The much-anticipated compilation film, Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon, is now available for streaming on Crunchyroll following its theatrical runs. This cinematic offering serves as a comprehensive recap of the first season of the popular Kaiju No. 8 anime, complemented by an exclusive new original video animation (OVA) episode titled “Hoshina’s Day Off.”
Theatrical Release and Global Availability
Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon first premiered in Japanese theaters on March 28, 2025, for a limited three-week engagement across 32 venues. Subsequently, Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment brought the film to North American cinemas on April 13, 14, and 16, 2025. Screenings were offered in both Japanese with English subtitles and a full English dub. The film also saw theatrical releases in other regions, including the United Kingdom and Ireland on April 16, and Germany on April 29. It opened in Indian theaters on April 11.
The compilation film is now widely accessible on Crunchyroll, streaming in numerous territories including North America, Central America, South America, Europe, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, the CIS, and the Indian subcontinent. Crunchyroll provides the film with a wide array of subtitle options, including English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Castilian, Arabic, European Portuguese, and Polish. Furthermore, it is available with English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, and Russian dubs.
Content of Mission Recon
Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon provides an action-packed summary of the first season, allowing viewers to revisit the journey of Kafka Hibino. The narrative follows Kafka, a 32-year-old working in monster disposal, who, after a fated encounter, gains the ability to transform into a powerful Kaiju, earning him the moniker “Kaiju No. 8.” His newfound powers lead him to pursue his dream of joining the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force alongside his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, aiming to protect humanity from the ongoing Kaiju threat.
A significant highlight of the compilation film is the inclusion of the new OVA episode, “Hoshina’s Day Off.” This original story, penned by Yūto Tsukuda (creator of Food Wars! Shokugeki no Soma) with a script by Yuichiro Kido (Dr. Stone), delves into a rare day of peace for the Defense Force. The episode follows Reno and Iharu as they become curious about what Captain Hoshina does on his day off, leading to an unexpected mission of tailing him. The American band OneRepublic performs the ending theme song “Invincible (from Kaiju No. 8)” specifically for the “Hoshina’s Day Off” segment of the film.
The Kaiju No. 8 Anime Universe
The original Kaiju No. 8 action manga, created by Naoya Matsumoto, first debuted on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ online website on July 3, 2020. VIZ Media holds the license for the English release of the manga in North America.
The first season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime, animated by Production I.G, premiered on TV Tokyo on April 13, 2024, and consisted of 12 episodes. Crunchyroll streamed the first season weekly in over 200 countries and territories worldwide, simultaneously with its Japanese broadcasts, offering both English subtitles and an English dub. The anime also streamed live on X (formerly Twitter) in real-time as it aired in Japan.
Looking ahead, the second season of the Kaiju No. 8 television anime is slated to premiere in Japan sometime in July 2025. Crunchyroll has also confirmed that it will stream the new season as it premieres.
