View source for Kemono Friends

{{Short description|Japanese media franchise}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Expand Japanese|topic=vg|けものフレンズ|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox media franchise
| color           = 
| title           = Kemono Friends
| image           = Kemono_Friends_Anime_Key_Visual_Art.jpg
| image_upright   = 
| caption         = Anime season 1 key visual
| creator         = [[Mine Yoshizaki]]
| origin          = ''Kemono Friends'' (2015)
| owner           = 
| years           = 2015-present
| based_on        = 
| books           = 
| novels          = 
| short_stories   = 
| comics          = ''Kemono Friends: Welcome to Japari Park!''<br>''Kemono Friends: À La Carte''<br>''Kemono Friends 2''
| graphic_novels  = 
| strips          = 
| webcomics       = 
| magazines       = 
| films           = 
| shorts          = 
| tv_series       = {{Plainlist|
* ''Kemono Friends'' (2017)
* ''Kemono Friends 2'' (2019)
}}
| web_series      = ''Welcome to the Japari Park'' (2018)<br>''KemoV'' (2021-present)
| animated_series = 
| tv_specials     = 
| tv_shorts       = 
| tv_films        = 
| direct-to-video = 
| plays           = 
| musicals        = 
| games           = 
| rpgs            = 
| video_games     = {{Plainlist|
* ''Kemono Friends'' (2015)
* ''Kemono Friends Pavilion'' (2018)
* ''Kemono Friends Picross'' (2018)
* ''Kemono Friends 3'' (2019)
* ''Kemono Friends Kingdom'' (2022)
}}
| radio           = 
| audio_plays     = 
| podcasts        = 
| soundtracks     = 
| music           = 
| otherheader     =
| toys            = 
| attractions     = 
| otherlabel1     = 
| otherdata1      = 
| otherlabel2     = 
| otherdata2      = 
| otherlabel3     = 
| otherdata3      = 
| otherlabel4     = 
| otherdata4      = 
| otherlabel5     = 
| otherdata5      = 
| otherlabel6     = 
| otherdata6      = 
| otherlabel7     = 
| otherdata7      = 
| otherlabel8     = 
| otherdata8      = 
| otherlabel9     = 
| otherdata9      = 
| website         = 
| footnotes       = 
| sp              = 
}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Kemono Friends'''''|けものフレンズ|Kemono Furenzu|"Beast Friends"|lead=yes}} is a Japanese video game series and [[media franchise]] created by manga artist [[Mine Yoshizaki]]. The first project was a [[mobile game]] developed by [[Nexon]], which ran from March 2015 to December 2016. A [[manga]] by Furai was serialized in [[Kadokawa Shoten|Kadokawa]]'s ''[[Monthly Shōnen Ace]]'' from May 2015 to March 2017. A second game of the series was released by [[Bushiroad]] in January 2018. An [[anime]] television series produced by [[Yaoyorozu]] aired from January to March 2017. A second season by Tomason aired from January to April 2019.

==Plot==
Japari Park is a large zoo, filled with extant, [[endangered species|endangered]], [[extinction|extinct]], [[List of cryptids|cryptids]] species, and some [[legendary creature]]s. Due to a mysterious substance known as "Sandstar", many animals have become [[Moe anthropomorphism|anthropomorphized]] into girls known as {{nihongo|Friends|フレンズ|Furenzu}}.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=578558338595598336|user=yosRRX|date=March 19, 2015}}</ref>

The manga ''Kemono Friends: Welcome to Japari Park!'' follows a park keeper named Nana who looks after the various characters in Japari Park. The manga is set earlier than the rest of the works in the franchise.

In the Nexon mobile game, the park has been closed to visitors due to an outbreak of aggressive and amorphous creatures known as "Ceruleans", which the Friends have to battle with the help of the player and the park guide, Mirai.

In the first season of the anime, which is set sometime after the mobile game, a girl wakes up in Japari Park with no recollection of who she is or how she got there. She encounters a serval Friend, who names the girl "Kaban". Together, they set out on an adventure to find out what kind of animal Kaban is, passing through multiple regions of Japari Park and meeting new friends along the way.

==Characters==
===Kemono Friends===
====Main characters====
;{{anchor|Kaban}}{{nihongo|Kaban|かばん||lit. Bag}}
:{{animevoices|[[Aya Uchida]]|[[Suzie Yeung]]}}<ref name="staff-cast">{{cite web|title=Staff & Cast|url=http://kemono-friends.jp/staff/|publisher=[[Kadokawa Corporation|Kadokawa]]|access-date=October 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206174518/http://kemono-friends.jp/staff/|archive-date=December 6, 2016|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.soundcadencestudios.com/kemono-friends.html|title=Kemono Friends|website=Sound Cadence Studios|language=en|access-date=2019-07-28|archive-date=July 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728180559/https://www.soundcadencestudios.com/kemono-friends.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
:The main protagonist of the anime series. She is a young girl who finds herself in Japari Park with no memory of who she is or where she is from. Her name was given to her by Serval due to the backpack she carries. Shy yet resourceful, she travels through Japari Park along with Serval to find out her identity while encountering more Friends along the way, eventually discovering that she is a human. She is the only character with whom Lucky Beast will directly communicate. In ''Kemono Friends 2'', she reappears as an adult, working alongside the owls to research the phenomenon of Ceruleans.

;{{anchor|Serval}}{{nihongo|Serval|サーバル|Sābaru}}
:{{animevoices|[[Yuka Ozaki]]|[[Dani Chambers]]}}<ref name="staff-cast"/><ref name=":0" />
:A [[Serval|serval cat]] that was originally from the [[Savannah]] Area of Japari Park. She is the first friend to meet Kaban, eager to join her in the search for her identity. Energetic and curious, Serval is often amazed by the skills and talents of Kaban and the Friends they encounter on their journey. She reappears as a main character in ''Kemono Friends 2'', though appears to have lost her memory of her time with Kaban.

===Key Friends===
;{{nihongo|Fennec|フェネック|Fenekku}}
:{{animevoices|Kana Motomiya|[[Alexis Tipton]]}}<ref name="staff-cast"/><ref name=":0" />
:A [[fennec fox]] who accompanies Raccoon as she pursues Kaban and Serval. She also appears in the original mobile game with a similar role.

;{{nihongo|Raccoon|アライグマ|Araiguma}}
:{{animevoices|[[Saki Ono]]|[[Madeleine Morris]]}}<ref name="staff-cast"/>
:A [[raccoon]] who is chasing after Kaban and Serval, believing that she stole something from her. In the Japanese version, she calls herself "Arai-san" instead of using the first-person pronoun. She also appears in the original mobile game with a similar role.

;{{nihongo|PPP (PENGUINS Performance Project)|ペパプ（ペンギン・パフォーマンス・プロジェクト）|PePaPu (Pengin pafōmansu purojekuto)}}
:{{animevoices|[[Mikoi Sasaki]] (Princess), Ruka Nemoto (Emperor), Kyoka Tamura (Gentoo), [[Aina Aiba]] (Rocker), Ikuko Chikuta (Hululu)|[[AmaLee|Amanda Lee]] (Princess), [[Dawn M. Bennett]] (Emperor), [[Megan Shipman]] (Gentoo), [[Morgan Berry]] (Rocker), [[Kayli Mills]] (Hululu)}}<ref name="staff-cast"/><ref name=":0" />
:An all-[[penguin]] idol group, consisting of {{nihongo|'''Princess'''|プリンセス|Purinsesu}}, a [[royal penguin]]; {{nihongo|'''Emperor'''|コウテイ|Kōtei}}, an [[emperor penguin]]; {{nihongo|'''Gean'''|ジェーン|Jēn}}, a [[gentoo penguin]]; {{nihongo|'''Rocker'''|イワビー|Iwabī}}, a [[rockhopper penguin]]; and {{nihongo|'''Hululu'''|フルル|Hururu}}, a [[humboldt penguin]].

