Series

Kaiju No. 8

8.420241 Season23 Episodes

In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno's determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka's promise to join Mina and protect humanity.

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Trailer

Episodes

Season 123 episodes

1
1. The Man Who Became a Kaiju
24m
Kafka Hibino has given up his dream of joining the Defense Force and now works cleaning up the remains of defeated kaiju. When ambitious newcomer Reno Ichikawa reminds him of the promise he once made to childhood friend Mina Ashiro, Kafka begins reconsidering the path he abandoned—just as an unexpected encounter changes everything.
2
2. The Kaiju Who Defeats Kaiju
24m
Following the shocking incident at the hospital, Kafka and Reno are forced to flee while trying to understand what has happened. When they encounter civilians threatened by a kaiju, Kafka must decide whether to remain hidden or risk everything to protect them.
3
3. Revenge Match
24m
Kafka and Reno arrive for the Defense Force selection exam, where they meet the highly confident Kikoru Shinomiya. Determined to revive his abandoned dream while keeping his secret hidden, Kafka struggles through the physical tests before facing a daunting final challenge that puts the candidates’ combat abilities to the test.
4
4. Fortitude 9.8
24m
Kikoru’s overwhelming combat ability brings the Defense Force exam to a swift conclusion, leaving the other candidates in awe. Before they can recover, a mysterious kaiju suddenly appears within the testing grounds, throwing the exam into chaos and forcing Kafka to confront a dangerous choice.
5
5. Joining Up!
24m
Kafka finally takes his first step into the Defense Force, but his place among its ranks is far from secure. Given only three months to prove his worth, he throws himself into training alongside his new teammates while struggling to keep pace with their rapidly developing abilities.
6
6. Sagamihara Neutralization Operation at Daybreak
24m
Kafka and the other new recruits embark on their first real Defense Force mission when a kaiju emerges in Sagamihara. Assigned to eliminate smaller monsters behind the front lines, Kafka eagerly embraces the work he has long dreamed of while struggling to prove that he belongs among his rapidly improving teammates.
7
7. Kaiju No. 9
24m
Reno and Iharu encounter a mysterious humanoid kaiju whose strength and intelligence far exceed their expectations. Quickly overwhelmed, the two recruits are pushed into a desperate fight for survival while Kafka races to reach them before it is too late.
8
8. Welcome to the Defense Force
24m
After revealing his power to save Reno and Iharu, Kafka comes face-to-face with Hoshina, who immediately recognizes him as a dangerous kaiju. Reluctant to fight back against someone he respects, Kafka must find a way to escape without exposing the truth behind his identity.
9
9. Raid on Tachikawa Base
24m
With Mina away, Tachikawa Base is suddenly attacked by a coordinated swarm of flying kaiju led by a powerful new intelligent threat. As the Defense Force scrambles to defend its headquarters, Hoshina takes command and finds himself singled out by an enemy eager to test its strength against the base’s strongest fighter.
10
10. Secret Revealed
24m
As the attack on Tachikawa Base intensifies, Hoshina is pushed to his limits against an increasingly powerful enemy. With the Defense Force struggling to contain the threat, Kafka faces an impossible choice between protecting the secret he has fought to preserve and using his hidden power to save his comrades.
11
11. Kaiju No. 8 Captured
24m
