Kemonozume

is an anime series written and directed by Masaaki Yuasa, animated by Studio Madhouse, and broadcast on WOWOW from August 5, 2006 to November 5, 2006.

Plot
Since ancient times there has been a race of flesh eating monsters called Shokujinki (食人鬼). They can assume human form or otherwise live in the shadows while feeding on humans. The Kifūken (鬼封剣) martial arts style school was created to hunt down those creatures and its teachings have been passed down through the generations to the Momota family. The story revolves around the forbidden romance between Toshihiko, the latest heir of the Kifūken school and Yuka, a young woman who is also a Shokujinki.

Characters
Toshihiko Momota (桃田 俊彦) A skilled swordsman and the chosen heir of the Kifūken dojo. In a move unfitting of his disciplined character he relinquishes his responsibility by running away with Yuka, a woman he knows to be a Shokujinki.

Yuka Kamitsuki (上月 由香) A Shokujinki whose motives are unclear. She apparently has fallen in love with Toshihiko as the two have fled from their past lives.

Kazuma Momota (桃田 一馬) The younger half-brother of Toshihiko. After his father's death, he assumes control of the Kifūken school. His aim is to rid the world of Shokujinki with the help of a Mecha-like Buster Suit that he has personally developed.

Rie Kakinoki (柿の木 利江) A female member of the Kifūken school where she has also been raised. Once as a child she was jokingly engaged to Toshihiko and has had deep feelings for him ever since.

Kyūtarō Ōba (大葉 久太郎) A Kifūken swordsman who later took charge of the school's administrative tasks. He is aware of much more than he lets on. He eventually reveals himself to be a Shokujinki, and becomes the series antagonist.

Jūzō Momota (桃田 十蔵) The leader of the Kifūken dojo. He is the father of Toshihiko and Kazuma. The latter he had with Harumi, a Shokujinki he sacrificed in order to save the school from a rogue student. He is ultimately killed by a Shokujinki who framed Yuka.

Harumi Kamitsuki (上月 春美) The past love of Jūzō and mother of both Yuka and Kazuma. Though a Shokujinki she was able to remain in human form. She gave her life to save the school when Jūzō asked it of her.

Saru (サル) A wily monkey with a liking for peaches. Toshihiko also has a tendency to call him "master".

Theme songs

 * Opening Theme: "Auvers Blue" by Katteni-Shiyagare
 * Ending Theme: "Suki" by Santara