;{{nihongo|Ezo Red Fox|キタキツネ|Kita Kitsune}} and {{nihongo|Silver Fox|ギンキツネ|Gin Kitsune}}
:{{animevoices|[[Suzuko Mimori]]|[[Apphia Yu]]}},[[Yuka Aisaka]]<ref name=":0" />
:A reoccurring character in the manga series. An [[red fox|Ezo red fox]] who is rather lazy and enjoys eating Japari buns.

;{{nihongo|Northern White-faced Owl|アフリカオオコノハズク|Afurika Ōkonohazuku}} and {{nihongo|Eurasian Eagle Owl|ワシミミズク|Washi Mimizuku}}
:{{animevoices|[[Shiori Mikami]] (White Faced Owl), Akari Uehara (Eurasian Eagle Owl)|Kimberley Anne Campbell, [[Bryn Apprill]]}}<ref name=":0" />
:A [[northern white-faced owl]] and [[Eurasian eagle owl]] – respectively referred to as {{nihongo|'''Professor'''|博士|Hakase}} and {{nihongo|'''Assistant'''|助手|Joshu}} – who reside in Japari library. 
:
;{{nihongo|Sand Cat|スナネコ|Sunaneko}}
:{{animevoices|[[Miyuhan]]}}
: A friend based on the [[Sand Cat]] that appears in many different pieces of Kemono Friends media. Her voice actor in the 2017 anime is also the singer for the ending theme .
:
;{{nihongo|Tsuchinoko|ツチノコ|Tsuchinoko}}
:{{animevoices|[[Yū Kobayashi]]}}
: A friend based on a [[Cryptid]], [[Tsuchinoko]]. She has appeared in many different pieces of Kemono Friends media, most notably the Stage Plays and the 2017 anime.
:
;{{nihongo|Hippopotamus|カバ|Kaba}}
:{{animevoices|[[Haruka Terui]]}}
:A friend based on the [[Hippopotamus]] that appeared in many Kemono Friends media including the 2017 anime, Welcome To Japari Park manga and the original mobile game.
:
;{{nihongo|Jaguar|ジャガー|Jagar}} 
:{{animevoices|[[Minami Tsuda]]}}
:A friend based on the [[Jaguar]] that appears in many Kemono Friends media. Most notably the 2017 anime.
:
;{{nihongo|Asian Small-Clawed Otter|コツメカワウソ|Kotsume Kawauso}}
:{{animevoices|[[Reina Kondō]]}}
:An [[Asian Small-Clawed Otter]] Friend that appeared in many Kemono Friends media including the 2017 anime.
:
;{{nihongo|Japanese Crested Ibis|トキ|Toki}} 
:{{animevoices|[[Tomoko Kaneda]]}}
:A Friend based on the [[Japanese Crested Ibis]]. She is infamous for being tone-deaf across many of her appearances in Kemono Friends media.
:
;{{nihongo|Alpaca suri|アルパカ・スリ|Arupaka suri}} 
:{{animevoices|[[Yukiyo Fujii]]}}
An [[Alpaca]] Friend known mostly for running the Japari Cafe in the 2017 anime.

;{{nihongo|Brown Bear|ヒグマ|Higuma}}
:{{animevoices|[[Eriko Matsui]]|}}
Brown Bear is a member of a group of Cerulean Hunters in her most notable appearance in the 2017 anime.

;{{nihongo|African Wild Dog|リカオン|Rikaon}}
:{{animevoices|[[Rika Tachibana]]|Danielle McRae}}<ref name=":0" />
:African Wild Dog is a member of a group of Cerulean Hunters in her most notable appearance, the 2017 anime.

===Kemono Friends 2===
;{{nihongo|Kyururu|キュルル}}
:{{animevoices|[[Yui Ishikawa]] (Japanese)}}<ref name="new-staff"/> 
: The main protagonist of ''Kemono Friends 2'', named after the sound of his stomach grumbling. He emerged from a mysterious laboratory in Japari Park, with his only clue home being a sketchbook.

;{{nihongo|Caracal|カラカル|Karakaru}}
:{{animevoices|[[Riko Koike]] (Japanese)}}<ref name="new-staff"/>
:A [[caracal]] who appears alongside Serval in ''Kemono Friends 2''.

;{{nihongo|Giant Armadillo|オオアルマジロ|Ōarumajiro}} and {{nihongo|Giant Pangolin|オオセンザンコウ|Ōsenzankou}}
:{{animevoices|Emily Fajardo (Armadillo), [[Anairis Quiñones|Anairis Quinones]] (Pangolin) (English)}}<ref name=":0" />
:A [[giant armadillo]] and [[giant pangolin]] – respectively nicknamed '''Arma''' and '''Sen''' – who work as detectives who will take on any request in exchange for food.

;{{nihongo|Greater Lophorina|カタカケフウチョウ|Katakake Fūchō}} and {{nihongo|Western Parotia|カンザシフウチョウ|Kanzashi Fūchō}}
:{{animevoices|Mashiro Yagi and Madoka Kan|Haven Paschall and [[Kate Bristol]]}}<ref name="cast2">{{Cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-12-17/kemono-friends-2-anime-2nd-promo-video-features-new-character-kyururu/.140909|title=Kemono Friends 2 Anime's 2nd Promo Video Features New Character Kyururu|publisher=AnimeNewsNetwork|access-date= December 16, 2018}}</ref>
:A [[greater lophorina]] and [[western parotia]].

===Other characters===
;{{anchor|Boss}}{{nihongo|Lucky Beast|ラッキービースト|Rakkī Bīsuto}}
:{{animevoices|Aya Uchida{{efn|Credited as "????" in every episode besides Episode 12, which is credited as "Mirai".}}|Suzie Yeung}}
:A small, robotic creature also referred to as {{nihongo|"Boss"|ボス}} by the Friends. While he does not respond to the Friends themselves, he will directly answer questions and statements made by Kaban, providing information on Japari Park, Friends, and needed items when trouble arises.

;{{nihongo|Mirai|ミライ}}
:{{animevoices|Aya Uchida{{efn|Credited as "????" in Episode 11.}}|Suzie Yeung}}<ref name=":0" />
:A park guide who worked at Japari Park when it was still open and adores animals. During her time at the park, she recorded various reports which are played through Lucky Beast. A different Serval ({{animevoices|[[Ai Nonaka]]}}) worked alongside Mirai when Japari Park was open.

;{{nihongo|Nana|奈々}}
:The main protagonist of the manga ''Kemono Friends: Welcome to Japari Park!''. She works as a caretaker of the animal girls at Japari Park.

