Kemono Michi: Rise Up

Kemono Michi: Rise Up is a highly unconventional isekai fantasy series produced by studio ENGI, which premiered in the Fall 2019 anime season. The narrative centers on Genzō Shibata, a muscular professional wrestler renowned in the ring as Animal Mask, who possesses an almost superhuman devotion to all creatures great and small. During a critical championship match, Genzō is abruptly summoned to a magical parallel world by Princess Altena. The princess, following classic fantasy tropes, tasks him with defeating the feared Demon King and eradicating the dangerous monster population threatening her kingdom. However, Genzō's immediate reaction is to reject this heroic mandate fundamentally, viewing all monsters as potential friends rather than enemies. In a comical subversion, he responds to the royal decree with a devastating German suplex on the summoning princess. Driven by his singular goal, Genzō sets out to achieve his dream of opening a pet shop in this new realm, aiming to establish a sanctuary where humans, demi-humans, and beasts can coexist peacefully. The series adopts an episodic structure, chronicling Genzō's efforts to gather exotic creatures, navigate complex local politics, and secure funding for his establishment. He is quickly joined by a diverse cast, including Shigure, a clever half-human beastman tasked with managing the shop's finances, and Hanako, a perpetually hungry half-dragon girl. The show masterfully blends high-octane pro wrestling action with heartwarming slice-of-life moments, offering a humorous and surprisingly deep exploration of empathy in a world typically defined by conflict.

Kemono Michi: Rise Up offers a refreshingly distinct entry into the saturated isekai genre, predominantly succeeding through its unique premise and unwavering commitment to comedy. The core strength lies in Genzō Shibata, whose protagonist profile—a muscular wrestler dedicated entirely to animal welfare—provides endless comedic friction against the high-stakes fantasy backdrop. The character development, while focused primarily on comedic beats, effectively grounds Genzō's idealism, making his interactions with both monsters and the cynical human population genuinely endearing. The supporting cast, particularly Shigure’s pragmatic reactions to Genzō's antics, enhances the overall story pacing, keeping the narrative moving briskly through various episodic adventures centered around creature procurement and business operations. Studio ENGI’s animation is generally robust, showcasing fluid and impactful wrestling sequences that maintain dynamic energy. Character designs are expressive, perfectly capturing the exaggerated reactions necessary for the humor. While the voice acting is expertly handled, particularly Toshiki Masuda’s passionate portrayal of Genzō, the series occasionally relies heavily on overt fanservice and predictable slapstick scenarios, which can detract from the central narrative themes. Despite these minor inconsistencies, the anime’s objective success lies in its ability to deliver heartwarming messages about empathy and coexistence without sacrificing its irreverent, high-energy comedic tone, making it a highly original and engaging viewing experience for fans of genre subversion.