsets the tranquillity of their journey, further emphasizing the show's central theme - the duality of life.

In summary, Kino's Journey: The Beautiful World - The Animated Series is a thought-provoking anime that elegantly blends several genres and presents a beautifully contrasting picture of life and human nature. It is an anime that challenges conventional storytelling methods, immersing viewers in detailed, self-contained worlds within each episode, and provides a unique, contemplative viewing experience for anime enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.