With his identity exposed, Kafka is taken into Defense Force custody and transferred to headquarters under the orders of Director General Isao Shinomiya. Haunted by the possibility that his dream is over and that he has betrayed his comrades, Kafka faces an uncertain fate while Mina struggles with what comes next.
12
12. Kafka Hibino
24m
As the Third Division fights to save Kafka from execution, he is forced into a brutal confrontation with Director General Isao Shinomiya. When the kaiju within him begins to seize control, Kafka must struggle to prove that he can remain human before his fate is decided.
13
13. Kaiju Weapon
24m
Kafka goes on a mission with his new squad and faces Kaiju No. 9 once again.
14
14. The Next Generation's Trial
24m
A massive sinkhole opens in Shinagawa, unleashing a swarm of giant ant kaiju and sending the First Division into action. As Kikoru works to prove herself under Narumi’s command, Kafka joins the battle under close supervision, determined to demonstrate that he can still be an asset to the Defense Force.
15
15. The Strongest Division
24m
Kaiju No. 9 divides into two bodies, forcing the First Division into battles on multiple fronts. While Narumi confronts one of the evolving threats, Kafka and Kikoru struggle against the other, and Kafka faces a frightening new problem when he suddenly finds himself unable to transform.
16
16. The Man Called Isao Shinomiya
24m
As the battle against Kaiju No. 9 reaches a critical stage, Kafka, Kikoru, and Narumi combine their strength to confront the evolving threat. Just when the Defense Force appears to regain control, a sudden development places Director General Isao Shinomiya at the center of an unprecedented crisis.
17
17. I Want to Be Strong
24m
In the aftermath of the devastating battle with Kaiju No. 9, the Defense Force faces an uncertain future. As Narumi and Kikoru renew their determination to become stronger, Kafka confronts the growing consequences of relying on Kaiju No. 8’s overwhelming power.
18
18. Compatible User
24m
Kaiju No. 10 awakens in Defense Force custody and makes an unexpected proposal to Hoshina. Meanwhile, the division captains gather to discuss how to confront the growing threat of Kaiju No. 9, leading Hoshina to present a surprising possibility that could reshape their strategy.
19
19. Wall
24m
Chosen to wield the formidable Numbers Weapon 6, Reno enters his first real battle with the dangerous new equipment. As his abilities continue to grow at an astonishing pace, Iharu struggles with frustration and self-doubt while trying to keep up with the teammate who once stood beside him as an equal.
20
20. Destiny
24m
As Reno struggles to control the immense power of Numbers Weapon 6, Iharu refuses to let him face the danger alone. Their battle pushes both recruits to their limits, forcing Iharu to confront his own potential while the bond between them becomes their greatest weapon.
21
21. Omen
24m
Determined to fight without relying entirely on Kaiju No. 8, Kafka begins intensive close-quarters training under Hoshina. As he reconnects with his scattered comrades, the Defense Force grows increasingly concerned by a series of unexplained kaiju incidents appearing across Japan.
22
22. Cataclysms
24m
Kaiju suddenly emerge across Tokyo and begin coordinated attacks on critical facilities throughout Japan. As the crisis spreads on an unprecedented scale, the First and Third Divisions mobilize alongside the Defense Force’s strongest fighters and newest recruits to confront a threat unlike anything they have faced before.
23
23. Second Wave
24m
Just as the Defense Force begins turning the tide against the widespread kaiju attacks, five powerful numbered kaiju appear before its strongest fighters. With the situation rapidly deteriorating, Kafka is forced to decide whether he can continue waiting for Kaiju No. 9 or must enter the battle himself.

