© Defense Force Unit 3 © Naoya Matsumoto / Shueisha
The anime adaptation of "Kaiju No. 8" has been announced! Broadcasting since April 2024, this work is an animated version of the hugely popular manga that depicts the battle between monsters and humans. The animation production is handled by Production I.G, and the monster design & works are by Studio Khara. The teaser PV and visuals have also been released. In this article, we will introduce information about the anime adaptation of "Kaiju No. 8," including the original story's synopsis, characters, staff, and cast.
What is "Kaiju No. 8"?
"Kaiju No. 8" is a manga work by Naoya Matsumoto, serialized in Shueisha's manga app "Shonen Jump+" since July 2020. With eight volumes published, it has surpassed 10 million copies in total circulation worldwide (including digital editions), sweeping not only Japan but the world. The story is set in a world where monsters routinely threaten people. Kafka Hibino, who once aspired to join the "Japan Defense Force" to exterminate monsters, had given up on his dream and was working for a monster-specific cleaning company. However, an encounter with Reno Ichikawa, who aspires to join the Defense Force, sets his stalled time in motion. Kafka begins to pursue his former dream again, but he was unaware that the threat of monsters was approaching in an unexpected form.
Production Studio and Staff
The anime "Kaiju No. 8" is produced by Production I.G, known for their breathtaking animation direction and expression of military/mechanics in series such as "PSYCHO-PASS" and "Ghost in the Shell." Monster design & works are by Studio Khara, which has a track record in monster expression, including previsualization production for the "Rebuild of Evangelion" series and "Shin Godzilla." The director, scriptwriter, and character designer for the anime have not yet been announced but are expected to be revealed soon.
Teaser PV and Visuals
The teaser PV and visuals for the anime "Kaiju No. 8" have been released. The teaser PV depicts Kafka standing in a city destroyed by monsters amidst pouring cold rain. Then, a humanoid monster, known as Kaiju No. 8, appears overlapping his figure. What is reflected in the eyes of Kafka as he turns around...? The incessant rain, the devastated city, and the lonely figure of the monster evoke a sense of unease and sorrow, yet also anticipation for the grand story that is about to begin.
The teaser visual features the powerful figure of Kaiju No. 8. The bright blue light that shines brilliantly is a symbol of the immense energy possessed by Kaiju No. 8, and the silhouette of its body conveys its tremendous power. This monster, ready to destroy something with its vigorously swung fist, could be a savior or a calamity. Please pay attention to its overwhelming presence.
Title: Anime “Kaiju No. 8” Main PV
Characters and Cast
The characters and cast of the anime "Kaiju No. 8" have not yet been announced, but here are some of the main characters from the original manga:
- Kafka Hibino: The protagonist. A 28-year-old man working for a monster-specific cleaning company. He once aspired to join the Japan Defense Force but had given up on his dream. However, following a certain incident, he awakens to the monster's power sleeping within him.
- Reno Ichikawa: A young man who joins the Monster Sweepers as a part-time job and aspires to be a Defense Force member. Initially, he looked at Kafka, who had failed, with cold eyes, but came to respect him after being touched by his character.
- Mina Ashiro: Kafka's childhood friend. 28 years old. Captain of the Japan Defense Force Unit 3. Kafka and she had vowed to "exterminate all monsters together," but they have become estranged. She harbors strong hatred and a sense of justice against monsters.
- Kikoru Shinomiya: The daughter of the Japan Defense Force Commissioner, Kikoru Shinomiya, she is hailed as the greatest talent in history, having graduated from an overseas extermination university by skipping grades. She boasts the strength of a squad leader level even before joining the force due to her extraordinary sense.
- Soshiro Hoshina: Vice-captain of Japan Defense Force Unit 3. From a family lineage of monster exterminators dating back to the Muromachi period. A specialist in swords, he surpasses Captain Mina Ashiro in exterminating small to medium-sized monsters.
Summary and Thoughts
We have introduced information about the anime adaptation of "Kaiju No. 8," including the original story's synopsis, characters, production studio, teaser PV, and visuals. The work, which depicts the battle between monsters and humans, will be expressed with overwhelming visual beauty and power by the luxurious production team of Production I.G and Studio Khara. It is a recommended work not only for fans of the original but also for those who love monster and action genres.
I have been reading the original manga of "Kaiju No. 8" and find it very interesting. There are many compelling elements, such as Kafka's growth and struggles, his relationships with Reno and Mina, and the true nature and purpose of the monsters. With the anime adaptation, I am very interested to see how the original world and characters will come to life. In particular, I am looking forward to seeing how Kaiju No. 8's appearance, abilities, and emotions will be portrayed.
© Defense Force Unit 3 © Naoya Matsumoto / Shueisha
