kemono

Kemono (ケモノ) is a style of anthropomorphic art associated best with Japan, but may also be found in China, Taiwan, Korea, Thailand and other Asian countries and regions. "Kemono" is Japanese for "beast" or "animal" (獣, けもの).

Not to be confused with kimono, a Japanese garment.

Characters portrayed are usually very "anime" in style, especially for the eyes and facial expressions, though this can vary. Some mainstream media examples of kemono characters are Von Lycaon from Zenless Zone Zero, or almost all characters from Solatorobo, such as Merveille Million.

Kemono art is similar in concept to, but distinct from kemonomimi (lit. "Beast Ears"), a different Japanese term used to describe human-like characters with animal traits (such as ears and tails).

Some consistent stylistic choices include:

Large, box-shaped head and snout (often rounded), with more realistic proportions; common with masculine characters, especially canids, dragons, and big cats.
Triangular faces with a prominent muzzle, similar to the box-faced variant; common with canids, feminine characters, and slim masculine characters.
Faces with a simple muzzle and a humanlike head shape. Mostly seen with feminine characters.
Circular, flatter/blunter face that have exaggerated facial details (eyes, etc); common with cutesy or chibi characters.