Latest news with #DefenseForce
Kyodo News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
"Kaiju No. 8" Episode 14 "A Fierce Trial for the Next-Gen Members" Details Revealed, Special Program Set for August 5th!
The synopsis and preview images for anime "Kaiju No. 8" Episode 14 (Season 2 Episode 2), titled "A Fierce Trial for the Next-Gen Members," have been released! Additionally, prepare for an exciting "Kaiju No. 8 Day" special broadcast on August 5th, featuring the talented voice cast, including Masaya Fukunishi (Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8), Wataru Kato (Reno Ichikawa), Fairouz Ai (Kikoru Shinomiya), and Koki Uchiyama (Narumi Gen). The second season of the TV anime "Kaiju No. 8" started airing on Saturday, July 19, 2025 and the streaming is currently available on Crunchyroll. Episode 14: "A Fierce Trial for the Next-Gen Members" Synopsis The devastating attack by Kaiju No. 10 on Tachikawa Base has plunged Japan into a new era of crisis. While the fate of Kafka Hibino, detained as "Kaiju No. 8," remains uncertain, the rookie members of the Third Division have been reassigned to different units, each embarking on new missions in their respective postings. Kikoru Shinomiya, now assigned to the elite First Division, known as the "strongest in the Defense Force," heads to greet her new captain, Gen Narumi. However... Exciting News: Special Broadcast Confirmed for "Kaiju No. 8 Day"! Mark your calendars, "Kaiju No. 8" fans! A special livestream event, "Anime GO! Game GO! Kaiju No. 8 Day Special," is officially happening on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 8:00 PM JST. This annual "8th Day" celebration, known for dropping major announcements like anime adaptations and cast reveals, promises to deliver a ton of new information about both the ongoing "Kaiju No. 8" anime (currently in its second season) and the highly anticipated "Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME," set to release this summer. You won't want to miss cast members Masaya Fukunishi (Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8), Wataru Kato (Reno Ichikawa), Fairouz Ai (Kikoru Shinomiya), and Koki Uchiyama (Narumi Gen) as they join forces to hype up everything 'Kaiju No. 8.' Tune in live on the official Kaiju No. 8 X account (@KaijuNo8_O) and the TOHO animation YouTube channel! Program Details Streaming Date and Time: Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 20:00 JST Featuring: Masaya Fukunishi Fukunishi, Wataru Kato, Fairouz Ai, and Koki Uchiyama Streaming Platforms: Official "Kaiju No. 8" X account (@KaijuNo8_O) and TOHO animation YouTube channel About "Kaiju No. 8" Season 2 Synopsis Thanks to Isao Shinomiya, Kafka Hibino avoids being turned into a weapon. As new recruits head to their posts, Kafka meets Gen Narumi, the strongest man in the Defense Force and leader of the First Division. Kafka embraces the power of Kaiju No. 8 to force Gen to recognize his strength. Meanwhile, Kaiju No. 9 lurks in the shadows as the greatest threat the Defense Force has faced awaits. Cast Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8: Masaya Fukunishi Mina Ashiro: Asami Seto Reno Ichikawa: Wataru Katoh Kikoru Shinomiya: Fairouz Ai Soshiro Hoshina: Kengo Kawanishi Iharu Furuhashi: Yuuki Shin Haruichi Izumo: Keisuke Komoto Aoi Kaguragi: Shunsuke Takeuchi Konomi Okonogi: Sayaka Senbongi Gen Narumi: Koki Uchiyama Eiji Hasegawa: Hiroki Yasumoto Rin Shinonome: Kana Hanazawa Isao Shinomiya: Tessho Genda Kaiju No. 10: Kenta Miyake Kaiju No. 9: Hiroyuki Yoshino ©JAKDF 3rd Division ©Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
Kyodo News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
"Kaiju No. 8" Official Report from Anime Expo 2025: Masaya Fukunishi, Nazeeh Tarsha, and English Dub Director Shawn Gann Take the Stage!
