If you loved the monster-busting chaos and heartfelt moments of Kaiju No. 8 Season 1, you’re probably counting down the days for Season 2. This anime, based on Naoya Matsumoto’s wildly popular manga, hooked fans with its mix of epic battles, quirky humor, and a lovable underdog hero. With new story arcs, familiar faces, and a confirmed release date, here’s the lowdown on everything we know about Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 so far.

When Can You Watch It?

Get ready to dive back into the kaiju-filled world on July 19, 2025, when Season 2 premieres in Japan. Crunchyroll will stream episodes worldwide at 7:30 AM PT, complete with English subtitles. If you’re waiting for the English dub, it’s likely coming, but we don’t have a confirmed date yet. For folks in Japan, Hong Kong, or Southeast Asia, Netflix will also carry the show, though Crunchyroll remains the main hub for most fans. Oh, and like Season 1, Kaiju No. 8 will keep its unique spot as the only anime streaming globally on X, so you can catch it there too.

Want a little something to hold you over? A special compilation movie, Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon, hit Japanese theaters on March 28, 2025, and Western ones on April 13. It recaps Season 1 and includes a fun new episode, “Hoshina’s Day Off,” which you can stream on Crunchyroll and X starting July 5, 2025, at 7:00 AM PT. It even comes with a new ending song, “Invincible” by OneRepublic, perfect for hyping you up.

What’s the Story This Time?

If you’ve seen Season 1, you know Kafka Hibino’s deal: a 32-year-old dreamer who wants to fight kaiju alongside his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, in the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force. After accidentally turning into a kaiju himself, Kafka’s juggling his new powers and proving he’s no threat. Season 1 wrapped with him passing a big test against Director General Isao Shinomiya, setting up some serious action for what’s next.

Season 2 kicks off after the Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc (think Chapter 38 of the manga) and will likely dive into the Kaiju Weapon Arc and Compatible User Arc, with a部分 of the Cataclysms Arc possibly sneaking in. These arcs crank up the intensity with massive kaiju attacks and deeper looks into what makes our heroes tick. The creepy Kaiju No. 9, a smart and dangerous humanoid monster, is back to wreak havoc, targeting the Defense Force in a huge showdown. Expect wild battles, clever strategies, and Kafka wrestling with being both a hero and a kaiju.

We’ll also meet the First Division, led by the bold and flashy Captain Gen Narumi. Trailers show Kafka teaming up with pals Reno Ichikawa and Kikoru Shinomiya for some epic fights, plus plenty of emotional moments as the team faces tougher challenges. It’s going to be a wild ride with more heart and humor than ever.

Who’s in the Cast?

The voices that brought Season 1 to life are expected to return, keeping the vibe just right. Here’s who you’ll likely hear:

• Kafka Hibino (Kaiju No. 8): Masaya Fukunishi (Japanese) / Nazeeh Tarsha (English)


• Mina Ashiro: Asami Seto (Japanese) / Katelyn Barr (English)


• Reno Ichikawa: Wataru Kato (Japanese) / Adam McArthur (English)


• Kikoru Shinomiya: Fairouz Ai (Japanese) / Abigail Blythe (English)


• Soshiro Hoshina: Kengo Kawanishi (Japanese) / Landon McDonald (English)


• Iharu Furuhashi: Yuuki Shin (Japanese) / Ben Georg Stegmair (English)


• Haruichi Izumo: Keisuke Komoto (Japanese) / Howard Wang (English)


• Gen Narumi: Koki Uchiyama (Japanese) / Aaron Dismuke (English)

Gen Narumi, voiced by Koki Uchiyama (a star from Jujutsu Kaisen), is a new face who’s both goofy and a total powerhouse. His line in the trailer, “Proof I’m the strongest,” hints at some big moments for the First Division’s captain.