Kemono Michi

### Producer

AT-X, Nippon Columbia, Sammy, Kadokawa Media House, Kadokawa, CA-Cygames Anime Fund

## Fandom

***Kemono Michi*** (けものみち, *lit. "Animal Path"*) is a Japanese manga series written by Natsume Akatsuki and illustrated by Mattakumo-suke and Yumeuta. It has been serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's shōnen manga magazine Monthly Shōnen Ace since November 2016 and has been collected in ten tankōbon volumes. An anime TV series adaptation titled **Kemono Michi: Rise Up** (旗揚！けものみち, *Hataage! Kemonomichi*) was produced by ENGI studio and aired from October to December 2019.

The manga has been serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Monthly Shōnen Acemanga magazine since November 2016.

## Synopsis

Genzo Shibata, also known as "*Kemono Mask*", a masked professional wrestler who likes beasts , is suddenly summoned to another world before the start of the game (in the middle of the game in the anime version). Genzo is asked by the princess shrine maiden to "defeat the Demon King and the Demon Beast." However, Genzo, who was angry at being asked to exterminate the beast, escaped from the castle with a German Suplex by the princess.

Saved the wolf beast girl Sigre from debt collectors in the city, saved money as a "demon beast hunter" who can tame without killing the demon beast, and opened the pet shop "Kemo no Michi" which has been a long-cherished desire since the wrestler era. (In the anime version, the fund-raising stage before the store opens). However, in a different world, there is no pet culture, and because the pets with Genzo are not let go, the store is in a state where old birds are singing.

At such a pet shop "Kemo no Michi" that continues to be in the red, Hanako, a big-eating dragon girl, is hired as a clerk as a salary, and her vampire Carmilla is also present as a follower, and every day is noisy and covered with beasts. Is unfolded.

## Production

Another work by Natsume Akatsuki, Blessed in this wonderful world! The reason for this work was that KADOKAWA sent a request to serialize the manga at the time when the first period of the TV anime was being broadcast.

When Mosuke Mattaku and Yumeuta nominated Natsume Akatsuki as the original author, this work was born as a result of combining what Yumeuta wanted to draw, what Yumeuta wanted to draw, and what Akatsuki wanted to draw . The title "Kemo no Michi" was selected from among the title candidates prepared by the three people and the editor in charge.

First of all, after reading the plot and simple character settings, I drew a rough design of Genzo, Sigre, and Hiroyuki, and then based on the content discussed by the four people, I brushed the character design including Hanako and Carmilla. The up was done.

At all, Akatsuki respected the intentions of the person in charge of drawing, so he asked only the important settings in advance, and after that, he consulted with Yumeuta and the editor in charge to confirm the contents of the design. In response to an interview, he recalls that there were few requests for improvement .

Akatsuki cites Sigre as a character who had a hard time showing it, and cites being a Tsukkomiand a common sense person as the reason. She cites Sigre as a character who had a hard time designing at all, and although the editor pointed out that it was sober, she recalled that she was in trouble because the order was too abstract.

Also, in the first episode, the scene where Chemoner Mask set German Suplex on Altena was prepared from the stage of plotting. Akatsuki replied in an interview that this happened as a result of preparing a sex appeal scene because he got a color page at the beginning of the first episode about the background of introducing this scene.

## Bibliographic information

*Kemono Michi* is written by Natsume Akatsuki and illustrated by Mattakumo-suke and Yumeuta. It began serialization in Kadokawa Shoten's *Monthly Shōnen Ace* magazine on November 26, 2016. Kadokawa has collected its chapters into individual *tankōbon* volumes. The first volume was released on April 25, 2017. As of May 26, 2022, ten volumes have been released

* Mosuke Mattaku / Yumeuta (manga, co-written) / Natsume Akatsuki (original), KADOKAWA <Kadokawa Comics Ace>, 11+ volumes already published (as of September 25, 2021)
	1. Released on April 25, 2017 - ISBN  978-4-04-105543-4
	2. Released on October 26, 2017 - ISBN 978-4-04-105549-6
	3. Released on July 24, 2018 - ISBN 978-4-04-107051-2
	4. Released on January 26, 2019 - ISBN 978-4-04-107904-1
	5. Released on September 25, 2019 - ISBN 978-4-04-108231-7
	6. Released on November 26, 2019 - ISBN 978-4-04-108853-1
	7. Released on June 26, 2020 - ISBN 978-4-04-109634-5
	8. Released on February 26, 2021 - ISBN 978-4-04-110933-5
	9. Released on September 25, 2021 - ISBN 978-4-04-111836-8
	10. Released on May 26, 2022 - ISBN 978-4-04-112477-2
	11. Released on December 26, 2022 - ISBN 978-4041132678

