Kaiju No. 8 is a fantastic manga for kids who love action-packed stories with humor. It combines thrilling Kaiju battles with funny moments, making it both exciting and enjoyable. My daughter especially loved how the story portrays strong women, like Captain Ashiro, offering great role models.
The mix of intense action and comedy makes it a must-read for fans. Older kids might find the humor exaggerated, but younger readers—like my daughter—found it hilarious. She couldn’t stop laughing at the slapstick moments!
- Title: Kaiju No. 8
- Story and Art: Naoya Matsumoto
- Year Started: December 2021
- Age Recommendation: 10+
- Genre: Shonen, Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure
*Our age ratings are based on our opinions and our daughter’s preferences, who reads above her age level. They’re meant as general guidance, but may vary and aren’t official standards.
In this review, we’ll dive into the thrilling world of Kaiju No. 8 manga and provide insights for parents on what to expect as their kids explore this action-packed series. Beyond the intense monster battles and exciting Kaiju encounters, Kaiju No. 8 touches on themes of friendship, perseverance, and the challenges of wielding great power. With its mix of humor, epic battles, and personal growth, this series offers more than just Kaiju fights—it’s a story about chasing dreams, overcoming failure, and the bonds that form in the face of adversity.
Table of Contents
Kaiju No. 8 Plot Overview
In Kaiju No. 8, Japan is constantly attacked by giant, Godzilla-like monsters called Kaiju. To protect people, the Defense Corps fights these monsters, while cleanup crews, known as “Sweepers,” come in to handle the aftermath.
The story centers on Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old man who gave up on his childhood dream of joining the Defense Corps after several failed attempts. Now, he works as a Sweeper, cleaning up after Kaiju battles. But when an 18-year-old recruit, Reno Ichikawa, joins his team, Kafka is reminded of his lost ambitions.
Things take a wild turn when Kafka is suddenly invaded by a Kaiju parasite, giving him the power to transform into a Kaiju himself! With his new abilities, Kafka decides to give his dream one last shot—while also hiding the fact that he’s now part Kaiju.
The series mixes action-packed monster fights with light-hearted moments and plenty of humor, as Kafka learns to navigate his dual life and pursue his goal.
Why Kaiju No. 8 is a Great Manga for Kids
Beyond the excitement and humor, the manga series also explores meaningful themes like courage, friendship, and the idea of second chances. These are ideas that really resonate with younger readers. The main character, Kafka Hibino, is especially relatable as someone who once nearly gave up on his dreams, but live tends to have second chances, and he proves that you can still achieve your goals, even after facing failure. His journey shows kids that it’s never too late to keep trying, making Kaiju No. 8 not just a fun read, but an inspiring one too.
We recommend starting around age 10 to fully appreciate the depth of the story. But don’t worry if you’re younger! Our seven-year-old absolutely loves following Kafka’s adventures as he battles Kaiju, discovers his powers, forms amazing friendships, and, of course, she finds the silly moments hilarious.
Can I Read Kaiju No. 8 Manga Online?
Yes, you can! If you don’t mind your kids having some screen time (even though it’s for reading), we highly recommend using the Shonen Jump app. We personally subscribe to it, and for just about $2 a month (last we checked), it’s a great value compared to buying physical books. You get access to a wide range of manga, including Kaiju No. 8.
However, if you’re concerned about too much screen time for your kids—like we are—we also love buying certain series in physical form. Not only does it reduce screen time, but it also allows our daughter to build her own bookshelf collection, which she’s really proud of!
Similar Manga to Kaiju No. 8
If your child enjoys series like Attack on Titan or My Hero Academia, “Kaiju No. 8” will likely be a hit. It has a similar blend of action, camaraderie, and a gripping storyline with plenty of twists and turns. The humor, balanced with intense moments, keeps the tone from getting too heavy, making it an exciting and accessible read.
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Is There a Kaiju No. 8 Anime?
Yes, there is! The Kaiju No. 8 anime premiered on April 13th, 2024, and you can currently watch it on Crunchyroll. We personally loved the way it was done, and was absolutely visually stunning. The pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat, and you’ll look forward to each episode. There are even some funny scenes to keep things light, which our elementary school girl found hilarious. As for the fight scenes, they were absolutely outstanding, making the action even more thrilling compared to reading just the manga!
