Series & First Appearance
Michiru Kagemori is a principal character from the anime and manga series BNA (Brand New Animal), created by Studio Trigger. The series premiered on Netflix on April 8, 2020.
Profile at a Glance
Michiru is an 18-year-old tanuki beastman who unexpectedly transforms from a human into an anthropomorphic animal at the start of the series. She plays the role of a protagonist, navigating the complexities of her new identity while striving to understand her powers and the world of beastmen. Michiru’s signature ability is her transformation, allowing her to utilize various tanuki traits, including heightening her physical capabilities and engaging in stealth.
Personality & Motivations
Michiru is characterized by her upbeat and optimistic demeanor. She possesses a strong sense of justice and empathy, often going out of her way to help others, particularly those facing discrimination or hardship. Her primary motivation centers on unraveling the mystery behind her transformation, seeking answers about her own identity, and fighting for the rights of beastmen in a world that often marginalizes them. Notably, she has a catchphrase: "I won’t just sit there and let you get hurt," reflecting her desire to protect her friends and allies.
Abilities / Powers
As a tanuki beastman, Michiru’s abilities include enhanced physical agility, superior hearing, and specialized stealth techniques. Her primary power—the ability to transform between human and beastman—allows her to access enhanced senses and physical prowess in her beast form. However, she initially struggles with controlling her transformation, which evolves over the series as she learns to embrace her new identity. A significant limitation is her susceptibility to discrimination, which often impacts her self-esteem and confidence as she navigates human-beastman relationships.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
Throughout BNA, Michiru’s journey is marked by several key arcs that facilitate her growth. The series begins with her sudden transformation and flight from her human life, leading her to the city of Anima. A pivotal moment occurs in Episode 3 ("The Human World"), where Michiru confronts societal prejudice against beastmen. Her relationship with other characters, especially with Shirou Ogami, a wolf beastman, significantly influences her understanding of her identity. By the series conclusion, Michiru embraces her tanuki nature, advocating for beastman rights and fostering connections among different species, showcasing her development from a confused individual to a determined activist.
Notable Relationships
- Shirou Ogami: Michiru’s mentor and ally, Shirou plays a crucial role in guiding her through her challenges as a beastman. Their bond evolves from a mentor-mentee dynamic to a deep friendship grounded in shared struggles.
- Nazuna Hiwatashi: Another significant character, Nazuna’s friendship with Michiru provides emotional support and exemplifies the camaraderie among beastmen.
- Mister: A side character important for comedic relief and offers insight into the lighter aspects of Michiru’s life as she adjusts to her new reality.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
- In Episode 1 ("Run, Michiru"), Michiru’s transformation scene is iconic as it highlights the shock and turmoil of her first experiences as a beastman. It encapsulates her internal struggles and sets the tone for her personal journey.
- A memorable quote appears in Episode 8 (“The Last Resort”) where Michiru declares, “In a world where everyone can be themselves, that’s where I want to be.” This line resonates with viewers and reflects her quest for acceptance and belonging.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
- Michiru Kagemori is voiced by Sumire Morohoshi in the original Japanese version and by Cherami Leigh in the English dub, showcasing her broad appeal across different cultures.
- Popularity polls for BNA revealed Michiru as one of the top characters, highlighting her relatability and charm among fans, with over 1,287 members adding her to their favorite lists on various platforms.
- The character design and story were influenced by various cultural references, particularly Japanese folklore surrounding tanuki, which emphasizes themes of transformation and duality—central themes to Michiru’s story.
Overall, Michiru Kagemori serves as a strong, relatable character whose journey of self-discovery and advocacy for beastman rights makes her a compelling figure in the BNA series. Through her adventures, she offers a narrative rich with themes of identity, acceptance, and resilience, resonating deeply with audiences around the world.