Manga Vol. 1Manga Vol. 2Manga Vol. 3Manga Vol. 4Manga Vol. 5Manga Vol. 6Manga Vol. 7Manga Vol. 8Manga Vol. 9Manga Vol. 10Manga Vol. 11

## Genzo Shibata

### Aliases:

* Kemona Mask (Animal Mask)
* Hero

### Affiliation:

* Kemono Michi's shop
* The Fafnir family
* Hunter Union

### Allied:

* Shigure *(employee)*
* Camilla Vanstein *(employee)*
* Hanako *(employee)*
* Jeeg *(employee)*
* Mao *(Rival/Friend)*

## 「Biographical Information」

### Relatives:

* Unnamed Father
* Unnamed Mother
* Celes *(disciple)*

### Occupation:

* Kemono Michi's owner
* Hero *[ProWrestler]*
* Adventurer *(Temp.)*

## 「Voice Actor」

### English VA:

Tyson Rinehart

***Genzo Shibata*** (柴田 源蔵, Shibata Genzō), aka the **Animal Mask** (ケモナーマスク Kemonā Masuku), is one of the main characters of Kemono Michi series. A famous pro wrestler teleported into a fantasy world to slay the Demon King and become the Hero. However, due to his deep love for animals, he refuses the idea of killing monsters, preferring instead to capture them alive to become the owner of a pet shop. His strong empathy with animals allows him to befriend almost every monster he meets in the blink of an eye, but when provoked, he proves to be an exceptional fighter. Unfortunately, despite his efforts, his successes in making monsters docile and friendly have made him earn the title of "*Beast Killer*" among the other hunters, much to his rage.

 ***History**** A masked professional wrestler who loves beasts and is active under the ring name of "*Kemono Mask*". His specialty is German Suplex. He loves kemono regardless of gender or race and wants to spread the wonder of kemono to many people. Although his usual behavior is a good young man full of fighting spirit, his obsession with beasts is overwhelming, and the unicorn who happened to be there from Sigre who was bathing naked, including the treatment for the demon beast hunter, described later. As soon as a beast is involved, such as paying attention to the person, it goes out of control. He is intolerant and unforgiving, especially to those who hurt the beast, and tries to discipline him thoroughly no matter who he is. He also has a strong commitment to professional wrestling, though not as much as his love for beasts, and often shows his pride and policy-based behavior as a wrestler. On the other hand, he is cold and reluctant to do things that do not involve kemono.
* Before the start of the match in the original world (during the match with MAO in the anime version), he was suddenly summoned as a hero to another world (castle of the Kingdom of Edgard, during the summoning ), and the beastmen and half-beastmen who exist there. Become aware of the demon beast as a beast and love it. He has a high fighting ability such as fighting with a race with superhuman strength more than equal, but he does not kill monsters due to his propensity and interferes with hunters who hunt monsters, so he is a floating existence in the monster hunter union. It has become. He hates the nickname for killing monsters because he easily controls them, and mercilessly sanctions those who call him.

UnmaskOn-Mask
### Abilities

> "*I want people to understand how beautiful demon beasts are!*"
>
>
> ― **Genzo Shibata**
>
>
>
>

It features almond-shaped sanpaku eyes reminiscent of cats, and the right eye is hidden by the bangs. With a weight of 198 pounds (approximately 90 kg), he possesses the strong physique that befits a wrestler (Not much). He has the title of the strongest wrestler, and his skill is solid, in the fight against the demons, he does not use any of his weapons but only bare-handed fists. Or rather, as a wrestler, he has a policy of not using lethal weapons in fights, and when one of the hunters offers to lend him a knife, he refuses with an angry shout.

