Kaiju No. 8

Kaiju No. 8

Company type	Manga series
Industry	Entertainment (Manga, Anime)
Founded	July 3, 2020 (2020-07-03)
Founder	Naoya Matsumoto
Headquarters	Tokyo , Japan
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Naoya Matsumoto (creator)
Products	Manga, anime, light novel, spin-off manga, video game (upcoming)
Parent	Shueisha
Website	shonenjumpplus.com/series/kaiju8

, alternatively titled Monster #8, is a Japanese manga series created by Naoya Matsumoto, who both writes and illustrates the work. It was serialized on Shueisha's digital platform Shōnen Jump+ from July 2020 until July 2025, and by March 2025, the series had been collected into 15 volumes. Shueisha also offers digital distribution through Manga Plus in English and several other languages. In North America, Viz Media started releasing the manga digitally in August 2020, followed by physical print editions beginning December 2021.

The storyline follows Kafka Hibino, a man who obtains the power to transform into a kaiju after consuming a parasitic organism. Motivated by a childhood promise, he aspires to join an organization dedicated to eradicating these monsters. Matsumoto conceived the plot outline in late 2018, marking his second serialized work on this platform. Drawing inspiration from Japanese tokusatsu productions such as Ultraman, the manga incorporates elements influenced by Matsumoto’s professional background to develop the protagonist’s history.

An anime adaptation produced by Production I.G aired from April to June 2024, with a second season scheduled for July 2025. The franchise has expanded to include a light novel, two spin-off manga series, and an upcoming video game.

By March 2025, the manga had surpassed 18 million copies in circulation. It has earned praise for its innovative premise, well-developed characters, and distinctive artwork, receiving the Next Manga Award in the web manga category in 2021 and securing a nomination for an Eisner Award in 2022.

Setting

Kaiju No. 8 takes place in a world frequently plagued by monstrous creatures known as kaiju. Japan faces the highest frequency of these attacks and has therefore established the Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force (JAKDF) to combat them. Kaiju are categorized by their "fortitude level" into two groups: honju, which are the more formidable monsters, and yoju, smaller kaiju that typically accompany larger ones. High-tier or unusual kaiju are assigned numerical designations and referred to as .

Members of the Defense Force utilize powered exoskeleton suits crafted from kaiju remains that enhance their physical capabilities such as strength, speed, and resilience. The suits’ power output is measured by "unleashed combat power," which varies individually with a maximum of 100%, influencing weapon effectiveness. Remnants of daikaiju are used to forge advanced weapons called , each named after the kaiju it originated from; only compatible users can wield these weapons that possess unique abilities. The JAKDF’s hierarchy includes field officers led by platoon leaders, captains, and vice-captains who maintain combat power levels above 90%, supported by operators responsible for monitoring kaiju activity and officer status.

Plot

Kafka Hibino and his childhood friend Mina Ashiro pledge to join the JAKDF after their hometown is devastated by a kaiju attack. Mina rises to become captain of the 3rd Division due to her exceptional destructive shooting skills. Kafka repeatedly fails the entrance exam and instead works with a crew responsible for cleaning up after kaiju incidents. His life takes a turn when Reno Ichikawa, an aspiring recruit, encourages him; Kafka then gains the ability to transform into a humanoid kaiju after ingesting a parasite. He is given the code name "Kaiju No. 8" and secretly applies to join the JAKDF.

Kafka and Reno successfully pass the exam and become members of the 3rd Division alongside prodigy Kikoru Shinomiya, whom Kafka saved from an encounter with "Kaiju No. 9," a dangerous humanoid monster. On their initial mission together, Kafka fails to eliminate No. 9 and narrowly avoids an attack from vice captain Soshiro Hoshina while maintaining his secret identity. Later, Kafka reveals his kaiju form to protect Tachikawa base from an assault by "Kaiju No. 10."