Trailer

Official trailer

Cast

Masaya Fukunishi
Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8 (voice)
Asami Seto
Mina Ashiro (voice)
Wataru Katoh
Reno Ichikawa (voice)
Fairouz Ai
Kikoru Shinomiya (voice)
Kengo Kawanishi
Soshiro Hoshina (voice)

Reviews

R
Rohail
Jul 5, 2024
7
Kaiju No. 8 (2024): A Monster Mash with a Heart (and Room for Improvement) Kaiju No. 8 bursts onto the scene with a premise as intriguing as its colossal kaiju: a regular dude, Kafka Hibino, becomes a monster himself. This unique twist on the classic kaiju narrative is just the first course in a series that promises a delectable blend of action, mystery, and relatable characters. While the story itself is a solid 8/10, with a strong start and engaging world-building, the animation quality holds it back from achieving true greatness. A World Under Siege: A Familiar Premise with a Fresh Twist Kaiju No. 8 doesn't waste time establishing its world. We're thrust into a Japan constantly under attack by monstrous kaiju, forcing humanity to rely on the valiant Japanese Defense Force (JDF) for protection. This isn't your typical superhero story, though. Kafka, our protagonist, exemplifies the toll this constant threat takes. He's not some hotshot teenager destined for greatness. He's an older man, burdened by past failures and the drudgery of a civilian cleanup job. This adds a layer of depth often missing in the genre, making Kafka's journey to become a hero all the more compelling. The Power of Friendship: A Budding Romance and a Hopeful Future One of the most endearing aspects of Kaiju No. 8 is the relationship between Kafka and his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Now a captain in the JDF, Mina embodies the dream they once shared of joining the fight. Their dynamic is a breath of fresh air in a genre often dominated by brooding loners. The show delicately explores the wistfulness of unfulfilled promises and the power of a shared dream, hinting at a potential future romance that feels pure and genuine. Here's hoping the series continues to develop this heartwarming connection. The Mystery Unfolds: A World Rich with Potential The series masterfully balances its monster-bashing with intriguing mysteries. The source of the kaiju and the nature of Kafka's transformation are just scratching the surface. Each episode leaves you wanting more, eager to unravel the larger conspiracy at play. The world-building is rich and well-developed, with details about the JDF's structure and the different types of kaiju offering a glimpse into the complex ecosystem created by Naoya Matsumoto. A Stumble in the Kaiju Rampage: The Animation Holds Back the Onslaught Now, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the kaiju in the animation. While the story is undeniably captivating, the animation quality is a noticeable stumbling block. Given the high production value of the series, the art style feels like a missed opportunity. The character designs are decent, but the fight scenes lack the fluidity and dynamic energy one expects from a monster-battling anime. The backgrounds, while functional, could benefit from a touch more detail and vibrancy. Perhaps the animation improves as the series progresses, but for now, it holds Kaiju No. 8 back from achieving its full potential. A Promising Debut with Room to Grow Despite the animation hiccup, Kaiju No. 8 is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The story is strong, the characters are relatable, and the world is brimming with potential. It's a show with its heart in the right place, offering a fresh take on the kaiju genre with a dash of human drama. If you're looking for an action-packed anime with a unique twist and a healthy dose of heart, Kaiju No. 8 is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for the animation to take a backseat to the captivating story. Here's hoping future episodes see some improvement in that department, because with a little more polish, Kaiju No. 8 could truly become a monster hit.Read more
Kaiju No. 8 (2024): A Monster Mash with a Heart (and Room for Improvement) Kaiju No. 8 bursts onto the scene with a premise as intriguing as its colossal kaiju: a regular dude, Kafka Hibino, becomes a monster himself. This unique twist on the classic kaiju narrative is just the first course in a series that promises a delectable blend of action, mystery, and relatable characters. While the story itself is a solid 8/10, with a strong start and engaging world-building, the animation quality holds it back from achieving true greatness. A World Under Siege: A Familiar Premise with a Fresh Twist Kaiju No. 8 doesn't waste time establishing its world. We're thrust into a Japan constantly under attack by monstrous kaiju, forcing humanity to rely on the valiant Japanese Defense Force (JDF) for protection. This isn't your typical superhero story, though. Kafka, our protagonist, exemplifies the toll this constant threat takes. He's not some hotshot teenager destined for greatness. He's an older man, burdened by past failures and the drudgery of a civilian cleanup job. This adds a layer of depth often missing in the genre, making Kafka's journey to become a hero all the more compelling. The Power of Friendship: A Budding Romance and a Hopeful Future One of the most endearing aspects of Kaiju No. 8 is the relationship between Kafka and his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Now a captain in the JDF, Mina embodies the dream they once shared of joining the fight. Their dynamic is a breath of fresh air in a genre often dominated by brooding loners. The show delicately explores the wistfulness of unfulfilled promises and the power of a shared dream, hinting at a potential future romance that feels pure and genuine. Here's hoping the series continues to develop this heartwarming connection. The Mystery Unfolds: A World Rich with Potential The series masterfully balances its monster-bashing with intriguing mysteries. The source of the kaiju and the nature of Kafka's transformation are just scratching the surface. Each episode leaves you wanting more, eager to unravel the larger conspiracy at play. The world-building is rich and well-developed, with details about the JDF's structure and the different types of kaiju offering a glimpse into the complex ecosystem created by Naoya Matsumoto. A Stumble in the Kaiju Rampage: The Animation Holds Back the Onslaught Now, let's address the elephant in the room, or rather, the kaiju in the animation. While the story is undeniably captivating, the animation quality is a noticeable stumbling block. Given the high production value of the series, the art style feels like a missed opportunity. The character designs are decent, but the fight scenes lack the fluidity and dynamic energy one expects from a monster-battling anime. The backgrounds, while functional, could benefit from a touch more detail and vibrancy. Perhaps the animation improves as the series progresses, but for now, it holds Kaiju No. 8 back from achieving its full potential. A Promising Debut with Room to Grow Despite the animation hiccup, Kaiju No. 8 is a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The story is strong, the characters are relatable, and the world is brimming with potential. It's a show with its heart in the right place, offering a fresh take on the kaiju genre with a dash of human drama. If you're looking for an action-packed anime with a unique twist and a healthy dose of heart, Kaiju No. 8 is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for the animation to take a backseat to the captivating story. Here's hoping future episodes see some improvement in that department, because with a little more polish, Kaiju No. 8 could truly become a monster hit.