Ep 4. Land of Adults

Kino's Journey season 1 episode 4, titled "Land of Adults," takes viewers on a journey to a land where children do not exist. It opens with Kino and her talking motorcycle, Hermes, arriving at the edge of the land and meeting a group of travelers who share a bit about this strange place with them. Kino and Hermes decide to venture further into the land, eager to learn more about it.

As they travel deeper into the land, Kino and Hermes find that everyone they meet is an adult. The two travelers are seen as oddities, with everyone wondering why they are so small. Kino is taken to a job center, where she is asked to pick a job based on her skills. Kino impresses those in charge with her skill set, but when she asks about what happens to children in this land, she is met with silence.

Throughout the episode, Kino and Hermes continue to explore the land, managing to learn more about it and its inhabitants. They come across a group of adults dancing with dolls, which prompts Kino to share her own personal story. Kino tells the group about how she was raised in a land where happiness was chased after, but material possessions took priority. She breaks down, reminding them that material possessions don't equal happiness.

In a particularly tense and emotional scene, Kino confronts the headmaster of a school, demanding answers about why there aren't any children in this land. She learns that a long time ago, a war broke out, and in an effort to protect their future generations, the adults came together and agreed to stop having children. Kino is saddened by the revelation and shares a tender moment with Hermes, talking about hope and the future.

The episode culminates in a final confrontation, as Kino and Hermes make plans to leave the land. They are stopped by a man who challenges Kino to a duel, offering her information about a city if she wins. Kino and Hermes agree to the duel and emerge victorious, learning a valuable lesson about trust along the way.

"Land of Adults" is a thought-provoking episode that centers around themes of hope, childhood, and the importance of balance in life. Kino's exploration of this strange land is eye-opening, with viewers left to ponder what life would be like without the laughter and joy of children. As always, Kino's unwavering spirit and sense of morality bring a refreshing outlook to a land that seems to have lost its way.