After being apprehended by Mina, Kafka is taken to JAKDF headquarters where he proves his capabilities by defeating Director General Isao Shinomiya in combat. Subsequently, Kafka and Kikoru are promoted to the elite 1st Division under Captain Gen Narumi’s leadership. They face No. 9 again during an attack on Shinagawa; after killing two copies of No. 9, the genuine monster absorbs Isao along with his Numbers 2 weapon—armor fashioned from Kaiju No. 2 remains—gaining enhanced strength before escaping to prepare for an invasion.

In preparation for this impending threat, Kafka and Kikoru undergo rigorous training; Kikoru acquires her mother’s Numbers 4 weapon while Reno obtains Numbers 6 and trains with the 4th Division. During training at a historic shrine under Soshiro’s guidance, Kafka encounters a spectral figure of an ancient kaiju hunter.

Months later, No. 9 initiates its invasion alongside kaiju numbered Nos. 11 through 15 targeting Gen, Soshiro, Kafka, Mina, and Kikoru respectively. After fierce battles, all but Mina defeat their adversaries; No. 9 utilizes Kaiju No. 14’s corpse as a portal to reach Mina with intentions of killing her and absorbing her destructive powers. Kafka arrives backed by Reno’s support; together with Mina they manage to defeat No. 9. However, Kafka sustains a mortal wound inflicted by one of No. 9’s tentacles which reveals that it has absorbed a powerful Meireki-era kaiju that once devastated Japan—this entity now controls No. 9’s body as it wreaks havoc against the Defense Force.

Production

Naoya Matsumoto initiated his professional journey in 2006 with the release of Neko Romancer in Jump Giga. Subsequently, he created Nekowappa! in 2009 and Pochi Kuro in 2014, both published on Shueisha's digital platform, Shōnen Jump+. Toward the end of 2018, Matsumoto pitched the idea for Kaiju No. 8 to deputy editor-in-chief Seijiro Nakaji, drawing creative influence from tokusatsu works such as the Ultraman franchise and films including Shin Godzilla and Pacific Rim. The narrative focuses on a lead character who must manage extraordinary abilities alongside personal conflicts, mirroring Matsumoto’s own experiences within the industry. The manga’s digital publication format shaped its page design and enabled the inclusion of color pages, which contributed to a more engaging reading experience.

Matsumoto worked alongside three assistants: Osamu Koiwai handled background illustrations, Jiro Sakura was responsible for finishing touches, and Mantohihi Binta specialized in weapon design. The creation of background art follows a detailed approval procedure that spans several days for each chapter. Starting in August 2020, the series adopted a weekly release rhythm with occasional hiatuses, later transitioning to a biweekly schedule from June 2021.

Anime adaptation

The anime adaptation brought on board Tetsuya Nishio as both character designer and chief animation director, selected for his skill in combining simplicity with nuanced detail. Detailed anatomical designs of kaiju were provided by Mahiro Maeda, while Shinji Kimura served as art director to amplify the sense of realism. The production was undertaken by Production I.G with supervision from Studio Khara, blending traditional hand-drawn animation and 3D techniques using tools such as Autodesk 3ds Max and Blender. The extensive use of 3D animation supports intricate battle sequences and dynamic camera movements. The opening sequence was developed through a collaboration between Studio Khara and creative agency WOW, aiming to visually capture the origins of the kaiju.

Manga

Created by Naoya Matsumoto as both writer and artist, Kaiju No. 8 debuted on Shueisha’s digital platform Shōnen Jump+ on July 3, 2020, concluding with its 129th chapter on July 18, 2025. Shueisha has compiled these chapters into sixteen volumes; the first volume was released in December 2020, with the final volume planned for September 2025.

The English-language version was initially made available digitally through Viz Media starting August 2, 2020, followed by physical editions beginning December 2021. Additionally, Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform distributes the series internationally under the title Monster #8, which was later updated to include Kaiju No. 8. The manga holds licenses in multiple international markets including France (Crunchyroll EMEA), Italy (Star Comics), Spain (Planeta Cómic), Argentina (Editorial Ivrea), Taiwan (Ever Glory Publishing), and Poland (Studio JG).

