Kemono Jihen, which means “Monster Incident”, is an anime adaptation of the manga series of the same name by Shou Aimoto. Despite being initially underestimated by some people, this anime has become known as a dark horse anime in winter 2021. This show revolves around a detective investigating a mysterious incident that involves animals dying with their insides destroyed in a remote village. In this article, we will discuss the synopsis and review for Kemono Jihen (2021).
Synopsis
The story centers on a remote village where a series of bizarre animal murders occurred. A special detective named Kohachi Inugami is requested to investigate the strange occurrences. Kohachi comes from Tokyo, where one of his clients asks him to investigate suspicious incidents in a village. There, he sees a boy named “Dorotabo” who many people avoid because of his foul smell. Kohachi approached Dorotabo, whom he later found out was named Kabane. It turns out that Kabane is a half-monster or a ghoul-human hybrid and is a descendant of hanyo, just like Kohachi who is a kemono raccoon. Kohachi explains to Kabane that the necklace he wears, known as the “life stone”, is a precious stone that can suppress Kabane’s powers.
Kabane agrees to go with Kohachi to Tokyo with the promise that Kohachi will help him find his parents. In Kohachi’s office, two teenage boys are also half-humans like Kabane. Shiki Tademaru is a kemono descendant of the spider arcachne, while Akira is a kemono snow or yukionoko, who looks like a woman. Kohachi orders Shiki and Akira to take Kabane to the police station to meet Yokou Inari, a kemono fox. But it turns out that Inari is only after the necklace that Kabane has and orders his kemono subordinate, Kon, to secure Kabane’s head that has been cut off. Still, Kabane manages to recover with Shiki’s help.
After helping with several cases that arise, Kabane, Shiki, and Akira just learn that there is another inhabitant living in Kohachi’s office. His name is Mihai, a brilliant vampire who Kohachi asks to cooperate with his IT work. But now, Mihai has become a hikikomori and spends most of his time playing online games in his room. Each day, Kabane learns something new and is happier living with Kohachi and the others, as they complete their mission. From light tasks to a mission that gradually reveals the past of each detective member in Kohachi’s team. Can Kabane find his parents with the “life stone” he has?
Review
Kemono Jihen is an anime that at first sight may seem like it’s only about monsters, but after watching it, the viewer may feel something different. The anime adapts the manga series quite well, and the animation quality is also good. Kemono Jihen contains moral messages about human behavior and personalities. It presents the meaning of friendship, betrayal, and sacrifice. This anime also explores the mysteries of the past of each character that represents the uniqueness of each faction. The monster elements are also well integrated into the story without feeling too overwhelming or out of place.
Kemono Jihen reveals the importance of social relationships and empathy in a way that is straightforward and easy to understand. The characters are engaging, and the history of each of them is linked, making it harder to choose a favorite character. The production team has also succeeded in presenting the characters’ personalities in exploring various themes and genres.
Conclusion
Kemono Jihen is a unique anime that is worth watching. It combines the mystery and supernatural genres in a way that is engaging and entertaining. The storyline manages to juggle both the darker and lighter aspects of the show in a balanced way. The characters are complex, and each of their pasts is revealed gradually as the story progresses, which keeps the viewers engaged. The twist and turns of the show often catch the audience off guard, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. Overall, Kemono Jihen is an anime that should not be missed by those looking for an exciting and intriguing storyline that comes with a heartwarming message.