The first season has 12 Kaiju No. 8 episodes, and covers the first four story arcs (more below!). If you’re eager to see what happens next, you can dive into the manga, which continues the story beyond the anime. We can’t wait for season 2!
For Parents: Content Considerations for Kaiju No. 8 Manga
Violence and Action
If you’re wondering about the intensity of Kaiju No. 8, rest assured that while it features plenty of action, it falls within the typical scope of an action-packed manga. Yes, there are monster battles and moments of destruction, but the violence is stylized rather than graphic. You’ll see some blood and battle wounds, but there’s no excessive gore. The focus is on the characters’ bravery and teamwork as they fight the Kaiju, making the action exciting but not overly intense.
Nudity
As for nudity, it’s practically non-existent. Across all 10 books (roughly 2000 pages), there’s only one instance where Captain Mina Ashiro is shown sitting in a tub after a long day of battle. The scene is very tame and highlights her strength and battle scars without any explicit details. In fact, my elementary-aged daughter read right past it without even noticing. If your child is already reading similar action manga, Kaiju No. 8 should be perfectly fine in this regard.
Swearing
There is some mild swearing throughout the series. Words like “damn” appear, but you won’t find any stronger language like the f-word. The swearing is minimal and shouldn’t be a major concern for parents.
Final thoughts for parents
Every child is unique, and as a parent, it’s crucial to evaluate your child’s maturity level to determine if this series is appropriate for them. Previewing the content yourself or watching it together with your child can be very beneficial. Staying involved, engaging in discussions, and addressing any concerns can significantly enhance your child’s understanding and enjoyment of the series.
Main Characters in Kaiju No. 8
Here’s a quick introduction to some of the key characters you’ll meet in Kaiju No. 8:
Kafka Hibino
The main protagonist of the story, Kafka is a 32-year-old who works as a Kaiju cleaner, cleaning up after battles. After several failed attempts to join the Defense Corps, his life changes when he gains the ability to transform into Kaiju No. 8. Despite this, Kafka remains determined to protect humanity, even if he must hide his true identity.
Mina Ashiro
Kafka’s childhood friend and now the captain of the Third Division of the Defense Corps. She’s known for her incredible strength and skills in Kaiju battles, and Kafka looks up to her as he continues to pursue his dream of joining the Corps. Mina is dedicated to her mission of protecting Japan from the Kaiju threat.
Kikoru Shinomiya
A highly skilled and determined young recruit in the Defense Corps. She is the daughter of the powerful Isao Shinomiya, the Director General of the Defense Corps. Kikoru fights with a custom weapon made from Kaiju No. 3 and plays a crucial role in the story, developing a close bond with Kafka.
Reno Ichikawa
A promising young recruit and Kafka’s close friend. Reno is compatible with the Kaiju No. 6 ice weapon and uses it in battle. He deeply respects Kafka and fights alongside him while learning how to master his own powers.
Vice Captain Soshiro Hoshina
A top officer in the Defense Corps known for his expertise in close combat and swordsmanship. He now wears the Kaiju No. 10 battle suit, which not only enhances his abilities but also has a mind of its own, leading to some humorous moments in the story. Hoshina is highly skilled and plays a key role in protecting Japan from Kaiju.
Kaiju No. 9
The primary antagonist of the series, Kaiju No. 9 is a highly intelligent Kaiju who is able to evolve and adapt to the Defense Corps’ strategies. After absorbing the memories and power of Isao Shinomiya, Kaiju No. 9 becomes an even more dangerous threat.
These are just a few of the main characters in Kaiju No. 8. Each brings a unique personality and fighting style to the story, adding depth and excitement to the series.
For Busy Parents: Kaiju No. 8 Story Arc Quick Summaries
We know that as a busy parent, finding time to dive into every manga your kids love can be tough. But if you still want to follow along with Kaiju No. 8 and be able to talk about the story with your kids, you’re in the right place! Here, we provide high-level summaries of each story arc, so you can stay up to date and chat with your kids like a true Kaiju No. 8 superfan—without having to read every page yourself.
