After a thrilling run of nearly five years, Naoya Matsumoto’s widely popular manga, Kaiju No. 8, is drawing to a close. Shonen Jump has confirmed that the series will conclude with Chapter 129, leaving fans with just two more chapters to experience the final moments of Kafka Hibino’s journey.
A Swift Conclusion
The announcement of the manga’s ending came as a surprise to many, especially with the recent success of the anime adaptation and the anticipation surrounding the upcoming second season. Chapter 127, released on June 5, 2025, in Japan, included a notice indicating that the series would wrap up in two more chapters. Chapter 128 is scheduled for release on June 20, 2025, meaning the grand finale, Chapter 129, will likely arrive at the end of June, barring any unforeseen delays.
A Look Back at the Journey
Kaiju No. 8 first hit the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump on July 3, 2020, quickly amassing a dedicated following. The series boasts over 18 million copies in circulation, with 15 volumes released in Japan to date. VIZ Media has licensed the volumes in North America, bringing the thrilling story to English-speaking audiences.
The manga tells the story of Kafka Hibino, a man who once dreamed of joining the Japan Defense Force to fight alongside his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. However, life takes an unexpected turn, leaving Kafka cleaning up after Kaiju battles instead. When a sudden rule change makes him eligible for the Defense Force, he decides to give it another shot. But fate has other plans, and Kafka becomes a Kaiju himself, dubbed “Kaiju No. 8,” placing him on the Defense Force’s neutralization list.
The Story’s Impact
Kaiju No. 8 has captivated readers with its fast-paced action, compelling characters, and stunning artwork. The series explores themes of friendship, determination, and the struggle to achieve one’s dreams against all odds. Kafka’s journey has resonated with fans, who have been inspired by his unwavering spirit and his commitment to protecting humanity, even in his monstrous form.
What to Expect in the Final Chapters
With only two chapters remaining, fans are eager to see how Naoya Matsumoto will conclude Kafka’s story. Many questions remain unanswered, and readers are speculating about the fate of the characters and the resolution of the central conflicts.
Unanswered Questions and Fan Theories
- The battle against Kaiju No. 9: Will Kafka and the Defense Force finally defeat Kaiju No. 9, the main antagonist of the series?
- Kafka’s control over his Kaiju form: Will Kafka fully master his Kaiju abilities and learn to control his transformations?
- The future of the Defense Force: What will become of the Defense Force after the dust settles? Will they continue to protect humanity from Kaiju threats?
- Kafka and Mina’s relationship: Will Kafka and Mina’s bond strengthen, and will they continue to fight side-by-side?
Some fans believe that the ending may feel rushed, as the announcement came relatively late in the story. There are concerns that the final arc may have been condensed, potentially sacrificing some of the planned plot points and character development.
However, others speculate that the ending may be a setup for a sequel series, similar to Tokyo Ghoul:re. This theory suggests that the loose ends and unanswered questions could be addressed in a follow-up manga, exploring new characters and storylines within the Kaiju No. 8 universe.
The Future of Kaiju No. 8
While the manga may be ending, the Kaiju No. 8 franchise is far from over. The anime adaptation has introduced the story to a wider audience, and the upcoming second season promises to continue the excitement.
Anime Season 2
The second season of the Kaiju No. 8 anime is scheduled to stream worldwide on July 19, 2025. The anime is directed by Shigeyuki Miya and Tomomi Kamiya at Production I.G., with Ichiro Okouchi handling series composition, Tetsuya Nishio designing the characters, and Yuta Bando composing the music. Crunchyroll will stream the series, bringing the thrilling action and compelling characters to life.
Kaiju No. 8: The Game
Akatsuki Games, TOHO, and Production I.G. are developing Kaiju No. 8: The Game, which is expected to launch on August 31, 2025. The game has already garnered significant attention, with over 300,000 pre-registrations in June 2025.
Spin-offs and Other Media
Kaiju No. 8 has also spawned spin-off stories written and drawn by other manga artists, expanding the universe and exploring different aspects of the world. Additionally, a light novel adaptation has been released, further enriching the Kaiju No. 8 experience.
Where to Read the Manga
Fans can read Kaiju No. 8 on Shueisha’s Manga Plus and Viz Media’s Shonen Jump websites and apps. Both platforms offer the first three chapters and the three latest chapters for free. To access more chapters, a subscription is required.
Subscription Options
- Manga Plus: Offers Manga Plus Max in standard ($1.99/month) and deluxe ($4.99/month) subscription plans.
- Shonen Jump: A subscription costs $2.99 per month and provides access to over 20,000 manga chapters.
A Fond Farewell
As Kaiju No. 8 approaches its conclusion, fans are preparing to say goodbye to Kafka Hibino and the world of the Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force. The series has left an indelible mark on the manga landscape, and its impact will be felt for years to come. Whether the ending brings closure or sets the stage for a new chapter, Kaiju No. 8 will undoubtedly remain a beloved and memorable series for its devoted fanbase.
