Kaiju No. 8 Episode 2: Kikoru Shinomiya Introduced as Kafka and Ichikawa Get Closer to Their Dreams

The second episode of Kaiju No. 8 was officially released on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Fans eagerly anticipated this continuation of the highly anticipated Spring 2024 anime series and were not disappointed. Along with some humorous moments showcasing Kafka’s new abilities, the episode also explored his pursuit of his dreams and the significance they hold for him.

Similarly, the second episode of Kaiju No. 8 further delved into the bond between Kai and Mina Ashiro, unveiling a childhood connection that was previously unknown to fans. Mina also takes on the task of investigating Kafka’s transformation into a Kaiju, and her initial lead leaves her greatly surprised and perplexed.

Kaiju No. 8: Episode 2 – The Defense Force Entrance Exams

Kaiju No. 8: Episode 2 – Exploring New Powers

Kaiju No. 8 episode 2 opens by fittingly revealing that Mina Ashiro and her Third Division will be pursuing Kafka (Image via Production I.G)

The second episode of Kaiju No. 8 opened with a flashback to Kafka Hibino and Mina Ashiro after their town was attacked by Kaiju. In the flashback, Kafka is teasing Mina for the promise she made to defeat all the Kaiju together. The focus then shifts to the present, where Mina is preparing to mobilize her Third Division to handle a report of Kafka being seen in his Kaiju form.

Inadvertently, Kafka’s newfound strength caused significant damage to the room. This caught the attention of additional individuals at the hospital, leading Ichikawa and Kafka to decide that they should exit through the window.

After witnessing Kafka flee from the hospital, Mina and Soshiro Hoshina were informed of the events in episode 2 of Kaiju No. 8. While they were running, Ichikawa asked Kafka if it was truly him, and he revealed his body had transformed into a grotesque form beyond his control. However, he eventually returned to his “normal”Kaiju state and began to panic, expressing a desire to die.

Kafka struggles to control his transformations throughout Kaiju No. 8 episode 2 (Image via Shueisha)

Despite Ichikawa’s attempts to inspire him, Kafka still questioned what would happen and if he could still join the Defense Force. However, Ichikawa advised against it, causing Kafka to feel defeated that his dream of being with Mina was now completely unattainable. As they searched for a secluded area, Kafka suddenly sensed the presence of another Kaiju approaching.

In the second episode of Kaiju No. 8, Mina Ashiro divided a portion of her Third Division to handle the second Kaiju, while Ichikawa and Kafka made their way towards the new monster. Meanwhile, a young child desperately attempted to rescue her mother. The mother urged her daughter to flee as the approaching Kaiju found their hiding spot. Just as the two were on the verge of being engulfed, Kafka arrived and delivered a powerful punch that sent the Kaiju flying several blocks away.

Despite being taken aback by his own power, Kafka mustered the courage to approach the young girl and inquire about her well-being. Understandably, she was frightened, but thankfully Ichikawa arrived and was able to calm them both down. Together, they were rescued from the area. With a determined punch, Kafka summoned all his strength and an electric aura began to crackle around him as he charged up for the impending battle against the Kaiju.

Kaiju No. 8 episode 2 sees Kafka utterly eviscerate a Kaiju with his new form's full power (Image via Production I.G) — Kaiju No. 8 episode 2 sees Kafka utterly eviscerate a Kaiju with his new form’s full power (Image via Production I.G)

In episode 2 of Kaiju No. 8, Kafka displayed his full power and disintegrated the Kaiju, causing blood to rain down in the surrounding area. Ichikawa was shocked and expressed that Kafka would never be capable of doing that to a human. Despite Kafka’s attempts to talk to the girl once more, she remained terrified. This led him to kneel beside her and assure her that the Defense Force would arrive soon and he would leave shortly.

As Kafka departed, he left Ichikawa behind with the family. Just as he was leaving, the daughter called out to him and thanked him, triggering a memory of Mina thanking him in a previous flashback. This prompted additional scenes from the flashback to play, showing the two playing together as children. These images caused Kafka to envision a future where he and Mina fought side by side in the Defense Force.

In episode 2 of Kaiju No. 8, Kafka informed Ichikawa that he needed to leave, assuring him that he would not give up on his dream as he reverted back to a partially human form. Shortly after, Mina and her team appeared and questioned what had occurred. She approached the young girl and inquired about the sighting of a Kaiju, initially startling her. However, Mina reassured her by stating that she would take care of all Kaiju threats.

Kaiju No. 8: Dead Dreams Given New Life

Kaiju No. 8 episode 2 continues to see Ichikawa devote himself to Kafka following episode 1’s events (Image via Production I.G)

The girl then pleaded with her not to harm “the kind Kaiju,”explaining that it had previously saved her mother. Mina was visibly taken aback by this revelation. The media had named Kafka’s Kaiju form “Kaiju No. 8″and it had been three months since he became the first Kaiju ever to break free from the Defense Force. Ichikawa then added that this was a historic event.

In the second episode of Kaiju No. 8, Ichikawa and Kafka both received letters about their entrance exams for the Kaiju Defense Force. Ichikawa opened his letter and was relieved to learn that he had been accepted. He also opened Kafka’s letter and, after seeing the results, brought it to him with a smile. Their colleagues at work were rooting for Kafka’s success in joining the Defense Force, and Ichikawa happily informed Kafka that he had passed.

After hilariously being revealed in his Kaiju form, he eventually reverted back to his human form. Ichikawa suggested that Kafka would be happier, to which Kafka replied that he typically fails in the second round. Despite Ichikawa’s warning about the dangers of his transformations, Kafka insisted on taking the second exam as it was his final opportunity due to his age. He believed that he had to take the risk.

In episode 2 of Kaiju No. 8, Ichikawa left to change into his cleanup attire while Kafka rejoiced in successfully reaching the second exam once more. The scene then shifted to 10 days later, on the day of the second exam at Defense Force’s Tachikawa Base. There, they observed the other candidates who had arrived and were engaging in different pre-exam traditions.

The pair was then approached by a young girl, who introduced herself as Kikoru Shinomiya. She kindly requested that they relocate their vehicle, as they were currently occupying spot 55 which happened to be her lucky number for the day. She then offered to move their car herself, removing her overcoat to reveal a Defense Force suit underneath.

As she had promised, she proceeded to lift their car with one hand and relocate it to another spot. However, in the process, she accidentally caused damage by throwing it. In episode 2 of Kaiju No. 8, Ichikawa then recognized her last name and Kikoru approached Kafka to inquire if he was aware of his Kaiju-like scent, as the episode drew to a close.

In Review

Following a successful debut, episode 2 continues to expand on the foundation set by its predecessor in the most effective manner. Although the animation may have slightly decreased in quality due to the circumstances of the events, the humor and character growth more than compensate for it.

Despite this, the small amount of action in Kaiju No. 8 episode 2 impresses greatly and serves as a significant way to develop Kafka’s character. The gratitude shown by the little girl also hints at the direction the series may take, with the eventual reveal of Kafka’s true identity to the public.

In summation

In summary, the second episode of the anime is a great continuation of the first, with a captivating plot and the introduction of a new character who will likely be featured in future episodes. As the Defense Force exams are currently taking place, viewers can anticipate plenty of exciting action in the upcoming installments.