1 - The Man Who Became a Kaiju Arc (Books 1-2)
This arc introduces Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old working for a Kaiju cleanup crew after failing to join the elite Defense Corps. His daily job is far from glamorous—cleaning up the messy aftermath of Kaiju battles. Kafka’s dream of joining the Defense Corps seems out of reach until a sudden twist of fate grants him the power to transform into a Kaiju himself. Now, with this unexpected gift, he has a second chance to pursue his dream, but he must keep his new powers a secret.
Highlights from an Elementary School Reader
There are two moments that our daughter absolutely loved and couldn’t stop laughing at. The first comes early on when Kafka is still working as a cleaner. He’s assigned to clean the Kaiju’s intestine section, and with his over-the-top reaction, exclaiming “Nooo, not there!” as his coworker drags him into the gross task. Our daughter found this part hilarious and joked, “You know what’s in the intestines, right?” before laughing uncontrollably.
The second favorite part was when a Kaiju fly flies into Kafka’s body, transforming him into a Kaiju. What followed had her in stitches—the exaggerated emotions between Kafka and Reno Ichikawa as they freak out over Kafka’s transformation. The scene where Kafka, trying to escape, accidentally tears down an entire wall when attempting to open a window was another laugh-out-loud moment.
This arc spans Books 1-2, setting up Kafka’s journey as he learns to navigate his new identity while balancing humor, action, and personal growth.
2 - Sagamihara Neutralization Operation at Daybreak Arc (Books 2-3)
In this arc, the stakes get higher as Kafka and his team face a major Kaiju threat during the Sagamihara Neutralization Operation. The Defense Corps launches a full-scale effort to eliminate the Kaiju threatening Sagamihara City, and we see Kafka, now determined to prove himself, stepping into more dangerous situations. This arc is a key moment for Kafka’s growth as he must balance using his Kaiju powers in secret while fighting alongside the Defense Corps.
As Kafka and Reno Ichikawa head into action, the intensity ramps up, with more focus on large-scale battles against increasingly dangerous Kaiju. Kafka struggles with his transformation, trying to hide his powers while figuring out how to use them to protect his team and the city. His relationship with Reno also deepens as they work together to survive the chaos and destruction caused by the Kaiju attacks.
Highlights from an Elementary School Reader
One of the most exciting moments for our daughter was when Kafka comes to save the day just as his good friend Reno Ichikawa is on the verge of being defeated by Kaiju No. 9 (only powerful kaijus are given numbers). In a dramatic entrance, Kafka suddenly appears and unleashes his hidden Kaiju powers to fend off the enemy and protect Reno. This heroic rescue had our daughter cheering as Kafka used his abilities to turn the tide of the battle.
In the Sagamihara Neutralization Operation at Daybreak Arc, spanning Books 2-3, this arc is a thrilling mix of high-stakes action and deeper bonds between characters, setting the stage for even bigger confrontations ahead.
3 - Raid on Tachikawa Base Arc (Books 3-4)
In this arc, the story takes a more intense turn as the Defense Corps’ Tachikawa Base comes under a surprise attack from a powerful humanoid Kaiju and an army of resurrected Kaiju. The situation quickly becomes dire, pushing the team to their limits as they face overwhelming odds. Kafka, Reno Ichikawa, and Kikoru Shinomiya are thrust into the center of the action as they work together to protect the base and its personnel.
During this raid, Kafka must decide how and when to use his Kaiju No. 8 powers, knowing the risks of being discovered. As the battle rages on, the team’s tactical skills are put to the test, and Kikoru demonstrates her incredible combat prowess, taking on multiple Kaiju with ease. Meanwhile, Kafka wrestles with the burden of his secret, knowing that revealing his Kaiju identity could have dangerous consequences for his place in the Defense Corps.
Highlights from an Elementary School Reader
Two standout moments for our daughter were the intense battle between Vice Captain Hoshina and the new Kaiju boss. She loved how Hoshina moved “so fast, like a ninja,” showcasing his incredible speed and combat skills. Another favorite was when Shinomiya received her custom weapon, crafted from Kaiju No. 3’s body, making it far more powerful than standard weapons.
