Summary
InKaiju No. 8, humanity is threatened by incredibly powerful monsters known as Kaiju. Kaiju range from many different levels of power, from Yoju-level threats to Daikaiju that have the power to destroy an entire continent. The only thing that can stop them isthe Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, a corporation of powerful mercenaries that wield incredible power and weapons that can destroy a Kaiju’s core and bring them to mercy. Not everyone is strong enough to apply for a role with the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, but those who can draw out enough power from the Defense Force’s combat suits have the potential to become an officer.
The Anti-Kaiju Defense Force inKaiju No. 8is broken down into five divisions, each providing a number of members that rank from non-combative roles to Captain. Of the five divisions, none rank higher in potential and combat power than the First Division, which also boasts the second-highest number of active members serving the force. Consisting of one Captain, one Vice-Captain, three Platoon Leaders, two Officers, and one non-combat member, the First Division is humanity’s best chance at survival against the most dangerous threats, and is brought out when the situation is deemed near impossible to overcome.
The First Division’s Arrival In Kaiju No. 8
What Makes Them The Strongest Division
The audience ofKaiju No. 8is first introduced to the First Division during the season one finale, following the conclusion ofthe battle between Kafka Hibino and General Isao Shinomiya. While they are not given much time to showcase their abilities in battle, it’s clear that they are important enough to be featured in the last episode as protectors of the General, who proves to be more than capable of handling his own in battle. Gen Narumi, the Captain, is shown towards the conclusion of the season finale, revealing his face for the first time and showcasing an air of confidence and an aura like none other.
Further along in the manga, Narumi and the First Division are introduced more thoroughly, giving a proper invitation into the ins and outs of their division and how they operate. The First Division sharesthe same territory as the Third Division, which doesn’t sit well with either side, as the two divisions are often in conflict. The Platoon Leaders constantly bicker with one another, the Officers put out their chests to determine who is the strongest, while the Captains exchange pleasantries in the style of backhanded compliments. Narumi and Third Division Vice-Captain Soshiro Hoshina are often opposite of one another, both in personality and morale, but share the same goal in mind.
I don’t care about youremotions, yoursituation, orshowing your grit. Show meskillsandresults. - Gen Narumi
Despite the conflict between the two divisions, they are able to put their differences aside in the face of danger and work together, albeit retaining their competitive nature. The First Division is typically brought in during more intense situations, while the Third Division handle most conflicts within their limits. During theKaiju No. 9Daikaiju conflict, both First and Third Divisions work alongside one another to keep the enemies at bay, while the Captains and Vice-Captains lead the charge and take on the more difficult Daikaiju, which are tailor-suited to counter each Captain and Vice-Captain’s strengths and weaknesses.
Exploring The First Division And Its Members
Led By The Strongest Defense Force Captain
Once led by Isao Shinomiya, who was promoted to General of the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, the First Division is known to roster the strongest Platoon Leaders and the Officers with the greatest potential. Gen Narumi’s 98% combat power is a percentage higher than theThird Division Captain Mina Ashiro, making him the most fierce warrior in the corporation. Following the events of the Kaiju No. 9 conflict, both Kafka and Kikoru were transferred over to the First Division, making them the only two Officers to be a part of the team.
Hikari Shinomiya
Former Member, Deceased
Kikoru is also the third Shinomiya to join the First Division, following her Mother and Father. While her Father remained on the board as a General, Kikoru’s Mother sadly passed away during a battle, leaving behind a legacy that Kikoru strives to live up to. Her Mother, Hikari, was revered as one of the finest soldiers to ever wear a combat suit, representing the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force with grace and honor. During battle, it’s noted thatKikoru’s styleis eerily similar to that of her mother’s, despite only watching glimpses of her in action on television.
Third Division Weapons And Who Uses Them
Kaiju-Powered Weapons With Destructive Force
Currently, only two members of the First Division have access toNumbers weapons; Kikoru and Narumi. Kikoru uses a battleaxe with the markingAX-0113, which specializes a vicious attack pattern and gives Kikoru the ability to fly due to a heightened rate of speed. As the Captain of the First Division, Gen Narumi’s Numbers weapon is implanted directly into his retina, enabling him to see into the future and read brainwaves and patterns, helping him dictate the correct approach to taking down an opponent.
While Kafka doesn’t have a special weapon, he is in fact a weapon himself. Using his transforming ability, Kafka’s Kaiju form is of the Daikaiju level and can reach a fortitude of 9.8, one of the largest readings in history. Using this form,Kafka can obliterate Honjuin the blink of an eye and match the strength of Daikaiju, such as Kaiju No. 9. The one drawback to Kafka’s powers is that he may eventually lose control and be unable to revert to his human form, trapping him inside the body of Kaiju No. 8 forever.
While the Platoon Leaders don’t have the benefit of using specialized weapons, they are trained thoroughly to provide back-up to the Captain with their arsenal of weapons and ammunition. While they lack the power to take down a Daikaiju, they are more than capable of handling Honju-level threats and assisting with larger Kaiju.
Kaiju No. 8
Production I.G’s Kaiju No. 8 is a Spring 2024 anime based on Naoya Matsumoto’s Shonen Jump+ manga. Set in an alternate version of Japan, the story follows the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force as they try to protect the nation from monster attacks.
