Kaiju No. 8 is gearing up for Season 2, following its explosive debut in April 2024. The anime adaptation of Naoya Masumoto’s manga, which started in July 2020 on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ app, quickly became one of the year’s standout launches. With over 15 million manga copies in circulation, the series has captured significant attention.
The new season will feature an original episode titled “Hoshina’s Day-Off,” focusing on Soshiro Hoshina, the vice-captain of the Third Division of the Defense Force. Soshiro is a key character in both the main series and its spinoff, Kaiju No. 8: B-Side. While details about the episode’s plot and release date are still under wraps, Season 2 is scheduled to hit screens in 2025.
Soshiro Hoshina is known for his impressive combat skills against small to mid-sized Kaiju, often outperforming even Gen Narumi, the Captain of the First Division. He hails from the Hoshina Family, a renowned clan of swordsmen with a legacy dating back to the Muromachi period. Their distinctive blade style is still in use today for Kaiju combat.
Additionally, Soshiro is the younger brother of Soichiro Hoshina, the Captain of the Sixth Division, who is considered the “Ultimate Incarnation” of the Hoshina Family. It’s possible that the special episode might include a visit from Soichiro, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
In the anime, Soshiro makes a cameo in Episode 1 and fully debuts in Episode 3. Fans might also get a glimpse of his more relaxed side, as he enjoys reading and coffee, possibly spending his day off in a café.
Aside from the anime, Kaiju No. 8 includes a light novel, two spin-off manga series, and a video game. With multiple awards under its belt, the series’ popularity continues to soar. It follows Kafka Hibino, who gains the ability to transform into a Kaiju. How Kafka’s journey to eliminate Kaiju will unfold remains to be seen. Stay tuned for more updates on Kaiju No. 8