Enter the world of Kaiju Hachigou (“Kaiju 8 Gou” – 8 in Japanese is “Hachi”), where Japan grapples daily with the menace of monstrous beings. Our protagonist, Kafka Hibino, once harbored grand dreams of joining the defense force to vanquish these Kaiju threats. However, fate dealt him a different hand, relegating him to the grim task of cleaning up the aftermath left by the force’s battles.
Kaiju No. 8, Episode 1. Translation: “Why did you give up?” (Note: Leno is asking why Kafka gave up on joining the defense force).
A chance encounter with a televised feature on his childhood friend turned defense force captain, Mina Ashiro, stirs Kafka’s dormant aspirations. Despite past rejection, he finds solace in his current role, rationalizing it as crucial to the cause. It’s amidst this mundane routine that he crosses paths with Leno Ichikawa, a newcomer to the monster cleaning crew, whose unwavering determination reignites Kafka’s dormant ambitions.
Inspired by Leno’s resolute spirit, Kafka resolves to once again pursue his dream of joining the defense force, with Leno by his side. Their journey intertwines with that of Kikoru Shinomiya, a prodigious candidate for the force who, despite initial brattish behavior, forms an unexpected bond with Kafka.
When I first delved into this manga in 2020, I couldn’t contain my excitement, promptly texting a friend about my discovery: ‘I stumbled upon this thrilling manga called Monster #8 in Jump magazine; mark my words, it’s bound to get an anime adaptation soon!’ My prediction proved accurate, but it took nearly three and a half years for the transition to happen. And lo and behold, the anime’s title turned out to be ‘Kaiju No. 8’ in the US instead of ‘Monster Number 8.’ As someone born in Japan, it brings me joy to witness the widespread acceptance of the term ‘Kaiju’ in the United States.
However, as the narrative unfolds, I find myself grappling with fluctuating levels of engagement. While the early installments elicited genuine laughter and excitement, recent episodes seem mired in repetitive confrontations between the defense force and Kaiju. Though each character receives some development amidst the chaos, the lack of distinct plot twists renders the current story-line somewhat predictable. Nevertheless, I hold onto hope for a resurgence in the narrative’s depth and intrigue beyond the ongoing cycle of boss battles. While my initial fervor may have waned, I remain committed to experiencing the anime adaptation, holding out for a revival of the manga’s early charm.
