“After the destruction of their hometown, childhood friends Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro make a pact to become officers in the Defense Force—a militarized organization tasked with protecting Japan from colossal monsters known as “kaijuu.” Decades later, the 32-year-old Kafka has all but given up on his dreams of heroism. Instead, he cleans up the remains of the slaughtered kaijuu after they are defeated by valiant soldiers—including Mina, who has successfully achieved their shared goal.
Upon meeting his new coworker, Reno Ichikawa, Kafka faces a mirror of his past self: an ambitious young man whose one desire is to fight as a member of the Defense Force. Unfortunately, the two are soon involved in a freak encounter with a rogue kaijuu. Though Kafka demonstrates his innate heroic nature and rescues Reno from certain doom, he is left gravely injured.
While both men recover in a hospital, Kafka is seemingly attacked by another one of the beasts. As a result, he gains the ability to transform into a humanoid kaijuu with the strength and powers of the massive monsters menacing Japan. Dubbed “Kaijuu No. 8″ by the military, Kafka resolves to use his newfound gifts for the greater good. Tied together by mutual respect, Kafka and Reno set out to join warriors like Mina at the forefront of the Defense Force.” – MAL Synopsis
Kaiju No. 8 is one of my favorite anime that I’ve watched in the past few years. It shares a lot of similarities to other anime that I have enjoyed, but it does one major thing that I really love; the characters are adults. It’s just so refreshing to watch an anime with a full cast of adults, especially having a main character that is in his 30s and supporting characters of various adult ages just speaks to me more than an adult and I loved it.
The story wasn’t anything too crazy if you’ve seen any of the anime or shows I listed above. There are a lot of similar story beats here that I think this show does really well. The level of comradery in this show is so nice to see. It’s also echoed a lot in the opening and ending theme songs, which are great. Even the coldest person in this show trusts their comrades, Kafka’s peers have nothing but faith in him and him the same. It’s really inspiring seeing everyone come together, and It’s nice with this setting and the world/nation ending threats that they can potentially face that they have strong bonds and believe in each other.
There are so many relationships that I can pinpoint that send that point home, but probably my favorite is Kafka and Ichikawa. From very early on when they meet in episode one and just the points they’re at in there life where Kafka almost feels like his time and chance to be something has passed due to his age and constant failures while Ichikawa has so much hope in front of him. I love how their relationship grows into this very protective but also encouraging thing. I love Kafka as a character; I think adults of any age can feel some of what he feels about his old age and potential, but he never gives up and I love how he recognizes his current limitations as a human and uses his strength of knowledge about Kaiju to very meaningfully contribute. He uses his experience and mind in every way he can to be of use. It’s cool to watch. I thought his relationship with Ashiro (who is so cool) would be a sore spot but it is so sweet how he keeps trying to chase after her to stand strong by her side like he promised when they were kids and despite his weaknesses and constant failures in the past, she still believes he can do it. It just feels good.
I love Kaiju. I’m a big Godzilla fan and also a big Monster Hunter fan and also a big Pacific Rim fan. This anime has shades of both of those with a little of Attack on Titan mixed in. The premise of a world that has to deal with the threat of Kaiju of various powers is interesting and leads to some cool stuff. Above everything else, that’s what I come to expect with a show like this, and this anime delivered on that majorly. The animation is great, the fight scenes are not only a spectacular but the camera work and choreography of them is a blast and I love the scale of some of these fights. From smaller Kaiju to human sized ones to Godzilla sized, the variety and scale is fun enjoyable and makes every fight fun.
So yeah, Kaiju No. 8 is just a breath of fresh air for me when it comes to anime. I love the premise, the action, the adult characters, and just the feel good nature of everything. When you have characters that believe in each other and root for each on the level as they do in this anime, it just makes the hype action packed moments more hype and when it’s all said and done, it makes you want to celebrate victory with them. This series definitely has the makings to be one of my all-time favorites. I can’t wait for season 2 and I might just read the manga before then.
Kaiju No. 8 – 9/10