With the second season of "Kaiju No. 8" anime on the horizon, Masaya Fukunishi (voice of Kafka Hibino/Kaiju No. 8), Nazeeh Tarsha (English dub voice of Kafka Hibino/Kaiju No. 8), and English dub director Shawn Gann made an appearance at North America's largest anime convention, Anime Expo 2025! We've just received the official report from this event, where both the Japanese and English cast members of "Kaiju No. 8" expressed their gratitude to fans in America. Event Report "Anime Expo 2025," North America's largest anime convention, took place in Los Angeles, USA, from July 3rd to 6th. For their second consecutive year, Masaya Fukunishi, Nazeeh Tarsha, and Shawn Gann participated in the "Kaiju No. 8 Panel Powered by Crunchyroll." The event's scale surpassed the previous year, held in an impressive hall capable of accommodating approximately 7,000 attendees. The fans there, some even cosplaying in Defense Force suits, filled the venue. Even before the panel began, the hall vibrated with chants of "KAIJU." The screening of the "Kaiju No. 8" Season 2 main trailer, titled "Rising Threat," was met with an explosion of applause and cheers. Following the screening, Masaya Fukunishi made a striking entrance, introduced by the MC with makeup mimicking Kaiju No. 8's lightning bolt. Nazeeh Tarsha entered holding a Kaiju No. 8 mask. Dressed in coordinated outfits, Fukunishi carried a Kaiju No. 8 mascot and Nazeeh a Kafka mascot, both beaming and generating excitement among the crowd. Fukunishi energized the audience by asking, "Do you love KAIJU No. 8?" The fans' enthusiastic "YES!" was met with his heartfelt reply, "Me too. I love KAIJU No. 8! I love everyone!" and the panel officially commenced. The event then transitioned to a Q&A session. When questioned about securing the role of Kafka, Fukunishi revealed his deep connection to the character: "I had been reading the manga from the first chapter and always wanted to play Kafka. I even got down on my knees and begged my agency's president, saying, 'Please let me audition for Kafka!'" He animatedly re-enacted this passionate plea as he shared the story. Fukunishi also shared that his most memorable experience was last year's AX, his "first overseas job," which he found "amazing." He was delighted to see many fans return for a second year, stating, "I'm so happy to see so many people coming back to see us this year. I didn't expect such a turnout!" When asked if they would prefer to be a Defense Force member or a Monster Sweeper in the world of "Kaiju No. 8", Fukunishi chose the former. He expressed a desire to wield a spear and even demonstrated monster-slaying techniques using the host, Tim, as a mock kaiju. Nazeeh and Shawn, however, opted for Monster Sweeper, humorously citing the physical demands of the Defense Force, which amused the audience. Fukunishi and Nazeeh also enthusiastically spoke about connecting on social media prior to sharing the stage. Fukunishi then revealed a gift from Japan: a collaborative illustration of Godzilla vs. Kaiju No. 8 by monster designer Mahiro Maeda, displayed on screen. This "dream crossover" of two popular North American kaiju, powerfully depicted, thrilled the fans. The event culminated with a live dubbing of Episode 10, where Nazeeh and Fukunishi's portrayal of Kaiju No. 8 confronting the monster bomb at Tachikawa Base captivated the audience, building their excitement to a fever pitch. During the closing remarks, Fukunishi was visibly moved, tearfully expressing his joy: "I was on the verge of crying listening to Nazeeh and Shawn's passionate words. I'm so happy to be part of such a warm and welcoming stage." He further elaborated on the upcoming second season, stating, "Both my fellow cast members and I are putting our hearts into our voice acting. And we have all the people creating the animation and music. I pray that this becomes a precious work for you and everyone." His heartfelt words resonated deeply with the audience, who responded with enthusiastic applause. The highly successful event concluded with a spirited "Kaiju hachi~? Go~!" call-and-response and a commemorative group photo with the assembled fans. About "Kaiju No. 8" Season 2 Synopsis Thanks to Isao Shinomiya, Kafka Hibino avoids being turned into a weapon. As new recruits head to their posts, Kafka meets Gen Narumi, the strongest man in the Defense Force and leader of the First Division. Kafka embraces the power of Kaiju No. 8 to force Gen to recognize his strength. Meanwhile, Kaiju No. 9 lurks in the shadows as the greatest threat the Defense Force has faced awaits. Cast Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8: Masaya Fukunishi Mina Ashiro: Asami Seto Reno Ichikawa: Wataru Katoh Kikoru Shinomiya: Fairouz Ai Soshiro Hoshina: Kengo Kawanishi Iharu Furuhashi: Yuuki Shin Haruichi Izumo: Keisuke Komoto Aoi Kaguragi: Shunsuke Takeuchi Konomi Okonogi: Sayaka Senbongi Gen Narumi: Koki Uchiyama Eiji Hasegawa: Hiroki Yasumoto Rin Shinonome: Kana Hanazawa Isao Shinomiya: Tessho Genda Kaiju No. 10: Kenta Miyake Kaiju No. 9: Hiroyuki Yoshino ©JAKDF 3rd Division ©Naoya Matsumoto/SHUEISHA ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kaiju No. 8 season 2 premieres soon: Episode 1 release date, time & where to watch Kafka's new mission unfold
The release date and time for Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Episode 1 have been confirmed, marking the return of Kafka Hibino's story in a world overrun by destructive creatures known as Kaiju. The upcoming season will begin with the adaptation of the Kaiju Weapon and Compatible User arcs from the manga, promising further exploration of Kafka's evolving role within the Defense Force. The story will continue to follow Kafka's inner battle with his Kaiju powers and the external threats he faces while trying to integrate into the organization dedicated to protecting humanity. Episode 1 releases on July 19 across time zones Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Episode 1 will be released on Saturday, July 19, 2025. Fans around the world can tune in at different times depending on their region: 11 p.m. JST (Japan) 7 a.m. PT (Pacific Time) 10 a.m. ET (Eastern Time) This official schedule gives viewers in both Japan and international regions the opportunity to start watching the season simultaneously. Crunchyroll continues as streaming platform Fans can stream Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 Episode 1 on Crunchyroll, a platform widely used for anime content globally. Crunchyroll offers both free and premium options — the free tier includes limited content access with ads, while the paid plan provides unlimited viewing without ads. The platform is home to a vast catalog of anime titles, including widely known series like Naruto, Attack on Titan, One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen, making it a go-to choice for anime enthusiasts. What is Kaiju No. 8 about? According to the official synopsis: 'In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno's determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka's promise to join Mina and protect humanity.' The series blends action, friendship, and a personal redemption arc, with Kafka striving to honor his word while confronting his unique Kaiju transformation. With Kafka's journey entering a crucial phase, Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 promises high stakes, deeper battles, and emotional turns.
