Naoya Matsumoto’s highly popular manga series, Kaiju No. 8 (known in Japanese as Kaijū Hachigō), officially concluded its serialization on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ platform on July 18, 2025, with its 129th chapter. The final, 16th tankōbon volume of the series was subsequently released on September 4, 2025. This news follows earlier hints from the author that the story was reaching its climax.
Adding to the franchise’s ongoing momentum, a “final arc” for the Kaiju No. 8 anime adaptation has been officially announced. This significant revelation came during the Jump Festa ’26 event in December 2025, accompanied by a new teaser trailer and the announcement of an original anime short titled ‘Narumi no Heijitsu’.
The Journey of Kaiju No. 8: From Debut to Denouement
Kaiju No. 8, written and illustrated by Naoya Matsumoto, first began its serialization on the Shōnen Jump+ app and website on July 3, 2020. The series quickly garnered a massive following, praised for its unique premise and engaging action. It became the fastest Shōnen Jump+ series to reach 1 million copies in circulation and by July 2024, its total domestic circulation surpassed 15 million copies.
The story is set in a Japan frequently assaulted by gigantic monstrous creatures known as kaiju. It follows Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old who works on a clean-up crew disposing of kaiju remains. After a chance encounter, Kafka himself gains the ability to transform into a humanoid kaiju, earning him the designation “Kaiju No. 8” from the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, the very organization he longs to join alongside his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. His newfound powers allow him to pursue his dream of fighting kaiju, navigating the complexities of his dual identity.
Manga’s Epic Conclusion
The manga’s conclusion with Chapter 129 in July 2025 marked the end of a five-year serialization run that captivated readers worldwide. The final chapters brought to a head the long-running conflict, notably the intense battle against Kaiju No. 9, which many fans speculated would be the ultimate antagonist. The ending revealed that protagonist Kafka Hibino, after a significant sacrifice, was able to regain his human form while retaining his hybrid powers, continuing to fight within the Defense Force with his identity as Kaiju No. 8 kept secret for security. The series finale underscored themes of friendship and fulfilling promises, as Kafka returned to the Third Division, fighting alongside his comrades.
The Anime’s Forthcoming “Conclusion Arc”
While the manga has concluded, the Kaiju No. 8 anime adaptation is set to bring its own climactic narrative to the screen. The announcement of a “final arc” for the anime at Jump Festa ’26 confirmed that the animated series will continue to adapt the concluding events of Matsumoto’s original work. The first season of the anime, animated by Production I.G with Studio Khara handling creature designs, aired in 2024. A second season is expected to premiere in July 2025.
The newly announced “Conclusion Arc” for the anime was accompanied by a high-stakes trailer, depicting a massive kaiju invasion and the Japan Defense Force’s desperate reliance on Kafka. This suggests an exhilarating on-screen rendition of the manga’s final battles. Additionally, the original anime short, ‘Narumi no Heijitsu’ (Narumi’s Weekday), is expected to provide insights into the daily life of Gen Narumi, the First Division Captain and Japan’s strongest anti-kaiju combatant.
Enduring Legacy and Future Prospects
The Kaiju No. 8 franchise has expanded beyond the main manga, including a light novel, Kaiju No. 8: Exclusive on the Third Division, and spin-off manga such as Kaiju No. 8: B-Side and Kaiju No. 8 Relax. An upcoming game adaptation, Kaiju No. 8 THE GAME, is also slated for launch later in 2025, with a demo shown at Anime Expo 2025.
The conclusion of the manga marks the end of a significant chapter for fans, yet the ongoing anime and expanding multimedia projects ensure that the battle against the kaiju, and the story of Kafka Hibino, will continue to resonate for years to come.