Spin-offs

A spin-off titled Kaiju No. 8: B-Side, illustrated by Kentaro Hidano and adapted from Keiji Andō’s light novel, was serialized on Shōnen Jump+ between January and July 2024. This series delves into side narratives involving members of the Defense Force and has been collected into two volumes. English digital editions were released starting January 2024 via Shueisha and Viz Media, with print versions scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2025.

Another spin-off named Kaiju No. 8 Relax, illustrated by Kizuku Watanabe, began serialization in June 2024 across both Saikyō Jump and Shōnen Jump+. Viz Media intends to publish its print edition during the third quarter of 2025.

Light novel

The side story light novel titled Kaiju No. 8: Exclusive on the Third Division, authored by Keiji Andō with illustrations by Matsumoto, made its debut in November 2022. Viz Media secured the English print rights in February 2024 and scheduled its release for December of that year.

Anime

The TV anime adaptation was announced in August 2022 and aired from April through June 2024 on TV Tokyo. Direction was handled by Shigeyuki Miya and Tomomi Kamiya, with scripts written by Ichirō Ōkouchi. Character designs were overseen by Tetsuya Nishio, while Shinji Kimura served as art director and Mahiro Maeda took charge of monster designs. Crunchyroll provided global streaming with simultaneous dubbed versions in various languages, and Medialink acquired streaming rights for Southeast Asia.

After the season one finale in June 2024, a second season was confirmed to premiere on July 19, 2025. Additionally, a compilation film combining season one episodes along with a new original installment was released in Japanese cinemas starting March 28, 2025, with plans for international distribution via Sony Pictures Entertainment.

A series of brief episodes named Minute! Kaiju No. 8 began streaming on Toho Animation’s official YouTube channel in December 2024.

Music

The anime’s musical score was composed by Yuta Bandoh, who collaborated with artists including Taiiku Okazaki and Leo Imai. The soundtrack features performances by "The Kaiju Band," comprising members from King Gnu alongside American musicians Patrick Paige II and Suni MF; this album was released on June 26, 2024. Opening themes consist of "Abyss" by Yungblud for the first season and "You Can't Run From Yourself" by Aurora for the second. Ending themes include OneRepublic’s "Nobody" (season one) and "Beautiful Colors" (season two).

Other media

Kafka Hibino is featured as a playable character in the Nintendo Switch game Captain Velvet Meteor: The Jump+ Dimensions, launched in July 2022. A life-sized statue representing Kafka’s kaiju form was displayed at Tachikawa Station and other venues from April to June 2024.

An official video game titled Kaiju No. 8 the Game, developed by Akatsuki Games for smartphones and Windows (via Steam), is slated for release on August 31, 2025.

Popularity

Yūta Momiyama, deputy editor, identified Kaiju No. 8 as one of the leading titles on Shōnen Jump+ and Manga Plus platforms alongside works like Spy × Family. By December 2020, it had amassed over 30 million views on Manga Plus—the fastest growth recorded on the platform—with each new chapter attracting more than one million views. By February 2023, cumulative views exceeded 400 million.

In AnimeJapan’s 2022 poll for "Most Wanted Anime Adaptation," the series secured tenth place.

Manga

The manga has received significant critical praise; its first volume was recognized among School Library Journal’s best manga of 2021 and achieved high rankings on several industry lists such as third place in Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! for male readers and second place in the Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2022. It also garnered nominations for prestigious accolades including the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and Eisner Awards.

Sales

The manga experienced swift commercial triumph in Japan, with its debut volume selling more than 90,000 copies during the first week and total circulation exceeding one million copies within just a few months—establishing new benchmarks for Shōnen Jump+. By early 2025, the series had surpassed eighteen million copies in circulation.

