Kaiju No. 8 Episode 11: Kafka Taken into Custody as Isao Shinomiya is Officially Introduced

The eleventh episode of Kaiju No. 8 maintained its thrilling focus on the reveal of Kafka Hibino’s secret and the subsequent consequences that led to his capture by the Kaiju Defense Force Command. This episode was officially released on Saturday, June 22, 2024, and introduced several new characters as Kafka fought for his survival.

In spite of this, episode 11 of Kaiju No. 8 did make an effort to confirm that Kafka still has allies within the Defense Force, particularly within the Third Division. Additionally, viewers witnessed Kikoru appealing to her father Isao Shinomiya (who is formally introduced in the episode) on behalf of Kafka, shedding light on their respective backgrounds.

Kaiju No. 8 Episode 11: Isao’s Personal Vendetta Against Kafka

Brief episode recap

Kafka's fate is discussed amongst Kaiju Defense Force leaders in Kaiju No. 8 episode 11 (Image via Production I.G) — Kafka’s fate is discussed amongst Kaiju Defense Force leaders in Kaiju No. 8 episode 11 (Image via Production I.G)

The 11th episode of Kaiju No. 8 opened with a discussion among the higher-ups of the Kaiju Defense Force about the situation with Kafka. This is where Deputy Director Keiji Itami was introduced.

Juzo Nogizaka, Chief of Staff for Eastern Command, followed with his proposal to keep the situation discreet, after which Itami concurred and decided to eliminate Kafka and transform him into a weapon. A scientist then suggested the possibility of utilizing Kafka as a living weapon.

As Director General Isao Shinomiya began his introduction, he announced that Kafka would be brought in and a decision would be made. The attention then turned to Kafka, who was visibly subdued at Tachikawa Base. He expressed his frustration with the situation and acknowledged that Mina Ashiro was likely angry with him. Just then, Mina entered with Soshiro Hoshina, and Kafka attempted to apologize to both of them, but his apologies were rejected.

In Kaiju No. 8 episode 11, Kafka was escorted outside and saw the entire Third Division standing in full uniform. He accepted this treatment and was then accompanied by Mina and Hoshina into a van. As he passed Reno Ichikawa, he couldn’t bring himself to meet his gaze.

As he entered the van, Kafka believed that Ichikawa was angry with him. However, Ichikawa unexpectedly broke formation to express his confidence that Kafka would return.

Mina Ashiro makes it quite clear that the Third Division is behind Kafka in Kaiju No. 8 episode 11 (Image via Production I.G)

Kafka was bewildered as the van’s door closed, and Mina informed him that she would punish him for speaking out of turn.

After witnessing Kafka’s heroic actions to save everyone, Mina explained to him that she was surprised by his abilities but it was in line with his character. She also shared that she is actively trying to prove his humanity and clear his name, assuring him that the Third Division does not see him as a threat.

In episode 11 of Kaiju No. 8, Mina took care of the protocol, but Kafka interrupted her to ask if he could still stand by her side. She assured him that she would always be waiting for him, causing him to break down in tears.

At Tachikawa Base, Hoshina had the entire Third Division salute as Kafka’s convoy departed. Itami observed his actions closely, and Hoshina explained that he wanted the Division to salute Mina. Itami agreed, noting that they couldn’t be saluting a Kaiju.

The attention then turned to Ariake Maritime Base, where Kafka was being held under high security. As the days passed, Reno and the rest of the group were visibly troubled by the events, with Reno in particular feeling especially upset. They also discussed him, acknowledging that he was a good person but understanding that the final decision was not in their hands.

Kaiju No. 8 episode 11 sees Reno especially bothered by Kafka's current status (Image via Production I.G) — Kaiju No. 8 episode 11 sees Reno especially bothered by Kafka’s current status (Image via Production I.G)

In episode 11 of Kaiju No. 8, Mina requested that Konomi Okonogi gather the necessary evidence to support Kafka’s claims.