==Media==
===Video games===
[[File:Kemono friends 3 planet tours.jpg|thumb|Two ''Kemono Friends 3 Planet Tour'' arcade cabinets]]
[[Nexon]] launched their first smartphone app in Japan in March 2015. The app shut down on December 14, 2016, which is one month before the anime's premiere.<ref name="append">{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-11-14/kemono-friends-app-ends-service-before-anime-premieres-in-january/.108817|title=Kemono Friends App Ends Service Before Anime Premieres in January|work=animenewsnetwork.com|access-date=February 28, 2017}}</ref> Nexon initially stated that there were no plans to restart the service despite the popularity of the anime series,<ref>{{cite web|title=Kemono Friends Game App Will Not Return Despite Anime's Popularity|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-02-11/kemono-friends-game-app-will-not-return-despite-anime-popularity/.112106|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 25, 2017|date=February 11, 2017}}</ref> although the company later announced that it is possible to relaunch, but no final decision has been made.<ref>{{cite web|title=Nexon: Kemono Friends App's Return 'is Possible'|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-03-31/nexon-kemono-friends-app-return-is-possible/.114171|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=April 5, 2017|date=April 1, 2017}}</ref>

On April 23, a new game in development by [[Bushiroad]] was announced.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://app.famitsu.com/20170424_1028461/|title=ブシロードが『けものフレンズ』の完全新作スマホゲーム発表！ 配信開始時期も判明 [ファミ通App]|work=ファミ通App|access-date=2018-11-10|language=ja}}</ref> On August 14, its name was revealed to be {{Nihongo|'''''Kemono Friends Pavilion'''''|けものフレンズぱびりおん|Kemono Furenzu Pabirion|lead=yes}},<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-08-14 |title=ブシロード，完全新作ゲーム「けものフレンズぱびりおん」とアラームアプリ「けものフレンズあらーむ」を発表。ティザーサイトも開設 |language=ja |work=[[4Gamer.net]] |url=http://www.4gamer.net/games/378/G037832/20170814010/ |access-date=2018-11-10}}</ref> and will be a simulation game. Originally meant to be released in late 2017, the release date was pushed back to January 26, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/11/15/kemono-friends-pavilion-pushed-back-to-january-of-2018|title="Kemono Friends: Pavilion" Pushed Back to January of 2018|work=Crunchyroll|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en|archive-date=September 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928200714/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/11/15/kemono-friends-pavilion-pushed-back-to-january-of-2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-01-24/kemono-friends-pavilion-app-video-previews-january-26-launch/.126854|title=Kemono Friends Pavilion App's Video Previews January 26 Launch|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref>

'''''Kemono Friends Picross''''', a [[nonogram]] game developed by [[Jupiter (company)|Jupiter]] for their ''[[Picross]]'' series, was released internationally for [[Nintendo Switch]] on October 4, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kemono Friends Picross Switch Game Gets Western Release on October 4 |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-09-28/kemono-friends-picross-switch-game-gets-western-release-on-october-4/.137421 |publisher=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=November 5, 2018 |date=September 28, 2018}}</ref>

The third smartphone app '''''Kemono Friends 3''''', by [[Sega]] launched in Japan on 24 September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kemono-friends.sega.jp/info/detail/000229aYdRQakI.html|title=けものフレンズ3{{pipe}}おしらせ{{!}}『けものフレンズ3』サービス開始のお知らせ{{pipe}}セガ|website=けものフレンズ3|language=ja|access-date=2019-10-23}}</ref> Sega later transferred the publishing rights to Appirits. The arcade version '''''Kemono Friends 3 Planet Tour''''' was launched on 26 September 2019<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kemono-friends.sega.jp/info/detail/000659XiVdaKrW.html|title=けものフレンズ3{{pipe}}おしらせ{{!}}『けものフレンズ3 プラネットツアーズ』稼働開始のお知らせ{{pipe}}セガ|website=けものフレンズ3|language=ja|access-date=2019-10-23}}</ref> and shut down on 30 September 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kemono-friends.sega.jp/info/detail/006789RZuFdgMZ.html|title=「けものフレンズ3 プラネットツアーズ」サービス終了のお知らせ|website=けものフレンズ3|language=ja|access-date=2022-09-01}}</ref>

On April 16, 2020, [[Nexon]] launched a crossover event, '''''Kemono Friends × [[Mabinogi (video game)|Mabinogi]]'''''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mabinogi.nexon.net/micro-site/kemonofriends|title = KEMONO FRIENDS X Mabinogi {{pipe}} Official Mabinogi Website}}</ref>

On may 5, 2022 a [[Slot machine#Japan|Pachislot game]] developed by Rodeo and published by Sammy titled '''''Pachislot Kemono Friends''''' was released. The game featured a collaboration with the [[Beast King]] Pachislot series featuring Friends based on some of the animal characters from Beast King such as Beast King Hippopotamus and Beast King Lion.<ref name="friend">{{cite web |title=ぱちすろ けものフレンズ |url=https://www.sammy-product-news.com/product/kemono-friends|work=sammy-product-news.com|access-date=September 21, 2023}}</ref>

On May 31, 2022, an officially-licensed mobile RPG developed by Chinese game developer ZLONGAME- titled '''''Kemono Friends Kingdom'''''- was launched on servers for the Singapore/Malaysia region, the game language being Simplified Chinese. Servers for mainland China and Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan would launch soon after; however, all Asian servers would close on April 14, 2023, preceding an announcement on May 12, 2023, that the game would be receiving a global release. Shortly thereafter, in the same year, select regions would have access to three beta tests through the Google Play Store, occurring from May 18 to May 31, June 9 to June 21, and June 28 to July 3, respectively. On July 13, 2023, an open beta launched for iOS and Android devices. in the summer of 2025, teravit had a collab with kemono freind introducing teravit x kemono freinds.

===Manga===
A [[manga]] illustrated by Fly, titled {{nihongo|''Kemono Friends: Welcome to Japari Park!''|けものフレンズ ようこそジャパリパークへ!|Kemono Furenzu: Yōkoso Japari Park e!}}, began serialization in [[Kadokawa Shoten]]'s ''[[Shōnen Ace]]'' magazine from May 2015.<ref name="append" /> The first ''tankōbon volume'' was released on December 26, 2016.<ref>{{cite book|title=けものフレンズ -ようこそジャパリパークへ!- (1) (角川コミックス・エース) {{!}} フライ, けものフレンズプロジェクト {{!}}本 {{!}} 通販 {{!}} Amazon|id={{ASIN|4041051096|country=jp}}}}</ref> At their panel in Anime Expo, [[Yen Press]] announced their license to the manga.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yen Press Licenses Silver Spoon, Kemono Friends Manga, A Sister's All You Need, Reborn as a Vending Machine Light Novels, More|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-07-01/yen-press-licenses-silver-spoon-kemono-friends-manga-a-sister-all-you-need-reborn-as-a-vending-machine-light-novels-more/.118307|website=Anime News Network|access-date=July 2, 2017|date=July 2, 2017}}</ref> In April 2018, Tokyopop released the German version of the manga on July 26, 2018.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://comicforum.de/showthread.php?161384-Kemono-Friends-Willkommen-im-Japaripark!-(FLY-Kemono-Friends-Project)&p=5413904|title=Kemono Friends – Willkommen im Japaripark! (FLY / Kemono Friends Project)|work=Comicforum – Sponsored by Carlsen und Tokyopop|access-date=2018-04-06|language=de}}</ref>

