Kaiju No. 8 fans eagerly anticipating “Episode 16” of the anime’s second season should note that this refers to the third installment of Kaiju No. 8 Season 2. The highly anticipated second season officially premiered on July 19, 2025. Episode 16, which is Season 2, Episode 3, was released on August 2, 2025.
Crunchyroll, the primary streaming platform for the series, has adopted a continuous numbering system that includes the first season’s 12 episodes and a special prequel. This means that while Season 2 is slated for 11 episodes, its numbering on the platform continues from the Season 1 finale, making Season 2, Episode 3, the 16th episode overall in the anime’s run.
The Road to Season 2: Production and Release Details
The announcement of a second season for Kaiju No. 8 came in December 2024 at Jump Festa, following the conclusion of the first season which aired from April 13 to June 29, 2024. Production I.G continues to animate the series, with Studio Khara overseeing Kaiju designs, maintaining the high visual standards that captivated audiences in the first season.
Before the official Season 2 premiere, a special prequel episode titled “Hoshina’s Day Off” was released on July 5, 2025. This special was also screened in Japanese theaters starting March 28, 2025, alongside a compilation film of the first season. The main second season then kicked off on July 19, 2025, airing on TV Tokyo in Japan and streaming globally on Crunchyroll. New episodes are released weekly on Saturdays.
Season 2’s Narrative Trajectory: What to Expect
The second season of Kaiju No. 8 is set to adapt key arcs from Naoya Matsumoto’s popular manga, including the Kaiju Weapon Arc and the Compatible User Arc. Fans can anticipate a deeper dive into Kafka Hibino’s journey as he grapples with his dual identity as a member of the Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force and a human-Kaiju hybrid, often referred to as “Kaiju No. 8” due to his high fortitude level.
The series is known for its blend of action, comedy, and emotional depth, with a unique premise centered around a 32-year-old protagonist, a refreshing departure from typical shonen tropes. Viewers can expect intense training sequences, the introduction of new characters like Gen Narumi, and high-stakes battles against formidable Kaiju threats. The animation quality from Production I.G has been lauded, promising an aesthetically pleasing and thrilling viewing experience for the new season.
Episode Count and Streaming Information
While Season 1 comprised 12 episodes, Season 2 is planned for an 11-episode run. As mentioned, Crunchyroll’s continuous numbering means the second season’s episodes begin from what would be episode 14 if counting all previous releases including the “Hoshina’s Day Off” special.
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 continues to be exclusively available for streaming on Crunchyroll, with new episodes releasing every Saturday. Release times vary by region, but new episodes are generally available by 7:00 AM Pacific / 10:00 AM Eastern time.