The Review Geek
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
Kaiju No. 8 – Season 2 'Hoshina's Day Off' Recap & Review
Hoshina's Day Off The special episode of Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 begins with Reno tending to a sick Hibino, who's suffering from a stomach ache due to overeating. With some unexpected free time on his hands, Reno wonders what to do on his day off when he runs into Vice Captain Hoshina, who's also off-duty. Hoshina vaguely hints at having something planned and disappears soon after. Just then, Iharu shows up. While Iharu suspects that Hoshina is headed for a date, Reno bets he's doing extra training to get stronger. They decide to follow Hoshina to find out who's right. Hoshina goes on to buy premium dried squid for Mina, briefly runs into Kikoru and her friends, and drops them off at a restaurant. He also gives Haruichi and Aoi tips on where to buy cheap camping gear. Meanwhile, Iharu and Reno continue tailing him, and eventually all the Third Division new recruits gather together. They spot Hoshina delivering a huge metal box—one that Haruichi immediately recognizes as the type used to store defense gear. Jumping to conclusions, the recruits suspect that Hoshina might be selling their defense gear on the black market. United in their suspicion, they follow him further, until Hoshina finally catches them. It turns out he's been heading to a disaster prevention center owned by a retired Defense Force officer, the same man he had met earlier in the episode. Hoshina was actually donating his old gear to the center, not selling it. The rest of the day is spent at the center, playing with kindergarten children who've come to visit. Just as things settle down, a new kaiju alert sounds. Without hesitation, the entire group, including Hoshina who had been wearing his suit underneath his casual clothes, marches off to face the threat, closing the episode on a high note. The Episode Review Hoshina's Day Off, a special episode before the new season kicks off, leans into Kaiju No. 8's more heartwarming and comedic side, delivering an adorable and lighthearted story. Though it's an extra episode meant to spotlight the supporting cast, it's still very enjoyable, even if it's a little predictable. There's also a clear underlying message here about natural disasters in Japan, with kaiju serving as fictional metaphors. The episode subtly expresses a hope for a future where there are no more 'kaiju' (disasters) to fight, as mentioned by the center's owner. Overall, it's a quirky and thoughtful little detour, one last breath of fresh air before the real battle begins!
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kaiju No. 8 episode 13 release date and time out — Kafka awakens as Kaiju No. 9's plan throws the defense force into chaos
After a gripping season 1 finale, Kaiju No. 8 is set to return with episode 13 on Saturday, July 19, starting the beginning of season 2. The anime will continue streaming on Crunchyroll, with live streaming scheduled for 10:00 AM EST. The episode will also be available for regular viewing at 7:30 AM PST, 10:30 AM EST, and 3:30 PM BST across platforms like Amazon Prime and Crunchyroll's own app and site. Kafka's Berserker battle closes season 1 The last episode of season 1 ended on a powerful note. Kafka Hibino, driven into a berserker state by a parasitic Kaiju, was strong enough to overpower even Isao Shinomiya. While it looked like Kafka would lose control and kill Isao, he managed to stab himself in the heart to prevent any further damage, proving he still had his humanity. This self-sacrificial act halted the fight and served as a pivotal point for his character arc. Episode 12 recap: Humanity tested, identity affirmed Kaiju No. 8 resumes soon | Credit: X Titled 'Kafka Hibino' , episode 12 explored Kafka's internal struggle and his desperate attempt to remain human. As Kafka lay unconscious from his self-inflicted injury, Isao acknowledged that his survival was beyond human capabilities, confirming Kafka's transformation into a Kaiju. Despite this, Isao defended him, saying being a Kaiju didn't make him a threat. This led to a leadership meeting where Isao successfully argued for Kafka to keep fighting as a soldier, not be executed. His defense, along with Mina's support, resulted in Kafka's sentence being postponed. The Third Division celebrated, while Kafka smiled in his hospital bed. Kaiju No. 9 evolves & plots a new attack While the Defense Force dealt with Kafka's fate, a more intelligent Kaiju No. 9 was preparing for a major offensive. Hiding within the city, Kaiju No. 9 evolved to better understand human behavior—even topping an online chess ranking. With his increasing intellect, he revealed his next move: launching an attack on the Defense Force. To execute this plan, Kaiju No. 9 took on a new form and appeared to have cloned himself for backup, making him an even more dangerous threat in the episodes to come. Kaiju No. 8 returns stronger than ever on July 19, promising intense action and deeper challenges for Kafka and his allies.
