The wait is almost over for Kaiju No. 8 fans. The hit anime based on Naoya Matsumoto’s best-selling manga is officially returning with a second season in July 2025, and this time, it’s coming in hot with new characters, intense battles, and even a theatrical experience to hold fans over.
Crunchyroll Confirms Season 2 Streaming in July 2025
After the anime’s debut season aired from April to June 2024, viewers have been buzzing about what comes next for Kafka Hibino and the Defense Force. Now, we have confirmation: Season 2 of Kaiju No. 8 will stream on Crunchyroll in July 2025, with new episodes releasing weekly.
A teaser trailer dropped in March featuring Gen Narumi, the fan-favorite captain of the First Division. Known for his acrobatic combat skills and sharp tongue, Narumi is expected to play a major role in Season 2, marking a tonal shift from Kafka’s early journey to the larger battles within the Defense Force ranks.
Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon – A Special Movie Event
Before Season 2 lands, fans can revisit the chaos and camaraderie of Season 1 on the big screen. A recap film titled Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon hit Japanese theaters on March 28, 2025, offering a cinematic re-telling of the first season. But it’s not just a rehash—this movie includes an all-new original episode, “Hoshina’s Day Off,” centered on Soshiro Hoshina, the calm and deadly vice-captain of the Third Division.
This bonus episode dives deeper into Hoshina’s personal life and fighting style, which earned praise from manga readers and anime fans alike. His arc in the manga only becomes more crucial in later storylines, so this standalone episode is a great primer for what’s to come.
The film is set to release in North America, the UK, and Ireland in April 2025, distributed by Sony Pictures Entertainment, continuing the growing trend of theatrical anime recaps and side stories.
Why Kaiju No. 8 Stands Out
Unlike other kaiju-focused anime, Kaiju No. 8 mixes workplace drama with monster warfare, threading in themes of regret, redemption, and aging in a world dominated by youth. The main character, Kafka Hibino, is a 32-year-old janitor-turned-kaiju-fighter—a rarity in a genre often dominated by teenage protagonists.
The manga has sold over 11 million copies in Japan alone, and critics have praised its tight pacing, unique protagonist, and blend of humor with high-stakes battles. Production I.G. (known for Ghost in the Shell and Haikyuu!!) brings that same level of polish and fluid animation to the adaptation, while Studio Khara (famous for Evangelion) supervises creature designs, giving the kaiju a terrifying, biomechanical flair.
What to Expect in Season 2
If the anime continues to follow the manga closely, Season 2 will dive into the First Division arc, where Kafka and other characters face off against increasingly intelligent and strategic kaiju. Expect more screen time for Gen Narumi, deeper lore about the origins of the kaiju, and new high-ranking enemies who challenge the very structure of the Defense Force.
There are also lingering mysteries: Kafka’s control over his kaiju transformation, the true nature of Kaiju No. 9, and the role of mysterious human-kaiju hybrids. All of this is expected to come to a head in the upcoming episodes.
Hype Level: Rising
With a cinematic lead-in, a confirmed premiere window, and the anime community already buzzing about the next wave of action, Kaiju No. 8 is positioning itself as one of the standout anime of 2025. Whether you’re a long-time manga reader or someone who just discovered the series through Crunchyroll, this is the perfect time to get caught up and get hyped.
Recap
“Kaiju No. 8” anime season 2 is scheduled to premiere in July 2025.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Release Window: The second season of “Kaiju No. 8” anime is confirmed to be released in July 2025.
- Jump Festa 2025: The announcement of the July 2025 release was made during the Jump Festa 2025 event.
- Teaser Visual: A teaser visual for the second season was also released during the Jump Festa event.
- New Theme Song: The new ending song for the second season, “Invincible,” is by OneRepublic.
- Compilation Film: A compilation film of Season 1, along with a special episode titled “Hoshina’s Day Off,” will be released in Japanese theaters in 2025.
- Live Event: A live event with the anime’s voice actors is scheduled for June 1, 2025.
- Crunchyroll: Crunchyroll will stream the second season.
Key Takeaways
- Kaiju No. 8’s second season will premiere in July 2025 on Crunchyroll.
- The first season aired from April to June 2024 and was produced by Production I.G.
- The anime is based on Naoya Matsumoto’s popular manga series about monsters and defense forces.
Release Information And Availability
Kaiju No. 8 anime officially debuted in April 2024, with new information now available about future releases including a second season planned for July 2025. The series has quickly gained popularity among anime fans worldwide.
Official Release Date
Kaiju No. 8 first premiered on April 13, 2024. The series launched with a special stream that began at 7:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Fans were able to watch the show with English subtitles right from the initial release.