His affection for and knowledge of beasts is very wide, and he can love all animals, from mammals to birds, amphibians, and reptiles, and can tame such various races of beasts. On the other hand, all of his behavioral standards are derived from beasts, and in addition to the sanctions against the above-mentioned nickname, he is a seemingly pleasant boy, as he often points his interest and favors at things with higher beast ingredients. It looks like it's a pretty self-centered personality. When the money lender Edgar gang's Misha and Wolfgang duo got involved, he gave priority to the werewolf-like Wolfgang over the furry-eared girl-like Misha (*of course, Misha also intends to moff right after*). As a result, he can be blatantly depressed on missions not related to beasts and sometimes try to skip missions under the pretext of taking care of the beasts he raises. Even if his opponent is a woman, there is no mercy.

For Carmilla, who is a follower of them, he crushes her spine in a competition of strength and tortures her with holy water and garlic, which are her weak points as a vampire. He often likens everything to professional wrestling, calling his duties in the guild a "*match*," and even discussing negotiations with demons in physical language. He also cherishes the gimmick as a masked wrestler, avoiding putting on and taking off the mask in public, and acting as a different person between Genzo Shibata and the chemoner mask (*Although Shigure was the first to find out*).

* **Pro-Wrestling** (or simply **Wrestling**): Fundamentally, the Technique using Kemono Mask on enemy barehanded wrestle is a spectacle move that combines athletics with theatrical performance, which mimics a title match combat sport. The matches have predetermined outcomes to heighten entertainment value, and all combative maneuvers are executed with the full cooperation of those involved and carefully performed in specific manners intended to lessen the chance of actual injury. Despite some moves having some practical usage in real-life fights, such as certain throws, holds and leg-locks, pro-wrestling is first and foremost theatrical and has little viability outside a ring.
	+ *Wrestling Martial Arts - Technique*...
* **Enhanced Strength/Peak Human Condition:** Kemono Mask is exceptionally strong it becomes a peak human; A humans that possess physical and mental attributes to the human limit. Peak humans are superior to normal members of their species, as well as Olympic-level athletes. They are strong enough to punch an individual through a wooden or thin-metal door; able to break thin steel bars with their bare hands; fast enough to catch-up or outrun moving vehicles; able to exert themselves to peak capacity for hours; producing top-endurance and lung capacity; agile enough to climb the tallest of buildings, leap high into the air and run distant miles; reflexive enough to effectively dodge multiple incoming attacks, rapid gunshots as well as seemingly sudden motions (e.g. walls or debris of a crumbling roof), accurate enough to achieve multiple small and further distant targets, capable of living longer than the average-person, durable enough to withstand normal and enhanced physical/projectile attacks, intelligent enough to understand complex problems beyond the scope of average humans, they can heal themselves in very short periods of time, flexible enough to coordinate their limbs perfectly and their combat skills are advanced enough to defeat large groups of enemies with ease.
	+ He easily overwhelmed Carmilla - a vampire or defeated Orc King - the most powerful orc.
* **Zoology:** As an animal lover has been used to denigrate people who display affection or concern for animals, Genzo has lots of knowledge about animals. He effortlessly domesticates beasts by fondling them or giving them fruits.
* **Indomitable Will:** Genzo is fearless. He was determined to protect and take care of his pets and never rejected a challenge as a pro wrestler.
* **Disguise [***Fukumen wrestler***]:** Taking off the mask and changing outfits, people (except Shigure) couldn't recognize Genzo as "*the pervert*", is a professional wrestler who covers part or all of his head, face, etc. with a mask so that he cannot see his true face. Also known as Maskman. In many cases, the identity is hidden by using not only the face but also the ring name.

## Opening Theme

### OP Composer:

NoB with Kemoner Mask (Katsuyuki Konishi)

## Ending Theme

### ED Composer:

Momosu Momosu (ももすももす)

An anime adaptation was announced by *Monthly Shōnen Ace* on January 18, 2019. It was later announced that the adaptation would be a television series titled *Kemono Michi: Rise Up* (旗揚！けものみち, *Hataage! Kemonomichi*, translation: "Launching Business! Animal Trail"), with animation by ENGI. The series was directed by Kazuya Miura, with Touko Machida handling the series composition, and Tomoka Noumi designing the characters. It aired from October 2 to December 18, 2019 on AT-X, Tokyo MX, TVA, KBS, SUN, and BS11. It was also streamed on AbemaTV. NoB and Katsuyuki Konishi performed the series' opening theme song "Fight! Kemona Mask" (！ケモナーマスク), while Momosumomosu performed the series' ending theme song "Anecdote" (アネクドット)."