Another manga series, ''Kemono Friends: À La Carte'', which began serialization in 2017, was licensed by Yen Press in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Yen Press Adds The Witch's Printing Office, Overlord: Undead King Oh!, Kemono Friends a la Carte Manga|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-03-29/yen-press-adds-the-witch-printing-office-overlord-undead-king-oh-kemono-friends-a-la-carte-manga/.145196|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Anime News Network|language=en}}</ref> It is an anthology series, compiling stories and illustrations by various artists, with the second volume at one point being the highest selling book on Amazon Japan in August 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Komatsu|first=Mikikazu|title="Kemono Friends" New Manga Anthology Book Comes with Serval & Kaban Acryl Stand|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/08/03/kemono-friends-new-manga-anthology-book-comes-with-serval-kaban-acryl-stand|access-date=2021-01-11|website=Crunchyroll|date=August 3, 2017 |language=en-us}}</ref>

A manga adaptation of ''Kemono Friends 2'' began serialization in ''[[Monthly Shōnen Ace]]'' on January 26, 2019.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ressler |first1=Karen |title=Kemono Friends 2 Gets Manga Adaptation |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-12-29/kemono-friends-2-gets-manga-adaptation/.141393 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=May 20, 2020 |date=December 29, 2018}}</ref>

===Anime===
{{Further|List of Kemono Friends episodes}}
The anime television series, produced by [[Yaoyorozu]], aired in Japan between January 10, 2017, and March 28, 2017; and was co-produced, financed and streamed simultaneously by [[Crunchyroll]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Crunchyroll to Stream Kemono Friends Anime|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-01-04/crunchyroll-to-stream-kemono-friends-anime/.110633|publisher=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 25, 2017|date=January 5, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/showtag?tag=crunchyroll+co-production&type=2|title=Crunchyroll – Crunchyroll co-production|website=Crunchyroll|language=en|access-date=2018-11-10}}</ref> The opening theme is {{nihongo|"Yōkoso Japari Park e"|ようこそジャパリパークへ|Welcome to Japari Park}} by Dōbutsu Biscuits×PPP, while the ending theme is {{nihongo|"Boku no Friend"|ぼくのフレンド|My Friend}} by Mewhan. Original content for [[TV Tokyo]]'s AniTele service was released from April 1, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-03-13/kemono-friends-gets-original-content-on-tv-tokyo-streaming-service/.113352|title=Kemono Friends Gets Original Content on TV Tokyo's Streaming Service|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref> An unofficial "episode 12.1" 2-minute short was uploaded by the director to [[Niconico]] and [[YouTube]] on April 5, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1704/05/news047.html|title=たつき監督ありがとう！ 先週で完結したはずの「けものフレンズ」まさかの12.1話がサプライズ公開される|work=ねとらぼ|access-date=2018-11-10|language=ja}}</ref> Additional shorts have been created in collaboration with [[Japan Racing Association]], [[Animelo Summer Live]] 2017, and [[Nissin Foods]].<ref name="jra">{{Cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-08-09/kemono-friends-jra-collaboration-short-anime-introduces-3-horse-friends/.119915|title=Kemono Friends, JRA Collaboration Short Anime Introduces 3 Horse Friends|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-08-30/animelo-event-posts-kemono-friends-short-on-proper-concert-behavior/.120713|title=Animelo Event Posts Kemono Friends Short on Proper Concert Behavior (Updated)|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref><ref name="nissin">{{Cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-09-19/kemono-friends-fox-girls-try-to-figure-out-udon-in-animated-short/.121566|title=Kemono Friends' Fox Girls Try to Figure Out Udon in Animated Short|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref> [[Discotek Media]] distributed the series for Crunchyroll in North America, and produced an English dub by Sound Cadence Studios.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=discotekmedia|author=Discotek Media|author-link=Discotek Media|number=1132317049575956481|date=May 25, 2019|title=Yup, we have Kemono Friends!!! More details soon, but what we can say is that it includes an all-new dub English dub produced with our partners at @SoundCadence! Directed by @MarissaLenti and produced by @Ashuraou, watch out for more info, like a cast announcement, at Otakon!|access-date=May 25, 2019}}</ref> The full English dub cast had been announced at [[Otakon]] 2019, and released on Blu-ray on September 24, 2019. The anime gained additional worldwide attention in 2017 due to coverage of the unusual story of [[Grape-kun]], a [[Humboldt penguin]] at the Saitama [[Tobu Zoo]] that developed a romantic attraction to a cardboard cutout of the character Hululu.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-10-13 |title=Japan mourns anime-loving penguin |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-41608350 |url-status=live |access-date=2017-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013132319/http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-41608350 |archive-date=2017-10-13}}</ref>

A second anime season was announced to be greenlit for production on July 26, 2017, and was officially confirmed on September 2, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-09-02/kemono-friends-confirms-2nd-tv-anime/.136245|title= ''Kemono Friends'' Confirms 2nd TV Anime|publisher=AnimeNewsNetwork|access-date= September 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://live.nicovideo.jp/watch/lv302175847|title=アニメ「けものフレンズ」ニコ生特番『第11回けものフレンズアワー』|website=Niconico Live|date=July 26, 2017 |language=ja-jp|access-date=2018-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-03-28/kemono-friends-has-new-on-screen-project-in-the-works/.114063|title=Kemono Friends Has New On-Screen Project in the Works|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref> The second season is animated by Tomason, with Ryuichi Kimura and Takuya Matsumoto replacing Tatsuki as director and writer, respectively. The rest of the cast and staff reprised their roles. The second season aired from January 14 to April 1, 2019.<ref name="new-staff">{{Cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-10-29/kemono-friends-season-2-reveals-cast-staff-january-premiere/.138760|title=Kemono Friends Season 2 Reveals Cast, Staff, January Premiere|publisher=AnimeNewsNetwork|access-date= October 29, 2018}}</ref> The opening theme is "Notteke~ Japari Beat," by Dōbutsu Biscuits×PPP. The ending theme from episodes 1–5 is "Hoshi o Tsunagete" by Gothic×Luck.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-11-21/dobutsu-biscuit-x-ppp-returns-for-kemono-friends-2-anime-opening-song/.139799|title='Dōbutsu Biscuit x PPP' Returns for Kemono Friends 2 Anime's Opening Song|publisher=AnimeNewsNetwork|access-date= November 21, 2018}}</ref> From episode 6-onwards, Gothic×Luck performed the series' second ending theme "Kimi wa Kaeru Basho."<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-02-19/gothic-luck-performs-kemono-friends-2-anime-new-ending-song/.143627|title=Gothic×Luck Performs Kemono Friends 2 Anime's New Ending Song|publisher=AnimeNewsNetwork|access-date= November 21, 2018}}</ref> A short anime titled ''Kemono Friends 3'' has been greenlit for production.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-01-16/kemono-friends-3-short-anime-green-lit/.142133|title=Kemono Friends 3 Short Anime Green-Lit|publisher=AnimeNewsNetwork|access-date= January 16, 2019}}</ref>

An [[original net animation]] mini-series based on the original mobile game, titled {{nihongo|''Welcome to the Japari Park''|ようこそジャパリパーク|Yōkoso Japari Pāku}}, began streaming on [[TV Tokyo]]'s AnimeTele service from August 10, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/07/18-1/kemono-friends-smart-phone-game-story-gets-mini-anime-adaptation|title=Kemono Friends Smart Phone Game Story Gets Mini-Anime Adaptation|work=Crunchyroll|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref> Crunchyroll began streaming the series from October 16, 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/10/16-1/crunchyroll-to-stream-welcome-to-the-japari-park-anime|title=Crunchyroll Streams Welcome to the JAPARI PARK Anime|work=Crunchyroll|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref>

===Stage play===
A stage play adaptation of ''Kemono Friends'' with an original storyline ran at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Club eX in Tokyo from 2017 June 14 to 18. Hiroki Murakami directed the play and penned the script while some of the characters were portrayed by the same actors who voiced them in the anime series.<ref>{{Cite web|title="Kemono Friends" Stage Play Event Report|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/06/22/kemono-friends-stage-play-event-report|access-date=2021-03-31|website=Crunchyroll|date=June 22, 2017 |language=en-us}}</ref> It ran again in 2018 from January 13 to 21.

