The manga Kaiju No. 8 is drawing to a close after a nearly five-year run. Naoya Matsumoto’s popular series, serialized on Shonen Jump+, will conclude with Chapter 129. This announcement was made following the release of Chapter 127 on June 5, 2025.
A Swift Conclusion
Chapter 127 included the notice that the series would wrap up in just two more chapters. Fans can anticipate the release of Chapter 128 on June 20, with the grand finale, Chapter 129, expected shortly thereafter. Barring any delays, the series could conclude near the end of June.
What to Expect
As the manga races toward its conclusion, readers are left wondering how Matsumoto will wrap up Kafka’s story and whether all the plot threads will be resolved in time. Key questions remain about the fates of the characters and the resolution of the central conflicts.
A Look Back
Kaiju No. 8 debuted on Shonen Jump+ on July 3, 2020. Since then, it has garnered a massive following, boasting over 18 million copies in circulation and 15 volumes released. VIZ Media has licensed the manga in North America, where it is available in English.
The series follows Kafka Hibino, who dreams of joining the Japan Defense Force to fight alongside his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. However, life takes them in different directions. While working as a cleaner of Kaiju remains, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa, whose determination reignites Kafka’s desire to protect humanity. An unexpected turn of events transforms Kafka into a Kaiju, code-named Kaiju No. 8, placing him on the Defense Force’s neutralization list.
Anime Adaptation
The Kaiju No. 8 anime adaptation, directed by Shigeyuki Miya and Tomomi Kamiya at Production I.G., has further amplified the series’ popularity. Ichiro Okouchi handles the series composition, Tetsuya Nishio designs the characters, and Yuta Bando composes the music. Crunchyroll streams the anime, describing the story: “In a world plagued by creatures known as Kaiju, Kafka Hibino aspired to enlist in The Defense Force. He makes a promise to enlist with his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Soon, life takes them in separate ways. While employed cleaning up after Kaiju battles, Kafka meets Reno Ichikawa. Reno’s determination to join The Defense Force reawakens Kafka’s promise to join Mina and protect humanity.”
Season 2 of the anime is set to stream worldwide on July 19. Additionally, a special episode, “Hoshina’s Day Off,” will stream on July 5.
What Lies Ahead
The conclusion of the Kaiju No. 8 manga marks the end of an era for fans who have followed Kafka’s journey. As the series approaches its final chapters, the focus will be on how Matsumoto delivers the ending and whether the impact of Kaiju No. 8 will endure in the manga and anime landscape.
