During the Jump Festa 2026 Super Stage event on December 20, the Kaiju No. 8 anime officially announced a “final arc” for its ongoing adaptation, promising to bring Naoya Matsumoto’s popular manga towards its conclusion. Alongside this significant news, an original short anime titled “Narumi’s Ordinary Days,” focusing on the character Gen Narumi, was also revealed.
The Kaiju No. 8 Final Arc: Heading Towards a Climactic Conclusion
The “final arc” announcement signals the impending culmination of the anime’s adaptation of the highly successful Kaiju No. 8 manga. The manga itself concluded with Chapter 129 in July 2025, having surpassed 19 million copies in circulation. While specific details regarding the format and release date of the anime’s final arc are yet to be confirmed, the announcement generated considerable excitement among fans.
A new visual and promotional video for the final arc were unveiled, showcasing intense battles with evolved kaiju, the uncertain fate of Isao Shinomiya (who has been absorbed by Kaiju No. 9), and Kafka’s unwavering resolve as Kaiju No. 8. The anime’s second season finished airing in September 2025, setting the stage for this next phase. The manga’s final chapters, particularly “The Last Wave Arc,” focused on Kafka’s arduous battle against Kaiju No. 9 and the Daikaiju of the Meireki Era, leading to his sacrifice and subsequent return with hybrid powers.
“Narumi’s Ordinary Days”: A Glimpse into Gen Narumi’s Life
In addition to the main series’ conclusion arc, an original short anime titled “Narumi’s Ordinary Days” was announced. This spin-off project is being created to celebrate Gen Narumi’s birthday and will focus on his everyday life. This follows a similar special episode, “Hoshina’s Day Off,” which was screened in March 2025. Gen Narumi is known as the strongest man in the Defense Force and the leader of the First Division, and a focus on his daily life offers a unique perspective on a key character.
The Legacy of Kaiju No. 8
Kaiju No. 8, created by Naoya Matsumoto, began its serialization on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app and website in July 2020. The series quickly gained popularity for its unique premise: Kafka Hibino, a man in his 30s who, after failing to join the Japan Defense Force multiple times, gains the ability to transform into a kaiju and subsequently becomes known as Kaiju No. 8. The anime adaptation, produced by Production I.G with Studio Khara supervising kaiju designs, first aired in April 2024.
The franchise has seen significant success, with its game adaptation, Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME, exceeding 750,000 pre-registrations and launching worldwide in August 2025. Creator Naoya Matsumoto expressed his continued involvement and enthusiasm for the franchise, stating that “Kaiju No. 8 as a work is far from over. I plan to keep throwing out ideas nonstop.” This suggests that even after the anime’s final arc and the manga’s conclusion, the world of Kaiju No. 8 may continue to expand through various projects.
The announcements at Jump Festa 2026 underscore the franchise’s enduring popularity and its continued expansion across different media, promising fans both a grand finale and fresh perspectives on beloved characters.
