Kaiju No.8centers around Kafka Hibino’s journey from an ordinary man to a kaiju-shifting hero where he follows his dream of becoming part of the Defense Force to fight against monsters. As he trains to become part of this team of heroes, Kafka must hide his true identity while also using his newfound ability for the greater good. However,the story could have taken a different turnthat would have resulted in a completely different dynamic for Kafka.
Instead of pursuing his dream,Kafka could have decided to hide his identity as a kaijuand attempt to live as a normal man.In an interviewwith Editor-in-chief Seijiro Nakaji, it was revealed that he and Naoya Matsumoto considered two very different paths for Kafka’s story. Nakaji explained,
“We had considered two directions. One where Kafka leads a normal life while hiding his true identity, and the other where he pursues his dream even after becoming a monster. Either way, it would’ve resulted in entirely different stories, but based on Matsumoto’s wishes, the current direction was chosen.”
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Kafka’s Hidden Identity Would Have Created a Darker Narrative
An Interesting Dynamic Could Have Changed Kaiju No. 8 Completely
If Kafka had instead chosen to abandon his dreamand completely hide his kaiju identity, the series would have taken on a darker and more suspenseful tone. In this version, Kafka’s life would then be dominated by his now unattainable dream, andthe fear of exposure or rejection from those he cares about. He would be forced to live in hiding, hoping that the Defense Force, and especially his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro, wouldn’t figure out his secret.
This would change Kafka’s relationship with the supporting characters as well, including Reno Ichikawa. For Reno to be included in the series as a supporting main character, there is a chance that he, too, would have had to abandon his dream of joining the Defense Force to instead aid Kafka. Either that, or he would have joined the Defense Force in order to keep Kafka informed. As for the rest of the Defense Force, it’s likely the vast majority would either be written off or written as dangers to Kafka’s life.
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The Defense Force would be the greatest threat to Kafkaif he instead chose to hide his identity. This could potentially add layers of tension and mistrust toKafka’s otherwise easygoing personality. It would shift the anime from an action/comedy to something closer to a psychological thriller, where Kafka’s everyday life is fraught with danger and every decision could lead to disaster for Kafka.
A World Without Kafka’s Dream
Beyond Kafka’s relationship with the supporting cast and the tone of the storyline, the overall theme ofKaiju No. 8would be fundamentally different. In the current story, Kafka is driven by his desire to fulfill hislifelong dream and join his childhood friend Mina Ashiro, in defending against monsters. This gives the anime a hopeful and inspiring tone as Kafka overcomes even the most unexpected obstacles to achieve his goals. If he were to lose this and focus solely on survival, the narrative would shift, becoming instead more about the struggles of living in a world that no longer feels like home.
Had he instead chosen to hide his identity, it would lead to a more isolated Kafka and the story would likely focus more on his internal struggle rather than the external battles against kaiju. In this storyline, Kafka would likely only use his kaiju powers as a means of survival or escape from the Defense Force, rather than use them in the name of the greater good.
Some fans have criticizedKaiju No. 8for quickly abandoning its initial premise of a hero who worked a humble job (cleaning up after Kaiju disasters) and didn’t follow the traditional shonen path. Had Matsumoto and Nakaji chosen to go down this alternate path, the very foundation ofKaiju No. 8would have been a completely different storyline.
Kaiju No. 8
Cast
Kaiju No. 8 follows Kafka Hibino, who dreams of joining The Defense Force alongside childhood friend Mina Ashiro in a world beset by Kaiju. Kafka’s path diverges as he works cleaning up post-battle, but his encounter with Reno Ichikawa reignites his vow to defend humanity. Released in 2024.
