Kino no Tabi ep.4

I've been wondering if Kino is actually a girl since the beginning. Yabari, it's just as I thought. Seeing how it's all about her travel, gender really isn't an issue, is it? I was somewhat surprised that she has an equally sad past. But then again, I kind of expected it after watching the previous episodes. The whole series is beautifully drawn, but it's also filled with much sadness and even regrets...