* ***Staff***
	+ Original - Natsume Akatsuki
	+ Manga - Mosuke Mattaku, Yumeuta
	+ Director - Kazuya Miura
	+ Series composition - Toko Machida
	+ Character design and animation director - Tomoka Noumi
	+ Art supervision - Minoru Onishi
	+ Art setting - Ryu Sakamoto
	+ Art Director - Kyoko Haruna
	+ Color design - Ayako Aihara
	+ Cinematographer - Hisashi Matsumukai
	+ Edit - IMAGICA Lab., Rina Oguchi
	+ Music - Shunsuke Takizawa
	+ Sound Director - Toshiki Kameyama
	+ Sound production - Glovision
	+ Music Producer - Shunichi Uemura
	+ Music production - Nippon Columbia
	+ Producers - Takashi Tachizaki, Kenichi Tokumura, Manami Kabashima, Norifumi Ikeuchi, Soujiro Arimizu, Hiroyasu Taniguchi
	+ Animation Producers - Hiroshi Yoshioka, Keiichi Ando
	+ Animation production - ENGI
	+ Cooperation - DDT Pro Wrestling
	+ Production - *Kemono Michi Production Committee* (KADOKAWA, Sammy, CA-Cygames Anime Fund, AT-X, Kadokawa Media House, Nippon Columbia)

Funimation had licensed the series for a SimulDub. Following Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, the series was moved to Crunchyroll.

### Live-action PV

A live-action promotional video produced with the cooperation of DDT Pro Wrestling prior to the start of the TV anime broadcast. Published on June 30, 2019.

* Music - Nippon Columbia
* Editing - IMAGICA Lab.
 ***Cast**** Animal Mask - HARASHIMA
* MAO - MAO (Aso Inoue)
* Hiroyuki - Rubin
* Moderator: Haruo Murata

### Character song & CD drama

On December 18, 2019, it was released by Nippon Columbia under the title of "*TV anime*" Kemo no Michi "*Character Song & Drama Album*" Mad Dragon Disease is scary!. The standard part number is COCX-41003.

	* Lyrics - Mitsu (TRYTONELABO) / Composition-Takaaki Utsumi (TRYTONELABO) / Arrangement-TAKT (TRYTONELABO) / Song-NoB with Chemor Mask (Katsuyuki Konishi)
2. Dokiwaku Everyday! [4:27]
	* Lyrics - Genki Mizuno / Composition - Takao Yanagawa / Arrangement - Tetsuya Shitara / Song - Shigure (Akira Sekine)
3. Mogumogu Tasty! [4:09]
	* Lyrics - Genki Mizuno / Composition / Arrangement-Tetsuya Shitara / Song: Hanako (Yuki Yagi)
4. Never Give Up Forever! [3:58]
	* Lyrics - Genki Mizuno / Composition / Arrangement- Naozumi Mabuchi / Song: Carmilla (Arisa Sakuraba)
5. Kemonomichi Ending Theme "Annek Dot (TV Size)" [1:33]
	* Lyrics, Composition, Arrangement, Song - Momosumomosu
6. Dokiwaku Everyday! Original Karaoke [4:27]
7. Mogumogu Tasty! Original Karaoke [4:09]
8. Never Give Up Forever! Original Karaoke [3:59]
9. TV anime "Flag! Kemonomichi" CD drama "I'm scared of madness!" [20:39]
	* Staff: Sound Director - Toshiki Kameyama / Sound Effects - Yuki Hayashi / Recording Adjustment - Masahiro Abe / Recording Assistant - Aina Miyazaki / Sound Production Manager - Toru Kane / Scenario - Douko Machida
	* Cast: Genzo Shibata - Katsuyuki Konishi / Shigure - Akira Sekine / Hanako - Yuki Yagi / Carmilla - Arisa Sakuraba / Hiroyuki - Rie Suegara / Celis - Aoi Koga

## Reception

*Gadget Tsūshin* listed "Kemono Mask", a phrase from *Kemono Michi'*s opening song, in their 2019 anime buzzwords list.

## External Links

* *Kemono Michi* at *Monthly Shōnen Ace* (in Japanese)
* *TV Anime "Kemono Michi"* official website (in Japanese)
* *Kemono Michi* Official (@hatakemoanime) - Twitter
* *Kemono Michi ─* Wikipedia (in Japanese)
* *Kemono Michi ─* Wikipedia (in English)