In this post, we take a closer look at the current status of the series “Kaijuu 8-gou”, also known by the following titles:
- Kaiju No. 8
- 怪獣8号
- 8Kaijuu
- Monster #8
- Kaiju No. Eight
- Kaiju #8
Status#
Based on our analysis, the series is NOT FINISHED. ❌
Here’s how we reached that conclusion:
- Some related entries are still listed as ongoing on MyAnimeList
- The series is listed as not ended on Trakt
- The original source material has not been fully adapted, according to MangaUpdates
Taken together, these points indicate that Kaijuu 8-gou is still ongoing in some form.
Watch order#
Kaijuu 8-gou ↗ ↖
怪獣8号
Summary
Grotesque, Godzilla-like monsters called "kaijuu" have been appearing around Japan for many years. To combat these beasts, an elite military unit known as the Defense Corps risks their lives daily to protect civilians. Once a creature is killed, "sweepers"—working under the Professional Kaijuu Cleaner Corporation—are left to dispose of its remains.Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old man, is unsatisfied with his job as a sweeper. From a young age, he has aspired to join the Defense Corps and kill kaijuus for a living. After a few failed attempts, however, he gave up on his dreams and resigned himself to the mediocrity that provided a decent paycheck. Nevertheless, when an ambitious, 18-year-old recruit named Reno Ichikawa joins his cleaning team, Kafka is once again reminded of his desire to join the military.
Following a chain of unfortunate events and an interaction with the junior sweeper, Kafka encounters a parasite-type kaijuu that forces its way in through his mouth—turning him into a humanoid monster. With his newfound powers, Kafka aims to give his lifelong dream a final try.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
Background
Kaijuu 8-gou was nominated for the 14th Manga Taisho Award and placed sixth in the final ranking in 2021. It ranked third in the 2022 Kono Manga ga Sugoi! for the Male Readers division. The series was simulpub digitally in English as Monster #8 through MANGA Plus. The volumes have been published in English as Kaiju No. 8 by VIZ Media under the Shonen Jump imprint since December 7, 2021. It has also been released in Polish by Studio JG since October 29, 2021; and in Italian by Edizioni Star Comics since March 16, 2022.
Kaijuu 8-gou: Micchaku! Dai-3 Butai ↗ ↖
怪獣8号 密着!第3部隊
Summary
Extra! Extra! Read all about the Third Division! After all, who wouldn't want to memorize every little tidbit about the talented folks saving Japan from the threat of monstrous kaiju? In this exposé, you'll get an exclusive sneak peek into the lives of the heroes, including new recruits Kafka and Reno and their brutal training, star soldier Kikoru Shinomiya and the story behind her weapon, and Vice-Captain Hoshina and his secret worries! Want to know more about the Third Division? Read on!(Source: VIZ Media)
Background
Kaijuu 8-gou: Micchaku! Dai-3 Butai was published in English as Kaiju No. 8: Exclusive on the Third Division by VIZ Media under the Shonen Jump imprint on December 3, 2024.
Kaijuu 8-gou ↗ ↖
怪獣8号
Summary
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.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
Kaijuu 8-gou: Relax ↗ ↖
怪獣8号 RELAX
Summary
Join the top troops of the Third Division of the Japan Defense Force, a military organization tasked with the neutralization of kaiju, on their days off! Kafka Hibino attempts to bare his soul in meditation, only to end up baring something else. Then, an off-duty Captain Mina Ashiro blows off steam at the arcade, Reno Ichikawa confronts his fear of ghosts, a curious cadet sets out to glimpse Vice-Captain Hoshina's eyes and uncovers a sweet surprise, and Kikoru Shinomiya finally spends time with her friends.(Source: VIZ Media)
Background
Kaijuu 8-gou: Relax has been published in English as Kaiju No. 8: Relax by VIZ Media under the Shonen Jump imprint since December 2, 2025.
Kaijuu 8-gou Movie ↗ ↖
怪獣8号
Summary
In a Kaiju-filled Japan, Kafka Hibino works in monster disposal. After reuniting with his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, a rising star in the anti-Kaiju Defense Force, he decides to pursue his abandoned dream of joining the Force... when he suddenly transforms into the powerful "Kaiju No. 8." With help from his junior colleague Reno Ichikawa, Kafka hides his identity while striving towards his life-long dream of passing the Defense Force exam and standing at Mina's side. But when mysterious intelligent Kaiju attack a Defense Force base, Kafka faces a crucial decision in a desperate situation...(Source: Official site)
Kaijuu 8-gou: Hoshina no Kyuujitsu ↗ ↖
怪獣8号 保科の休日
Summary
A day off... After spending so long training, Reno has forgotten what he's supposed to do with free time. But when he sees that Hoshina is up to something, he goes on a mission to tail him with Iharu!(Source: Official site)
Kaijuu 8-gou 2nd Season ↗ ↖
怪獣8号 第2期
Summary
Following the massive operation that led to the confinement of recent recruit Kafka Hibino, otherwise known as Kaijuu No. 8, the Defense Force has been puzzled by how to deal with him. Kafka is the first kaijuu to side with humans, and after careful consideration, he is eventually transferred to the Defense Force's First Division in the hope of adding his power to the strongest division, capable of handling any threat. However, some people are still doubtful about Kafka, and he must prove his worth in the next mission.Kafka and the First Division are soon dispatched when a massive horde of ant-like kaijuu begins wreaking havoc. Thanks to the combined strength of Kafka’s friend Kikoru Shinomiya and their captain, Gen Narumi, the mission seems to progress as it should. However, when Kafka fails to transform into his kaijuu form, the dreadful Kaijuu No. 9 joins the battle with only one goal—to eliminate him and steal his power. Although the situation is looking grim, Kafka must overcome his most difficult trial yet with the others if he wants to keep pursuing his dream: fighting side by side with his childhood friend and Third Division captain, Mina Ashiro.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]
Kaijuu 8-gou Tokubetsu-hen: Hoshina no Kyuujitsu ↗ ↖
怪獣8号特別編 保科の休日
Summary
The bonus episode included with the Kaijuu 8-gou movie is now a manga one-shot! How will the rookies of the third division deal with mysterious Vice-Captain Hoshina and the secrets of his day off?(Source: MANGA Plus)
Background
Kaijuu 8-gou Tokubetsu-hen: Hoshina no Kyuujitsu was published digitally as an English simulpub as Kaiju No. 8: Hoshina's Day Off through MANGA Plus.
Kaijuu 8-gou: Kanketsu-hen ↗ ↖
怪獣8号 完結編
Summary
Final chapter of Kaijuu 8-gou.
Kaijuu 8-gou: Narumi no Heijitsu ↗ ↖
怪獣8号 鳴海の平日