Does Godzilla Appear in Kaiju No 8?
Kaiju No 8 has the potential to become one of the most popular anime of the year, showcasing the intelligence of Naoya Matsumoto’s storytelling. Set in a future where gigantic monsters roam the Earth, the narrative follows an ordinary man who has the ability to transform into a kaiju.
However, he must keep this ability a secret, as the military is heavily armed to combat these monstrous threats. Nevertheless, he continues to seek ways to contribute to the protection of mankind, aided by a trustworthy friend.
With such a premise, one might wonder if Godzilla is connected to the storyline of Kaiju No 8, or if any other Toho legends will make an appearance.
Unfortunately, Godzilla will not be part of Kaiju No 8 and will not appear in the series.
A Unique Storyline
Kaiju No 8 is an original creation by Naoya Matsumoto, completely independent from Godzilla or any other Toho monsters, including Mothra and King Ghidorah.
While Godzilla has a significant link to this genre, the term “kaiju” actually refers to any giant creature, and Kaiju No 8 borrows only a slight concept, featuring a protagonist who transforms into a kaiju, reminiscent of Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan.
The Plot of Kaiju No 8
In Kaiju No 8, the Earth is increasingly threatened by various monstrous beings. The story revolves around Kafka Hibino, a young man working for a waste management company who inadvertently becomes a kaiju after being bitten by one, granting him the ability to transform into a giant monster. Kafka must learn to harness his newfound powers to survive through intense trials, especially to impress a colleague he has a crush on.
Despite possessing the strength to become a powerful monster, Kafka has to keep his transformation a secret from the Japan Defense Force’s Kaiju Defense Agency.
Godzilla’s Influence
Throughout this seinen anime, viewers will notice many elements reminiscent of Godzilla. From the battles against kaiju that resemble a massive extermination campaign to the ominous atmosphere surrounding the monstrous beings, Godzilla’s iconic presence looms large over the genre. Kaiju No 8 is no exception.
