Kaiju No. 8 was a surprising anime for me. At first, I thought it would be a serious story about a man using his new Kaiju powers to fight the very creatures he had become. While the anime does have its serious moments, it’s not what I expected. The protagonist, Kafka Hibino, isn’t an angry or bitter fighter. Instead, he’s a relatable and humorous character, which makes Kaiju No. 8 stand out in the world of shonen anime. It’s no wonder it’s nominated for Anime of the Year at the 2025 Anime Awards.
The World of Kaiju No. 8
In the world of Kaiju No. 8, Kaiju can disrupt daily life, and the most respected job is being part of the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force. These brave fighters protect people from the destruction caused by Kaiju. Kafka has dreamed of joining the Defense Force since he was a child. He made a promise to his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, that they would fight Kaiju together. However, while Mina has become the Captain of the Third Division, Kafka has failed the Defense Force test multiple times. Instead, he works on the cleanup crew, dealing with the messy aftermath of Kaiju battles.
Kafka’s Journey
After so many failures, you might think Kafka would give up or take on a mentor role for younger applicants like Reno Ishikawa and Kikoru Shinomiya. The series even hints at this when Kafka teaches Reno the ropes of cleaning Kaiju remains. But Kafka isn’t ready to give up on his dream. At 32 years old, he decides to make one last attempt to join the Defense Force before he reaches the age limit of 33. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes a Kaiju after a strange encounter.
Kafka’s Reaction to Becoming a Kaiju
Instead of reacting with anger or self-loathing, Kafka responds with a mix of fear and humor. He now has incredible strength, able to crush buildings and defeat Kaiju with ease. But he also has to deal with the challenges of being a Kaiju, like figuring out how to smile without scaring children. Despite these changes, Kafka doesn’t abandon his dream. He continues with his plan to join the Defense Force while trying to understand his new abilities.
The Humanity of Kafka
Kafka’s ability to maintain his sense of humor and determination in the face of such a drastic change adds a layer of humanity to the story. It’s refreshing to see a protagonist in his thirties who doesn’t let failure or unexpected challenges stop him. Kafka’s journey is a reminder that adults can still pursue their dreams, even when life doesn’t go as planned.
Kafka’s Life Experience
One of the most compelling aspects of Kaiju No. 8 is how Kafka’s life experience shapes his character. At 32, Kafka has faced numerous failures and setbacks. He’s not the prodigy like Kikoru or the accomplished leader like Mina. Instead, he’s just a guy who’s been trying to make it in a world that hasn’t always been kind to him. But this life experience gives him a unique perspective and resilience. When he becomes a Kaiju, he doesn’t let it derail his plans. Instead, he adapts and keeps moving forward.
Learning from Younger Peers
Kafka’s interactions with his younger peers in the Defense Force are another highlight of the series. Instead of feeling threatened or jealous of their success, Kafka is inspired by them. He shows that it’s possible to learn from those who are younger and more talented. This is a valuable lesson for anyone, especially those who might feel like they’re too old to chase their dreams. Kafka’s attitude reminds us that age is just a number, and it’s never too late to pursue what you’re passionate about.
The Message of Kaiju No. 8
Kaiju No. 8 delivers a powerful message about perseverance and adaptability. Kafka’s journey is a testament to the idea that it’s okay to fail and that success often comes from learning how to pivot when things don’t go as planned. His ability to stay positive and keep moving forward, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is an inspiration to viewers of all ages.
Why Kafka Resonates with Older Viewers
For older viewers, Kafka’s story is particularly relatable. Many of us have faced setbacks and challenges in our lives, and it’s easy to feel like it’s too late to achieve our dreams. Kafka’s journey reminds us that it’s never too late to try again. His resilience and determination are a source of inspiration, showing that age and experience can be assets rather than obstacles.
Conclusion
Kaiju No. 8 is more than just an anime about fighting Kaiju. It’s a story about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. Kafka Hibino’s journey is a reminder that it’s okay to fail and that success often comes from learning how to pivot when things don’t go as planned. His ability to stay positive and keep moving forward, even in the face of overwhelming odds, is an inspiration to viewers of all ages. Whether you’re in your twenties, thirties, or beyond, Kafka’s story is a testament to the idea that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.