While Hoshina continued to oversee the cleanup efforts, he also discussed the importance of Kafka’s return in order for them to engage in a true battle. The attention then turned to Kikoru Shinomiya, who sought out her father to plead for Kafka’s survival. However, her efforts were met with resistance as Isao presented her with a file containing Kafka’s chest x-rays, which showed that his heart had transformed into a Kaiju core.

Isao claimed that he was not a human, but a Kaiju like the one that had killed his wife and her mother. Despite Isao’s request for Kikoru to leave, she refused and expressed her belief in Kafka before departing.

At this point, the attention turned to Kafka, as he reaffirmed his determination to rejoin the Third Division. Mina then disclosed to the new recruits of the Third Division that the current state of Tachikawa Base was not conducive for their training, and thus they would be temporarily reassigned to other divisions for training.

In episode 11 of Kaiju No. 8, she explained that the reason for this move was because the Kaiju appeared to be plotting something and they needed to further train and develop their skilled recruits.

Despite the opposing views of the others, Reno gladly concurred. Aoi and Izumo then proceeded to utilize their connections with JSDF and Izumo Tech in order to assist Kafka. They both acknowledged Kafka as their ally, and the attention turned towards him as he contemplated Mina’s words in containment.

Upon being observed by Kikoru, Isao appeared in his battle attire and then proceeded to request the release of Kafka’s restraints, prompting Kafka to believe that he could possibly sway Isao’s decision.

Nevertheless, Isao wasted no time in firing at him and then tore into the man’s chest to obtain a blood sample. He firmly believed that a being capable of withstanding bullets with just its skin could not possibly be human.

In episode 11 of Kaiju No. 8, Kafka confidently declared his humanity, causing Isao to equip the No. 2 weapon and declare his plan to eliminate Kaiju No. 8.

Despite Kafka’s decision to only partially transform in order to prove his humanity, Isao charged at him and managed to remove one of his arms using the No. 2 weapon. Itami and the rest of the group remarked on Isao’s incredible strength, even as Kafka’s transformation continued.

After a brief game of cat and mouse, the two engaged in a fierce battle. Isao managed to land several hits on Kafka, causing him to lose his limbs and prompting him to transform in order to regenerate. Kafka quickly realized that his Kaiju detector was reacting to the No. 2 weapon and began dodging to protect himself.

Itami clarified that No. 2 had been converted into a weapon after its death and that Isao was the only compatible user. It was then that Kafka realized the weapon’s true identity as one of the Numbers, becoming overwhelmed by the revelation.

In episode 11 of Kaiju No. 8, Kafka fully transformed, prompting Isao to remark that he had finally revealed his true form.

Kikoru and Isao both became aware that something was amiss when a crack suddenly appeared on Kafka’s face. This caused Kafka to release a ferocious roar, and the focus shifted to his mental realm where he was confined within his own physical form.

Upon seeing the Kaiju that had infected him at the beginning of the series, Kafka began to repeat the words “kill”and “Kaiju.”It was evident that he had lost control of himself as he roared and moved in a monstrous manner instead of fighting like a human. The episode concluded with Kafka charging at Isao while Kikoru called out and questioned his humanity.

In Review

One of the standout qualities of Kaiju No. 8 episode 11 is its subtle moment, which sheds light on the fact that Kikoru and Isao have lost their mother and wife to a Kaiju in the past.

The revelation of this information just before Isao’s fight with Kafka adds an additional dimension to his actions and explains why he is determined to prove that Kafka is a Kaiju.

This further highlights the potential discrimination Kafka could experience if he were to survive the current events in the series. This seemingly insignificant line serves as a foreshadowing of future plot developments.

The anime’s strengths are showcased in this microcosm, as it surprisingly delves into deeper themes despite being in the initial stages of the series.

In summation

“The eleventh episode of Kaiju No. 8 sets the stage for an exciting finale to the first season, which will likely provide a definitive answer on Kafka’s ultimate destiny.”

Despite the uncertainty of this answer, viewers can anticipate the final moments of the finale to lay the foundation for a second season, possibly with a focus on No. 9, who has been absent in recent episodes.