In the Raid on Tachikawa Base Arc, spanning Books 3-4, delivers high-intensity battles, deeper character development, and escalating threats that challenge the Defense Corps like never before.
4 - Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc (Books 4-5)
n this arc, Kafka’s secret is finally exposed, and the consequences come crashing down. After successfully using his Kaiju No. 8 powers to help his team in battle, Kafka is identified as a humanoid Kaiju by the Defense Corps. He is captured and taken in for questioning, as the Corps grapples with whether to treat him as a friend or a threat. This arc explores Kafka’s inner turmoil as he faces the reality of being labeled as a Kaiju while still wanting to protect humanity.
Vice Captain Hoshina plays a key role in this arc, torn between his admiration for Kafka’s heroic actions and his duty to the Corps. As Kafka undergoes rigorous tests to determine the extent of his Kaiju transformation, his relationships with the other characters—especially Reno and Shinomiya—are put to the test. The Defense Corps must decide if they can trust Kafka or if his Kaiju nature makes him too dangerous to keep around.
Highlights from an Elementary School Reader
One of the most gripping moments for our daughter was the climactic fight between Kafka and Kikoru’s dad, the Director General of the Defense Force and one of the most powerful characters. At the end of the battle, Kafka loses control of the Kaiju power inside him and nearly kills Kikoru’s dad. But at the very last second, because of his deep friendship with Kikoru and his desire not to hurt her or her father, along with words in his head “I will be waiting” from Mina, Kafka punches himself instead of delivering the final blow. This powerful moment had a big impact on our daughter, showing Kafka’s inner strength and care for his friends.
In the Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc, spanning Books 4-5, this arc deepens the emotional stakes of the series, revealing how far Kafka will go to protect those he cares about—even at the risk of his own life.
5 - Kaiju Weapon Arc (Books 5-7)
In this arc, the Defense Corps steps up their fight by creating advanced weapons from the bodies of defeated Kaiju. One of the key moments is when Kikoru Shinomiya receives a custom weapon made from Kaiju No. 3, giving her a huge boost in combat power. These Kaiju-based weapons become critical as the team prepares for even more dangerous Kaiju threats.
As the Kaiju threat grows, Kafka and his team are separated and assigned to different divisions across Japan. Kikoru joins the strongest unit, Division 1, alongside Kafka. This is also where we meet Narumi, the captain of Division 1, who is the most powerful captain across all divisions. Under Narumi’s leadership, Kafka and Kikoru face tougher battles and stronger Kaiju, pushing them to their limits.
However, the arc takes a darker turn when Kaiju No. 9 reemerges with a sinister plan. He aims to steal the power of Kaiju No. 2 from Isao Shinomiya, the Director General of the Defense Corps and Kikoru’s father. In a devastating battle, Kaiju No. 9 ultimately defeats Isao and absorbs both him and Kaiju No. 2’s power, making him an even greater threat to humanity. This shocking defeat shakes the Defense Corps and deeply impacts Kikoru, adding new emotional stakes to the ongoing battle.
Highlights from an Elementary School Reader
Our daughter found Narumi’s introduction absolutely hilarious. When Kikoru and the vice captain enter Narumi’s room, they find it a total mess, with Narumi lying on the floor under a blanket playing video games after staying up all night. She thought it was funny that someone else’s room could be even messier than hers! The scene becomes even funnier when the vice captain, acting like his mom, tells Narumi to clean up or he’ll throw everything away.
In the Kaju Weapon Arc, spanning Books 5-7, this arc raises the stakes as Kafka’s role becomes clear—he is the weapon the Defense Corps has been waiting for. With powerful new allies like Captain Narumi and advanced Kaiju technology, the Corps is ready to face even greater challenges ahead.
6 - The Compatible User Arc (Books 7-8)
Following the devastating loss of Isao Shinomiya—absorbed by Kaiju No. 9 along with his memories and the secrets of the Defense Corps—the Corps faces a massive crisis. With Kaiju No. 9 now armed with critical information about their strategies, the Defense Corps must find a new way to combat the escalating threat. In response, they focus on the development of young talents, recognizing that fresh, innovative fighters will be the key to success. Their goal becomes clear: create a surprise factor to catch Kaiju No. 9 off guard.