The anime is based on the popular manga series which has been running since 2020. As of March 4, 2025, the manga has reached 15 published volumes, providing plenty of source material for the anime adaptation.
The second season of Kaiju No. 8 has been officially announced and is scheduled to premiere in July 2025. This information was revealed alongside a teaser trailer that has generated significant excitement among fans.
Streaming Platforms And Accessibility
Crunchyroll serves as the primary streaming platform for Kaiju No. 8. The service made the series available with English subtitles from day one, allowing international viewers to enjoy the show simultaneously with Japanese audiences.
The upcoming second season will also be streamed on Crunchyroll when it premieres in summer 2025. This continuation will maintain the same accessibility for global audiences.
In addition to the main series, there are plans for a “Mission Recon” anime movie. This theatrical release will expand the Kaiju No. 8 universe with a new story. Details about North American distribution for the film are still developing.
Viewers can expect the same high-quality animation from Production I.G for both the upcoming second season and film adaptation.
Plot And Characters
Kaiju No. 8 follows a complex narrative set in a Japan ravaged by monster attacks, focusing on character growth and surprising transformations within the Defense Force framework.
Main Characters Encounters
Kafka Hibino, the protagonist, is a 32-year-old man who works for a kaiju cleanup company after failing the Defense Force exam multiple times. His childhood friend Mina Ashiro has become a powerful captain in the Defense Force, fulfilling the promise they made together to fight kaiju.
Kafka’s life changes dramatically when he accidentally ingests a strange creature, gaining the ability to transform into “Kaiju No. 8” – a powerful monster with human consciousness. This unique situation puts him in a difficult position as the Defense Force’s mission is to eliminate kaiju.
With his newfound powers, Kafka decides to try again to join the Defense Force alongside his younger colleague Reno Ichikawa. Their paths cross with Vice-Captain Hoshina, a skilled and observant officer who becomes suspicious of Kafka’s true nature.
Kaiju-Filled Japan And The Anime’s Thematic Focus
The series takes place in an alternate Japan where kaiju attacks have become commonplace, destroying cities and claiming countless lives. To combat this threat, the government established the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, an elite military organization.
The Defense Force utilizes special weapons and suits to fight these monsters. Their members are respected as heroes in this dangerous world, with different divisions specializing in various combat strategies.
The anime explores themes of perseverance through Kafka’s journey from cleaner to potential hero. Despite his age being considered “too old” by many, his determination drives him forward.
Identity conflict forms a central theme as Kafka struggles with his dual nature. He must hide his kaiju abilities while using them to protect others, raising questions about what truly makes someone a monster or a hero.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans have many questions about the Kaiju No. 8 anime series. Here are answers to the most common inquiries about release dates, streaming options, and future plans for this popular adaptation.
When is the animated adaptation of Kaiju No. 8 expected to premiere?
The first season of Kaiju No. 8 anime already premiered on April 13, 2024. The season aired until June 29, 2024, on TV Tokyo and its affiliates.
Season 2 of Kaiju No. 8 has been officially announced with a release window of July 2025. A specific date within that month has not yet been confirmed by Toho Animation.
Which streaming platforms will host the Kaiju No. 8 anime series?
Kaiju No. 8 had a unique distribution model that included a Twitter simulcast as episodes aired in Japan. The series was also available on various streaming platforms internationally.
For the upcoming second season, streaming platforms have not been officially announced yet. This information will likely be revealed closer to the July 2025 release date.
Has Kaiju No. 8 been confirmed for multiple seasons?
Yes, Kaiju No. 8 has been confirmed for a second season. Toho Animation has officially announced that Season 2 will be released in July 2025.
There has been no announcement about the series ending anytime soon. The manga still has many plot points and storylines that need resolution, suggesting potential for additional seasons beyond the second.
What is the episode count for the first season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime?
The first season of Kaiju No. 8 ran from April 13 to June 29, 2024. The season consisted of episodes that adapted the early portions of the manga series.
Exact episode counts may vary depending on regional distribution and potential special episodes that might have been included.
Will there be a continuation of the Kaiju No. 8 manga in anime form?
Season 2 of Kaiju No. 8 will continue adapting the manga when it releases in July 2025. The manga series is still ongoing with no announced plans for conclusion.
Given the popularity of both the manga and anime adaptation, further seasons beyond Season 2 seem likely as long as source material remains available.
Are there plans for a feature film adaptation of Kaiju No. 8?
A compilation film titled “Mission Recon” has been announced with a premiere date of March 28, 2025, in Japan. This film will run for three weeks in theaters.
Rather than being an original story, “Mission Recon” will collect several episodes from the anime series. No standalone feature film with original content has been announced at this time.
