Naoya Matsumoto’s popular manga series, Kaiju No. 8, received an anime adaptation last year, which was generally well-received. The anime is set to return for the upcoming summer season, introducing a new character to the mix.
The previous season concluded with Kafka being imprisoned after losing control and attempting to kill Defense Force general Isao. To regain control, he punched himself in the heart, and now the Defense Force wants him to prove his worth by promoting him to the First Division, where he will be under the command of Gen Narumi. Gen, who appears to be a gaming enthusiast, transforms into a formidable fighter when battling kaiju with his massive bayonet rifle, and he expects his new team members to showcase their “overwhelming strength” as they face even more formidable beasts. Gen is likely to become a fan favorite in the anime, having appeared in the final chapters of the Kaiju No. 8 spinoff, B-Side.
In preparation for the new season, Toho is releasing a recap film for season one, titled Mission Recon. The 119-minute movie will also feature an original episode where Reno and Iharu follow Hoshina and discover what their friend does on their day off. Mission Recon will be screened in theaters in the US and Canada on April 13, 14, and 16, with both subtitled Japanese and English dub options. The “Hoshina’s Day Off” episode will also include a new ending theme song by OneRepublic, titled “Invincible.”
Tickets for Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon are now available for purchase here. The anime is still scheduled to air new episodes on Crunchyroll starting in July.
Boom First Division Captain Gen Narumi, reporting for duty. #KaijuNo8 pic.twitter.com/1kQip3v8FP
— KAIJU NO. 8 (@KaijuNo8_O_EN) March 22, 2025
For more io9 news, check out the upcoming release dates for Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek projects, as well as updates on the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