===VTuber project===
A [[VTuber]] project titled ''Kemono Friends V Project'', ''KemoV'' for short, was launched on [[YouTube]] on April 26, 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000083.000050441.html | title=けものフレンズプロジェクトからVTuber第1弾が登場！「PPP ONLINE LIVE～世界ペンギンの日大感謝祭～」4/25inジャパリパーク ライブレポート！ | date=April 26, 2021 }}</ref> The project currently has 9 active members, each based on characters and designs from the ''Kemono Friends'' franchise.<ref>https://en.kemov-project.com/ {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>

==Reception==

===Anime===
====Season one====
Initial criticism often latched onto the quality and style of the CGI animation. Critic [[Hiroki Azuma (critic)|Hiroki Azuma]] reported on Twitter that he stopped watching partway through the first episode. However, its popularity increased explosively after the release of the fourth episode.<ref name="2017-02-16 jcast">{{cite web|url=http://www.j-cast.com/2017/02/16290754.html|title=アニメ「けものフレンズ」が突如大ブレイク 社会現象か虚像か、巡りバトル|date=February 16, 2017}}</ref> In reference to the simplistic and repetitive nature of the show, it has been described by critical bloggers as "causing one's IQ to melt" and "lowering one's intelligence".<ref name="2017-02-15 netorabo">{{cite web|url=http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1702/15/news135.html|title=「けもフレ」円盤入り書籍の予約がAmazonランキングで1位に KADOKAWA内は「けもフレ」がほぼ総なめ}}</ref><ref name="2017-02-15 huffington post">{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.jp/2017/02/15/kemono-frends-nhk_n_14783606.html|title=「けものフレンズ」で動物園に行く人が増加？ NHK報道に多摩動物園の反応は|date=February 15, 2017}}</ref> Despite its low production quality, the anime series earned praise from critics and viewers in Japan due to the storyline and characters, becoming a fad in the country.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-04-01/tv-tokyo-head-praises-kemono-friends-as-series-concludes/.114143|title=TV Tokyo Head Praises Kemono Friends as Series Concludes|work=Anime News Network|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref> Nick Creamer of ''[[Anime News Network]]'' gave the series an overall grade of B, praising the worldbuilding and criticizing the visual aspects.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/kemono-friends/.114176|title= Kemono Friends|first= Nick|last= Creamer|date= April 3, 2017|access-date= April 4, 2017|work= [[Anime News Network]]}}</ref>

Multiple phrases and exclamations from the anime became popular keywords on [[Twitter]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1486624170|title=ネット上の『けものフレンズ』ブームにえらいひとから一言!? – アニメイトタイムズ}}</ref><ref name="2017-02-16 jcast"/> ''Kemono Friends''-related phrases have been tweeted by the accounts of [[Sharp Corporation|Sharp]] and [[Warner Bros.|Warner Bros. Japan]].<ref name=infoseek>{{Cite news|url=https://news.infoseek.co.jp/feature/kemono_friends/|title=異色人気アニメ「けものフレンズ」{{pipe}}Infoseekニュース|work=Infoseekニュース|access-date=2017-09-26|language=ja-JP}}</ref>

The first episode of ''Kemono Friends'' quickly surpassed the first episode of ''[[Is the Order a Rabbit?]]'' (9 million views as of September 2017; uploaded on April 16, 2014) as well as other popular shows like ''[[Attack on Titan]]'' in total views on [[NicoNico Douga]]. By February 5, it had surpassed 1 million views, by April 4, it had surpassed 5 million views, and by August 24, it had reached a record-breaking 10 million views.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://dic.nicovideo.jp/a/%E3%81%91%E3%82%82%E3%81%AE%E3%83%95%E3%83%AC%E3%83%B3%E3%82%BA%201%E8%A9%B1%E3%80%8C%E3%81%95%E3%81%B0%E3%82%93%E3%81%AA%E3%81%A1%E3%81%BB%E3%83%BC%E3%80%8D|title=けものフレンズ 1話「さばんなちほー」とは (ケモノフレンズイチワサバンナチホーとは) [単語記事] – ニコニコ大百科|work=ニコニコ大百科|access-date=2017-09-26|language=ja-JP}}</ref>

The week after episode 12 and around the time episodes would normally air, demand for an episode 13 reached Twitter's international trends list,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1704/04/news135.html|title=「けものフレンズ13話」Twitterでトレンド入り 放送終了に耐えられないフレンズたちが......|work=ねとらぼ|access-date=2018-11-10|language=ja}}</ref> and the episode 12.1 short that was uploaded that day (April 5) had reached over 1 million views on both Niconico and YouTube by April 7.

The opening theme song "Yokoso Japari Park e" rose to 3rd place in the iTunes charts upon release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1702/09/news080.html|title=すごーい！ 「けものフレンズ」の主題歌がフレンズ爆増によりiTunesで総合3位に}}</ref> It was revealed on May 20 that "Yokoso Japari Park e" had reached gold status (sales of 100,000+ in Japan).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/f/data/cert/hs.html|title=一般社団法人 日本レコード協会|website=www.riaj.or.jp|access-date=2018-11-10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/Masayoshi_Oishi/status/865532769941704707|title=大石昌良【オーイシマサヨシ】 on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=2018-11-10|language=en}}</ref> [[Gen Hoshino]] has expressed high praise of the song.<ref name=infoseek/> [[Hisashi (musician)|Hisashi]], guitarist of the band [[Glay]], was inspired to create a guitar arrangement of the opening theme song after watching episode 11.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/anime_hobby/20170323/Getnews_1669437.html|title=GLAYのHISASHIさん『けものフレンズ』第11話のかばんショックから一転『ようこそジャパリパークへ』を演奏！ – エキサイトニュース|access-date=March 27, 2017|archive-date=August 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809210431/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/anime_hobby/20170323/Getnews_1669437.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Multiple other ''Kemono Friends'' merchandise topped Amazon rankings upon announcement.<ref name="2017-02-15 netorabo" /> The unexpected popularity of the show created a shortage in supply and reservations had to be placed on backorder.<ref name="2017-02-16 jcast" />