A key part of this strategy involves weaponizing Kaiju and finding compatible users to wield these powerful weapons, as not everyone can handle them. Reno is tested and found to be compatible with the weapon made from Kaiju No. 6, the ultimate ice-type Kaiju that once took down Kikoru’s mother. This powerful weapon gives Reno a huge advantage in combat.
Kikoru Shinomiya is revealed to be compatible with the Kaiju No. 4 battle suit, a weapon once wielded by her late mother, Hikari Shinomiya, before she died in battle. This makes the moment even more emotional for Kikoru, who says, “Mommy, give me strength,” as she fights to avenge her father, Isao Shinomiya, and protect the Corps from the Kaiju threat.
Meanwhile, Kaiju No. 10, who can still speak despite being only a severed head, chooses Vice Captain Hoshina to wield him. Kaiju No. 10, driven by his love of battle, respects Hoshina for defeating him in combat and requests to be made into a suit for Hoshina to wear. Together, they aim to continue fighting against the strongest Kaiju out there, with Kaiju No. 10 eager to engage in more battles alongside Hoshina.
Highlights from an Elementary School Reader
Our daughter loved seeing Reno use his ice powers against a Kaiju monster. She especially found it heartwarming when Iharu gave Reno a piggyback ride after the battle. Reno had overextended himself trying to defeat the Kaiju alone and almost lost control to the Kaiju’s power. But in a touching moment, Iharu, as a good friend and teammate, came to the rescue, pulling Reno out of his despair and helping him regain control. This moment really stood out as a great example of friendship and teamwork.
In the Compatible User Arc, spanning Books 6-7, this arc shifts the focus to developing new talent and strategies within the Defense Corps, particularly through the use of Kaiju weapons and finding the right compatible users. With Reno and Hoshina stepping into their new roles, the Corps is preparing for the ultimate showdown against Kaiju No. 9.
7 - Cataclysms Arc (Books 8-9)
In the Cataclysms Arc, Japan faces a series of large-scale Kaiju attacks that push the Defense Corps to the brink. The sheer number and intensity of these new Kaiju threats trigger chaos and destruction on a massive scale. With Kaiju No. 9 now fully armed with the power of Kaiju No. 2 and the knowledge absorbed from Isao Shinomiya, the stakes are higher than ever as the Corps struggles to keep up.
Amid these widespread cataclysms, the Defense Corps focuses on utilizing their newly developed Kaiju weapons and the compatible users who can wield them. Kafka, still learning to master his powers as Kaiju No. 8, faces his most intense battles yet as he fights alongside his team to stop the overwhelming Kaiju forces. Reno, Kikoru and Vice Captain Hoshina, equipped with their new Kaiju weapons, step into critical roles as they help lead the charge against the escalating Kaiju threat.
Highlights from an Elementary School Reader
One of her favorite parts was the playful interactions between Kafka and Kikoru, whose teasing and bickering show their close friendship. Ever since Kafka’s capture in Arc 4, about two months have passed, and he hasn’t spoken to his old teammates except for Kikoru.
In this arc, Kikoru returns Kafka’s phone and tells him he can use it again, encouraging him to reach out to his friends. She also loved how Kafka nervously turned on his phone, expecting his teammates to be angry for hiding his Kaiju powers, but instead found heartwarming messages asking if he was okay and telling him to “come back safe.” Kafka’s funny, sad, teary face during this moment was a highlight. She also found it hilarious when Reno called, and Kafka freaked out, dropped his phone, and accidentally hung up. When Kafka finally answered the next call thinking it was Iharu, Reno’s reaction—saying, “Why did you answer when you thought it was Iharu?”—had her laughing out loud at Kafka’s silly and over-exaggerated faces during the exchange between these two good friends.
In the Cataclysms Arc, spanning Books 8-9, raises the tension as Japan faces catastrophe after catastrophe, testing the Defense Corps and their strategies to the fullest. The teamwork and development of the young recruits—especially Reno, Kikoru, and Kafka—are central to the Corps’ efforts to withstand the onslaught of the Kaiju forces, setting up the next stage in the battle against Kaiju No. 9.