On the global stage, the volumes have consistently appeared on the U.S. NPD BookScan monthly rankings since late 2021 and have been regular fixtures on The New York Times Graphic Books bestseller list from mid-2022 onward. France saw an unprecedented launch week with sales exceeding twenty-two thousand copies, while Italy reported initial print runs of roughly 245,000 copies per volume—outperforming renowned titles such as Demon Slayer.

Critical reception

Critics lauded the manga for its innovative approach to the kaiju genre, highlighting its captivating concept, striking artistic direction—particularly in the kaiju character designs—and well-executed comedic elements. The protagonist Kafka Hibino was recognized for his relatability owing to his age and personal challenges. Some reviewers pointed out formulaic openings, occasional inconsistencies in artwork quality, and pacing issues that sometimes hindered deeper character exploration.

Awards and nominations

The series has garnered multiple accolades including Tokyo’s New Manga Award (Best Manga), Geeks d'Ouro Award (Best Manga Series), Next Manga Award (Web Manga category), Ayumi Comic Award Grand Prize, and eBook Initiative Japan Manga Award Grand Prize. It has also been nominated for prestigious honors such as the Eisner Awards and Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize among others.

Critical reception

The anime’s debut attracted favorable critiques emphasizing high-quality animation, compelling musical score, well-balanced storytelling that merges humor with dramatic elements, dynamic action scenes, and rich worldbuilding. Reviewers praised Kafka as an accessible main character while noting some simplistic character designs. Subsequent episodes received commendation for their visual excellence and suspenseful cliffhangers that effectively set up future seasons; however, certain episodes faced criticism for reliance on familiar clichés or diminished animation standards.

IGN highlighted the series for skillfully blending classic shōnen motifs with nuanced character-driven storytelling that deepens the overall narrative experience.

Accolades

rowspan="2" align="center"| Japan Expo Awards rowspan="3" align="center"| 20th AnimaniA Awards

Year	Award	Category	Recipient	Result	References
2024	Yahoo! Japan Search Awards	Anime Category	Kaiju No. 8	2nd place
	30th Manga Barcelona Awards	Best Anime Series Premiere		Nominee
	IGN Awards	Best Anime Series		Nominee
2025	7th Global Demand Awards	Most In-Demand Horror Series of 2024		Nominee
	52nd Saturn Awards	Best Animated Television Series or Special		Nominee
	39th Japan Gold Disc Awards	Song of the Year by Download (Western)	"Nobody" by OneRepublic	Winner
	Music Awards Japan 2025	Best of Listeners' Choice: International Song	Nominee
	9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards	Anime of the Year	Kaiju No. 8	Nominee
		Best New Series		Nominee
		Best Action		Nominee
		Best Animation		Nominee
		Best Character Design	Tetsuya Nishio	Nominee
		Best Main Character	Kafka Hibino	Nominee
		Best Opening Sequence	"Abyss" by Yungblud	Nominee
		Best Ending Sequence	"Nobody" by OneRepublic	Nominee
		Best Anime Song	"Abyss" by Yungblud	Nominee
		Best Voice Artist Performance (Castilian)	Mario Ballart as Kafka Hibino	Nominee
		Best Voice Artist Performance (French)	Adrien Antoine as Kafka Hibino	Winner
		Best Voice Artist Performance (German)	Felix Kamin as Kafka Hibino	Nominee
		Best Voice Artist Performance (Hindi)	Rushikesh Phunse as Kafka Hibino	Nominee
		Best Voice Artist Performance (Italian)	Mattia Bressan as Kafka Hibino	Nominee
		Best Voice Artist Performance (Latin American Spanish)	Omar Sánchez as Kafka Hibino	Nominee
		Best Voice Artist Performance (Portuguese)	Heitor Assali as Reno Ichikawa	Nominee
	Daruma for Best Action Anime	Kaiju No. 8	Nominee
	Daruma for Best Ending	"Nobody" by OneRepublic	Winner
	Best TV Series: Online	Kaiju No. 8	Nominee
	Best Director	Shigeyuki Miya and Tomomi Kamiya	Nominee
	Best Studio	Production I.G	Nominee