The much-awaited Kaiju No. 8 ending brought the required conclusion to the anime’s first season. With Kafka’s fate up for discussion amongst the Defense Force authorities and the Third Division’s faith in him, Kaiju No. 8 episode 12, “Kafka Hibino”, was an eventful installment.
Kaiju No. 8 episode 12: Recap
Kaiju No. 8 episode 12 aired on Saturday, June 29, 2024, for majority of viewers across the globe. The edition began with a discussion between Ichikawa and Furuhashi as they exercised. The former explained why he was ready to switch divisions. He added that he wanted to get as strong as possible so Kafka would not have to save him like he always had to.
Hearing Ichikawa’s clarification, Furuhashi felt motivated to also become stronger. However, he was in disbelief that Kafka would be spared. In the next scene, Mina Ashiro was summoned to the Defense Force Headquarters. There, she was asked to wait for Isao Shinomiya.
Finally, the focus shifted to Isao fighting against Kafka in his Kaiju form. Per the previous episode, Kafka lost control of the Kaiju’s body, leading the monster to launch fatal blows on director Shinomiya. Trapped and helpless, Kafka tried his best to stop the Kaiju, because he did not want to kill him in front of Kikoru.
The episode then reveals that Shinomiya listened to his daughter to give Kafka a chance. Although he had the opportunity to kill him while he was human, he wanted to trust Kafka’s humanity. Kafka and Isao engaged in a monstrous battle where the latter used Kaiju No. 2’s abilities.
Although Kafka had the upper hand, he did not want to kill Isao. At the same time, his resistance led to the Kaiju swallowing him. He became unconscious but saw a young Mina reaching out to him. This gave him the required push and he damaged the Kaiju’s core from the inside.
As Kafka broke free from the Kaiju’s control, he announced he was Kafka Hibino, not Kaiju No. 8. Subsequently, the protagonist passed out, prompting the First Division commander, Gen Narumi, ready to kill him. But, Isao stops him. Instead, he asks him to be catered to by the medics.
Kaiju No. 8 episode 12 recap: Kafka’s fate is decided
Having tested Kafka, Isao conducted the board meeting with fellow higher-ups and Mina. The authorities asked Mina to state her history with Kafka and his involvement as a Defense Force officer.
Mina spoke truthfully and testified to his commitment to the Defense Force. The board members hesitated and connected Kafka’s involvement as an officer with his Kaiju powers. However, Mina remained resolute in advocating for his humanity, prompting a flashback where he stayed with her as she mourned her cat’s death.
This causes a commotion amongst the board members, following which Mina was dismissed. The episode then shows Kafka living the same flashback, reminiscing on his desire to help Mina but being helpless in her sorrow.
Later, Isao announces his decision to use Kafka as a living weapon instead of turning him into a weapon through traditional means. While the board members protested, Isao attributed this decision to the frequent appearance of strong Daikaiju recently. He believes Kafka’s involvement as a Kaiju could help the Defense Force have an edge over their formidable enemies.
Kaiju No.8 ending spoilers: Kaiju No. 9 schemes to control humanity
Isao visited Kafka and showed him the scar on his chest. The Defense Force Director pointed out how a normal human heart could not have survived the damage that he survived. However, Kafka promises to show his worth and prove his humanity to the Defense Force.
Meanwhile, the news of Kafka being spared spreads across the Third Division, eliciting celebrations. While Kikoru seemed happy, she felt the need to be stronger to stop Kafka if the situation called for it.
The season ended with a focus on Kaiju No. 9 who attempted to hack human intelligence by playing multiple chess games with several players online. He stated his motive to retrieve the Kaiju power that fell into human hands, setting the stage for an exciting new season.