8 - The Second Wave Arc (Books 10-11)
In the Second Wave Arc, five new numbered Kaiju emerge, each specifically designed by Kaiju No. 9 to counter the strengths of the Defense Corps’ top fighters. These Kaiju are meticulously crafted to target each member’s weaknesses, pushing the Corps to their limits.
Kikoru vs Kaiju No. 15
Kaiju No. 15 uses psychological attacks to exploit Kikoru Shinomiya’s mental vulnerabilities. As a mirror image of Kikoru and armed with the memories of her father, absorbed by Kaiju No. 9, Kaiju No. 15 turns the battle into a deeply personal and emotional struggle for Kikoru. During the fight, she sees the ghost of her mother, Hikari Shinomiya, who once wielded the Kaiju No. 4 weapon—the very weapon Kikoru now uses. This connection pushes Kikoru to surpass her limits, allowing her to essentially learn new battle techniques from her mom. Although she ultimately surpasses her mother’s ability, she’s hit by a final mental attack that almost consumes her.
In a pivotal moment, Kikoru hears Kafka’s voice over the radio saying, “I believe in you”—words she had often told him in the past. This reminds her that she now has friends and people she wants to be recognized by, beyond just her parents. This realization allows Kikoru to outgrow the emotional burden of seeking her parents’ approval, bringing her out of the enemy’s grip and giving her the strength to finally win the battle.
Vice Captain Hoshina vs Kaiju No. 12
Vice Captain Hoshina, now wearing the Kaiju No. 10 battle suit, faces Kaiju No. 12 in an intense close-combat duel. The suit, which has a mind of its own, often results in comical moments as Hoshina and the suit bicker while trying to work together on the battlefield. Kaiju No. 12 is perfectly designed to challenge Hoshina’s expertise in swordplay, making the battle a true test of skill and reflexes.
During a critical moment when Hoshina is on the verge of giving up, Kaiju No. 10 speaks to him, reminding him, “You don’t want to quit, right?” This triggers flashbacks to Hoshina’s past, recalling the many times he battled his older brother in sword practice. In that moment, Hoshina finally realizes why he has dedicated his life to perfecting his sword skills—because “swingin’ the sword is fun”, his true passion. Reinvigorated by this realization, Hoshina taps into his love for swordsmanship and finds the strength to push forward, ultimately winning the battle and achieving 100% compatibility with Kaiju No. 10 battle suit.
Vice Captain Hoshina vs Kaiju No. 12
Captain Narumi faces Kaiju No. 11, designed specifically to neutralize his Kaiju No. 1 weapon, which allows him to read movements based on electrical signals in the body, giving him the ability to “see” his opponent’s next move. However, Kaiju No. 11, a water-type Kaiju, operates without electrical signals, rendering Narumi’s ability ineffective and forcing him to come up with new strategies to fight an unpredictable foe.
Highlights from an Elementary School Reader
Our daughter found the battle between Kikoru and Kaiju No. 15 a bit more intense than usual, especially due to the mind attacks where Kikoru relived memories from her childhood, seeking approval and praise from her parents. However, she seemed to skip over the deeper conversations between Kikoru and Kaiju No. 15, instead focusing on how cute she thought Kikoru looked as a little girl in the flashbacks.
In the Second Wave Arc, spanning books 10-11, the stakes are raised as Kaiju No. 9 strategically unleashes five new numbered Kaiju, each crafted to exploit the weaknesses of the Defense Corps’ top fighters. With Kaiju No. 15 striking at Kikoru’s emotional core and Kaiju No. 12 testing Vice Captain Hoshina’s close-combat prowess, the battles become deeply personal and intense. Even Captain Narumi faces a fierce challenge as Kaiju No. 11 directly counters his powerful eye-based weapon. Each Corps member is pushed to their limits, forced to use their unique strengths and quick thinking to survive, as the fight against Kaiju No. 9’s creations pushes the Defense Corps to the very brink.
9 - The Last Wave Arc (Books TBD)
This arc has not been released yet as of September 2024. Stay tuned!
