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EP. REVIEW: Kemono Jihen

Oh, and I wasn't saying you're wrong either, just trying to point out that, by and large, the series seems more concerned with the specific issues faced by adolescent males, rather than using males to explore the female condition really at all. (Which generally perpetuates the myth that boys don't have unique problems of their own.) It's not disrespectful, it just has other priorities. But digging into all that is just part of the fun of works that get this dense.


On a more basic level, I think the author was just trying to test his thesis against the worst possible strawman argument in favor of child exploitation.

Aimoto: "Child exploitation is wrong. Children have a right to childhood."

Strawman: "But what if that exploitation leads to more children? Wouldn't those children matter more than the happiness one individual child?"

Aimoto: *casually exterminates an entire village* "Did I stutter?"

It's a pretty hardcore stance, but I'm here for it. And that's without even going into everything this past episode had to say about xenophobia and "racial purity."

I watched the final episode and I’m just squeeing with joy. These kids are so damn adorable and lovable! They face tough times together and work through them with mutual support, respect and care. What could be cuter than Akira and Kabane dancing around the hallway of the clinic because they’ve made up? Or Shiki and Akira high fiving Kabane and saying “yay” on learning more clues about Kabane’s parents? Or Akira’s “We all get along; All You Need Is Love” Instagram post? These kids are the cutest! 10/10 I’d watch multiple seasons! I hope we get another one soon!
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I agree that Sho Aimoto’s focus is on teenage boys and deconstructing toxic masculinity. Sho Aimoto is a woman (source: the French version’s About the Author bio), so the fact that messages and pressures around reproduction can be awful for anyone of any gender is very much intentional. Just look at Shiki’s mom.