====Season two====
Season two was received with mixed-to-poor reaction among Japanese audiences. The anime was criticized for foreshadowed plot points being left unresolved and a "perceived malice towards season 1" of ''Kemono Friends'', an opinion compounded by controversies surrounding ''Kemono Friends 2''.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=April 3, 2019 |title=『けものフレンズ2』最終回アンケ「良くなかった」が9割 「悪意に満ちていた」という声も |url=https://otapol.com/2019/04/post-59336.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190411015451/https://otapol.com/2019/04/post-59336.html |archive-date=2019-04-11 |access-date=June 2, 2020 |website=おたぽる |language=ja}}</ref> Episode 9 and 12 was particularly poorly received due to its contents, with the latter breaking the record of the least positively rated anime episode on ''NicoNico Namahousou'' at 2.6%, surpassing the previously held record of 2.8% by ''[[Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V]]''<nowiki/>'s 148th episode.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite web |date=March 13, 2019 |title=「けものフレンズ2」9話がニコ生アンケート「とても良かった」"3%" 歴代公式アニメワースト2位に |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1903/13/news132.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330061351/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1903/13/news132.html |archive-date=2019-03-30 |access-date=June 2, 2020 |website=ねとらぼ |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=「けもフレ2」最終話アンケート"とても良かった"2.6%の衝撃 何があったのか、1話からの振り返りと私見 |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1904/02/news129.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415131320/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1904/02/news129.html |archive-date=April 15, 2019 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=ねとらぼ |language=ja}}</ref> Despite the negative reactions, first episode reactions were generally positive, and some viewers liked both seasons.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Kontake |title=「けもフレ2」最終話アンケート"とても良かった"2.6%の衝撃 何があったのか、1話からの振り返りと私見 |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1904/02/news129.html |website=ねとらぼ |access-date=June 2, 2020 |language=ja |date=April 3, 2019}}</ref>

''Gadget Tsūshin'' listed both the ninth episode's title and "Gomasuri Kusō Bird" (a fan name referring to the roadrunner) in their 2019 anime buzzwords list.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-12-04/demon-slayer-dr-stone-zombie-land-saga-buzzwords-make-gadget-tsushin-2019-list/.153903|title=Demon Slayer, Dr. Stone, Zombie Land Saga Buzzwords Make Gadget Tsūshin 2019 List|work=[[Anime News Network]]|first1=Lynzee|last1=Loveridge|first2=Kim|last2=Morrissy|date=December 4, 2019|access-date=December 14, 2019}}</ref>

===Awards===
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Award
! scope="col" | Category
! scope="col" | Recipient
! scope="col" | Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|References}}
|-
| rowspan="2" align="center" | 2018
| align="center" | 49th [[Seiun Awards]]
| Best Dramatic Presentation
| rowspan="2" | ''Kemono Friends''
| {{won}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Hodgkins |first=Crystalyn |title=Kemono Friends, And Yet the Town Moves Win at 49th Seiun Awards |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-07-26/kemono-friends-and-yet-the-town-moves-win-at-49th-seiun-awards/.134711 |date=July 26, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| align="center" | [[Tokyo Anime Award|Tokyo Anime Award Festival]]
| Animation of the Year (Television)
| {{won}}
| align="center" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Loo |first=Egan |title=In This Corner of the World, Kemono Friends Win Tokyo Anime Award Festival's Top Prizes |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-02-21/in-this-corner-of-the-world-kemono-friends-win-tokyo-anime-award-festival-top-prizes/.128084 |date=February 21, 2018 |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=[[Anime News Network]] |language=en}}</ref>
|}

==Controversies==
===Dispute between Kadokawa and Yaoyorozu===
On September 25, 2017, the director of the anime, Tatsuki, revealed on Twitter that Kadokawa had decided to replace him for the production of the second season. Fan response included immense condemnation of Kadokawa and widespread support of Tatsuki, as Tatsuki is regarded as being a highly instrumental part of the anime's charm and success.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=MomentsJapan|number=912278764586856448|title=「突然ですが、けものフレンズのアニメから外れる事になりました。」とたつき監督（@irodori7）https://twitter.com/i/moments/912276626947182592 ...|last=モーメント|first=Twitter|date=2017-09-25|website=@MomentsJapan|language=ja|access-date=2017-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|user=MomentsJapan|number=912316547539943430|title=海外のフレンズもショックを受けている様子...。 #NoTatsukiNoTanoshi https://twitter.com/i/moments/912312642085064705 ...|last=モーメント|first=Twitter|date=2017-09-25|website=@MomentsJapan|language=ja|access-date=2017-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|user=MomentsJapan|number=912554397082595328|title=「たつき監督辞めないで！」一晩で2万人以上の署名。 #けものフレンズhttps://twitter.com/i/moments/912543690274496512 ...|last=モーメント|first=Twitter|date=2017-09-25|website=@MomentsJapan|language=ja|access-date=2017-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1709/25/news112.html|title=「突然ですが、けものフレンズのアニメから外れる事になりました」たつき監督がTwitterで報告 ファンに衝撃広がる|work=ねとらぼ|access-date=2017-09-26|language=ja}}</ref> Fans left angry comments ''en masse'' towards Kadokawa on Niconico Douga's stream of the first episode, with some declaring that they would cancel their Niconico Douga premium membership with the service in response to Tatsuki's firing, as Dwango [Niconico's owner] and Kadokawa are both child companies of [[Kadokawa Dwango]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-09-26 |title=ニコニコ動画「けものフレンズ」1話が大荒れ プレミアム解約宣言やKADOKAWA株価速報で画面が埋まる |url=http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1709/26/news066.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926085833/http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1709/26/news066.html |archive-date=2017-09-26 |access-date=2017-09-27 |work=ねとらぼ |language=ja}}</ref> ''[[The Nikkei]]'' reported that stock prices for [[Kadokawa Dwango]] fell by 3.3% compared to the previous day at the [[Tokyo Stock Exchange]] as a result of the news.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2017-09-26 |title=＜東証＞カドカワが軟調 人気アニメの監督降板、悪影響を懸念 |language=ja |work=[[The Nikkei]] |url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASFL26HTI_26092017000000/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=2017-09-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927000110/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXLASFL26HTI_W7A920C1000000/ |archive-date=2017-09-27}}</ref> In the weeks before this incident, animation studio Yaoyorozu had released a free teaser side episode to its fans, pursuant to their agreement with Kadokawa that Yaoyorozu would be allowed full creative freedom in developing Kemono Friends, an agreement made at a time where the Kemono Friends IP appeared to be near worthless, an agreement they wished to change in response to the soaring value of the IP. In response to the controversy, production committee of the ''Kemono Friends'' anime announced that director Tatsuki and the animation studio Yaoyorozu had been using the ''Kemono Friends'' property on its own without consulting all concerned parties and that Yaoyorozu would not agree to a normalization in communication and withdrew from the project as a result.<ref>{{Cite news |title=「けものフレンズ」たつき監督降板騒動、原因は制作会社との条件不一致 製作委員会が正式にコメント |language=ja |work=ねとらぼ |url=http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1709/26/news080.html |url-status=bot: unknown |access-date=2017-09-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926201026/http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1709/26/news080.html |archive-date=September 26, 2017 }}</ref> A September 26 ''Kemono Friends'' streaming program on Niconico Douga then featured several voice actresses from the anime publicly apologizing for the ongoing controversy, despite having little connection to the corporate decisions made. This led to further backlash against Kadokawa, with accusations that they had used the actresses to deflect blame from the company itself.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2017-09-27/fans-take-to-change.org-to-bring-back-former-kemono-friends-director/.121885|title=Fans take to Change.org to bring back former Kemono Friends director|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=2017-09-27|language=en}}</ref>

