About “Kemono Jihen” in a few words:

Kemono Jihen is an anime series based on the manga of the same name by Shou Aimoto. The story revolves around a boy named Kabane, who is half-human and half-monster, and his encounters with various supernatural beings. Along with his companions, Akira and Kon, Kabane investigates and solves mysteries related to these creatures while navigating the complexities of their own personal relationships. The series combines action, drama, and fantasy elements to create a thrilling and suspenseful narrative.

Meet the characters from Kemono Jihen

Kabane Kusaka

Okay, Kabane is basically the adorable walking contradiction — deadpan, weirdly polite, and somehow terrifying all at once. He’s painfully curious about his origins and will stare at you like he’s solving a puzzle, but also eats like a raccoon and once apparently hoarded apples under his bed (or was it onions? I forget). Super sharp memory and stupidly strong instincts, but also kind of a cinnamon roll who takes a while to show feelings — then boom, full commitment. There’s this lonely, haunted vibe around him but also a stubborn kid energy; you can’t help rooting for him even when he’s being a little terrifying.

Mihai Florescu

Mihai is the classically creepy-gentle doctor type: smooth suit, soft voice, and oddly specific hobbies like collecting antique medical charts or vintage dolls (or was it spoons?). He gives off “calmly dangerous” energy — brilliant, clinical, and always three steps ahead — but will also bake you a cake and talk philosophy at 2 a.m., which is somehow worse. He cares deeply about research and the kids in the agency, though his methods are a little eyebrow-raising sometimes (moral ambiguity? yes, definitely). Charming, a tiny bit theatrical, and somehow you trust him? Or you don’t, but you listen anyway.

Kohachi Inugami

Kohachi is the big, messy dad of the group — equal parts detective, drunk uncle, and animal hoarder, and I love him for it. He runs the Inugami agency with chaos, snacks, and odd wisdom, and there’s always some ridiculous game or a stray creature in his office (don’t ask where that raccoon came from). He’s loud, affectionate, and can go from goofy to deadly serious in a heartbeat; also he plays the guitar poorly but enthusiastically, which is a mood. Protector, mentor, one-man tornado of warmth and trouble — has terrible taste in shirts but the best hugs.

Shiki Tademaru

Shiki is pure mischief with a heart of gold — hyperactive fox-energy, always moving, always grinning, and probably sticky from who-knows-what snack. He’s sassy and quick, loves pranks and the outdoors, and his instincts are razor-sharp even when his timing is awful (he’ll dive into things and then immediately panic, classic). Loyal as hell to friends, annoyingly upbeat during terrible moments, and somehow both annoyingly confident and secretly fragile — like he’ll boast about being fine and then cry into a pile of leaves. Also collects shiny stuff? Or stones? I think both.

Akira

Akira is low-key cool and kind of a mystery — soft-spoken, super observant, and has this calm that makes everyone else blink and relax (or get suspicious, depending). She’s wrapped in practicality but has small, random hobbies like sewing tiny plushies or making weird herbal teas that might heal or might taste terrible; not sure which. Underneath is a fierce protector who’ll step up without drama, and there’s a sad little backstory that pops up when she’s quiet and you realize she’s been handling so much. Gentle but not weak — quietly terrifying if you make her angry, in a very efficient way.

Kon

Kon is the small, chaotic fluffball who acts like he’s five and will absolutely steal your snacks and your heart. Loud, brash, hilariously blunt, but also surprisingly thoughtful sometimes — like, he’ll yell about donuts and then hand you his jacket when you’re cold. Fierce in a fight and dramatic about everything (including his hair), yet clumsy in the sweetest way; he’s the roommate who breaks things and then apologizes with cookies. Basically sugar, spice, and an unexpected backbone of steel when it counts.

Nobimaru

Nobimaru is the silent brawn with a soft inside — big, scarred, stoic, and terrifyingly efficient, but also the type to quietly tend a tiny plant on the windowsill for reasons. He doesn’t say much but when he does it hits, like low-octane wisdom, and he’s ridiculously protective of the team (and food — don’t take his food). There’s a gruff sense of honor about him and a history that flickers in his eyes, plus an embarrassingly soft spot for a certain stuffed animal? Maybe? Who knows. Stoic exterior, chaotic interior playlist.