On December 27, 2017, Yoshitada Fukuhara, the animation producer, confirmed that Yaoyorozu would ultimately not go on to produce the second season.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=fukuhara_ystd|number=945943082431758336|title=今回はお騒がせをしまして誠に申し訳ございませんでした、皆様を不安にさせてしまった事をお詫び致します。最終的な報告になりますが、2期を外れる事に関しては覆りませんでした。井上専務と共に皆様のご期待に応える為、精一杯取り組んで参りましたが、力及ばず大変申し訳ございませんでした。|last=福原慶匡|date=2017-12-27|website=@fukuhara_ystd|language=ja|access-date=2017-12-28}}</ref>

Tatsuki has also claimed on Twitter on September 14, 2018, that he was never paid for his involvement with writing the script, or any of the royalties concerning the anime.<ref>{{Cite twitter|number=1040557789230247938|user=irodori7|title=台本無断使用のお話教えてもらいましたが、台本作者さんへの言及の無さに創作への蔑視が見えて...うーん... 同じ文字まわりで脚本費全話と脚本印税いまだ1円もお支払いいただけてないんですよね。けもの。しんどいので忘れるようにしてたんですが、やっぱりこういうのも声をあげた方がいいのかなー...|author=Tatsuki|date=2018-09-14|access-date=2023-01-10|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914111852/https://twitter.com/irodori7/status/1040557789230247938|archive-date=2018-09-14|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruchiyo |first=Fukuda |date=2018-09-14 |title=たつき監督「脚本費全話と脚本印税いまだ1円もお支払いいただけてない」 けもフレ製作委員会に苦言 |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1809/14/news147.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914140555/http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1809/14/news147.html |archive-date=2018-09-14 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=ねとらぼ |language=ja}}</ref> TV Tokyo's producer for this anime, Nobuyuki Hosoda, responded to fan questions on Twitter stating that he couldn't provide an answer based on the position that he was in.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-09-16 |title=「けものフレンズ」テレ東・細谷伸之プロデューサーが脚本報酬・印税問題に返答ツイート 一方でたつき監督にも批判の声が {{pipe}} ガジェット通信 GetNews |url=https://getnews.jp/archives/2078224 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221226181237/https://getnews.jp/archives/2078224 |archive-date=2022-12-26 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=ガジェット通信 GetNews |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Citetweet|number=1040808975107678210|user=nobutx_0517|title=僕が個人でお答えする立場にはありませんと言う前提で当たり前のことだけは言えるかなと思いお伝えしますと、製作委員会としてたつき監督を含んだヤオヨロズさんとの契約、発注なのでそこから先のお金の流れは我々にはなんとも言えないです。恐縮ですがこれ以上のことはお答えできません。すみません。|author=Nobuyuki Hosoya|date=2018-09-14|access-date=2023-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181007183413/https://twitter.com/nobutx_0517/status/1040808975107678210|archive-date=2018-10-07|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Anime setting and drawing plagiarism allegations ===
Concerns rose among Internet users on February 2, 2018, that the then-upcoming game, ''Kemono Friends Puzzle Gokko'', was plagirizing artwork and setting from the first season of the anime without the consent of Tatsuki. Yoshitada Fukuhara weighed in on this as well, stating that he was never informed of this matter and that he would look in to it.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=959797512293924865|user=fukuhara_ystd|title=けものフレンズのゲームにアニメ設定やアニメ絵の流用があるのでは、とのお問い合わせを多数頂きました。この件について弊社は一切関与しておりませんし、事前共有も頂いておりません 私としても看過できませんので、まずは調査した上で対応を考えたいと思っています。|author=Yoshitada Fukuhara|date=2018-02-03|access-date=2023-01-10|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203152008/https://twitter.com/fukuhara_ystd/status/959797512293924865|archive-date=2018-02-03|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-05 |title=「けものフレンズ」今度は新作ゲーム巡り騒動に アニメ素材使用に福原P「看過できません」 |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1802/05/news099.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205073252/https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1802/05/news099.html |archive-date=2018-02-05 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=ねとらぼ |language=ja}}</ref> 3 weeks later, both the ''Kemono Friends'' official Twitter account and later on a press release by the developer of ''Puzzle Gokko'' issued an apology for the troubles caused and that any legal issues surrounding such issues were resolved.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-02-24 |title=「けものフレンズ」公式、パズルゲームめぐりコメント「権利は全て正式に許諾」 |url=https://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1802/24/news018.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228223320/http://nlab.itmedia.co.jp/nl/articles/1802/24/news018.html |archive-date=2018-02-28 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=ねとらぼ |language=ja}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180228223756/https://s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/zzal-image/20180224_03.png Official apology statement by Funple Stream, the developer of ''Kemono Friends Puzzle Gokko'']</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|number=967184018759274496|user=kemo_project|title=「けものフレンズぱずるごっこ」にてお騒がせしております問題に関するご報告です。ゲーム内に使用されている権利に関して、全てけものフレンズプロジェクトより正式に許諾していますので、ご安心の上、お楽しみください, この度はお騒がせ致しましたことにお詫び申し上げます。|author=Kemono Friends Official Twitter Account|date=2018-02-23|access-date=2023-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224000948/https://twitter.com/kemo_project/status/967184018759274496|archive-date=2018-02-24}}</ref>

=== Audition script plagiarism controversy ===
On September 2, 2018, the second season of ''Kemono Friends'' was once again announced on their official website and casting calls were published for a new idol unit related to the show. However, it was quickly revealed by the owner of a website called ''Mezasou! Seiyu'' that the sample script for the upcoming audition was lifted from the website without the required proper crediting.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1036263394687385600|user=withteacher_a|title=どうしよう...わたしが考えて書いた台本が、そのまま「けものフレンズ」新ユニットオーディションの課題原稿になってる... 悲しい。著作権は放棄してないよ。自作原稿と受け取られる形で盗用しないでね。出典を明記してねということは、書いておいたのだけれど...|date=2018-09-02|access-date=2023-01-10|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902171148/https://twitter.com/withteacher_a/status/1036263394687385600|archive-date=2018-09-02|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-10-31 |title=当サイトに掲載している原稿の著作権について |url=https://www.ayatoshi.com/entry/2017/10/31/233000 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902173538/https://www.ayatoshi.com/entry/2017/10/31/233000 |archive-date=2018-09-02 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=目指そう！声優 |language=ja |quote=文章の著作権を放棄してはいません。事務所ホームページに掲載されるボイスサンプルに使用するなど、原稿の作者が誰であるかを明記せずに、誰もが閲覧・視聴できる状態にする。などの行為はおやめください。}}</ref> The offending script was taken down the following day,<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-09-03 |title=「けものフレンズ」公式サイトが規定台本取り下げ |language=ja |work=Livedoor News |url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/15249952/ |url-status=usurped |access-date=2023-01-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903215443/http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/15249952/ |archive-date=2018-09-03}}</ref> and Eiji Kato, one of the producers of Kemono Friends, offered an apology on Twitter and offered to also apologize to the website owner in person but was turned down.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1041004621571940352|user=EijiKatoAGN|title=先程、先生に向けたつもりで呟いたツイートです。直接送らないと届かないとのご指摘を受け、お送りさせて頂きます。この度は大変ご迷惑をおかけしました。|author=Eiji Kato|date=2018-09-16|access-date=2023-01-10|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190106025031/https://twitter.com/EijiKatoAGN/status/1041004621571940352|archive-date=2019-01-06|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1041021740845944832|user=withteacher_a|title=加藤英治様ご厚情痛み入ります。しかし、加藤様もお忙しいことと存じますので、直接の謝罪は辞退させていただきます。今後、クリエイターさんや作品そのものを、もっと大切に扱っていただけることと思います。私はそれで十分です。素敵な作品が生み出されるのを、楽しみにしております。|date=2018-09-16|access-date=2023-01-10|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915190330/https://twitter.com/withteacher_a/status/1041021740845944832|archive-date=2018-09-15|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Season 2 producer social media controversy===
After the end of the second season, TV Tokyo released an apology statement<ref>{{cite web |title=けものフレンズ2{{pipe}}テレビ東京アニメ公式 |url=https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/kemono-friends2/news/index.html#215165 |website=www.tv-tokyo.co.jp |publisher=TV Tokyo |access-date=June 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418065041/https://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/kemono-friends2/news/index.html |language=ja |date=April 15, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Morrissy |first=Kim |date=2019-04-17 |title=TV Tokyo Issues Formal Apology For Kemono Friends 2 Producer's 'Unprofessional Conduct' |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-04-17/tv-tokyo-issues-formal-apology-for-kemono-friends-2-producer-unprofessional-conduct/.145816 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190417183419/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2019-04-17/tv-tokyo-issues-formal-apology-for-kemono-friends-2-producer-unprofessional-conduct/.145816 |archive-date=2019-04-17 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}</ref> in regards to a staff member's behavior on [[social media]] and their behavior towards viewers. This apology was thought to be about Nobuyuki Hosoya,<ref>{{cite web |date=2019-04-15 |title=『けもフレ2』テレ東社員SNS投稿めぐり局が謝罪 「視聴者の方々を不快にする、不適切なもの」 |url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2133661/full/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190415124235/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2133661/full/ |archive-date=2019-04-15 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=ORICON NEWS |language=ja}}</ref> a producer of both seasons of the show, and later confirmed to be about him by TV Tokyo's Yukio Kawasaki. Hosoya had been accused of making taunting and agitating comments towards critics of ''Kemono Friends 2'' on Twitter and making fun of their comments. Hosoya admitted to his actions being inappropriate.<ref>{{cite web |title=テレ東、不適切投稿の「けもフレ2」プロデューサーは「アニメ以外の他の部署に異動しました」 |url=https://hochi.news/articles/20190425-OHT1T50107.html |website=スポーツ報知 |publisher=The Hochi Shimbun |access-date=June 2, 2020 |language=ja |date=April 25, 2019}}</ref> Hosoya was later transferred completely away from anime related work by TV Tokyo, and ultimately leaving TV Tokyo completely, with his name disappearing from all anime he was involved in. Although TV Tokyo claimed it was only part of a regularly planned reshuffle of personnel, he had previously only worked in anime-related work.<ref>{{cite web |title=『けもフレ2』で不適切投稿をしたプロデューサーが"アニメ以外"の部署に異動 クレジットから名前が消えている作品も |url=https://otapol.com/2019/04/post-63154.html |website=おたぽる |access-date=June 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428144730/https://otapol.com/2019/04/post-63154.html |language=ja |date=April 25, 2019|archive-date=April 28, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pineda |first=Rafael |date=2020-06-26 |title=Kemono Friends 2 Producer Leaves TV Tokyo |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-06-26/kemono-friends-2-producer-leaves-tv-tokyo/.161101 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200628093439/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-06-26/kemono-friends-2-producer-leaves-tv-tokyo/.161101 |archive-date=2020-06-28 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=Anime News Network |language=en}}</ref>

=== Legal concerns over Blu-ray purchase benefits ===
Concerns of misrepresentation were raised by fans on promotional materials for the official [[Blu-ray]] discs of ''Kemono Friends 2.'' Consumers pointed out that no mentions were made to the fact that the "purchase benefit" listed on promotional materials failed to make mention of the fact that an additional commission was required to apply for such benefits via postal money order, leading to complaints and concerns over whether the production committee breached the "Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations" (不当景品類及び不当表示防止法). KADOKAWA issued an apology and correction statement on June 7, 2019, on the official website of ''Kemono Friends 2,'' stating that the benefits will be free and that anyone who already paid in would be refunded.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-07 |title=「『けものフレンズ2』Blu-ray Disc全巻購入特典：全員サービス」に関するお詫びとお知らせ |url=https://kemono-friends.jp/news/1511/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607084506/https://kemono-friends.jp/news/1511/ |archive-date=2019-06-07 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=けものフレンズプロジェクト |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-08 |title=けもフレBDに「不当表示」指摘、公式が謝罪・撤回 購入者全員に「プレゼント」も実は1000円必要 |url=https://www.j-cast.com/2019/06/08359573.html |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230110081407/https://www.j-cast.com/2019/06/08359573.html |archive-date=January 10, 2023 |access-date=2023-01-10 |website=J-CAST ニュース |language=ja }}</ref>

==References==
{{notelist}}
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://kemono-friends.jp/ Official anime website] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{YouTube|channel=UCEOugXOAfa-HRmRjKbH8z3Q|title=Kemono Friends Official}} {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Anime News Network|anime|18799}}

{{Bushiroad}} 
{{Yaoyorozu}}
{{Monthly Shōnen Ace}}
{{Tokyo Anime Award for Animation of the Year}}
{{Seiun Award - Best Media}}

[[Category:2017 anime television series debuts]]
[[Category:2019 anime television series debuts]]
[[Category:2015 video games]]
[[Category:2017 plays]]
[[Category:2018 video games]]
[[Category:Adventure anime and manga]]
[[Category:Android (operating system) games]]
[[Category:Animated television series about animals]]
[[Category:Animated television series about birds]]
[[Category:Animated television series about cats]]
[[Category:Animated television series about foxes]]
[[Category:Animated television series about penguins]]
[[Category:Armadillos in popular culture]]
[[Category:Bushiroad]]
[[Category:Comics about animals]]
[[Category:Crunchyroll anime]]
[[Category:Free-to-play video games]]
[[Category:Fiction about dolphins]]
[[Category:Fiction about zoos]]
[[Category:Hippopotamuses in popular culture]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Inactive multiplayer online games]]
[[Category:Incremental games]]
[[Category:Japanese children's animated comedy television series]]
[[Category:Japanese computer-animated television series]]
[[Category:Japanese plays]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Corporation franchises]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Shoten]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Shoten manga]]
[[Category:Kemonomimi]]
[[Category:Manga based on video games]]
[[Category:Mass media franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2015]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Nexon games]]
[[Category:Otters in popular culture]]
[[Category:Post-apocalyptic anime and manga]]
[[Category:Role-playing video games]]
[[Category:Shōnen manga]]
[[Category:Single-player online games]]
[[Category:Television series about raccoons]]
[[Category:TV Tokyo original programming]]
[[Category:Works about giraffes]]
[[Category:Video games about birds]]
[[Category:Video games about cats]]
[[Category:Video games about foxes]]
[[Category:Video games about raccoons]]
[[Category:Yaoyorozu]]
[[Category:Yen Press titles]]
[[Category:2018 controversies]]
[[Category:2019 controversies]]
[[Category:Anime and manga controversies]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic cats]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic foxes]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic raccoons]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic penguins]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic owls]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic hippopotamuses]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic otters]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic birds]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic llamas]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic bears]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic dogs]]
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic armadillos]]
[[Category:Monster girl anime and manga]]