The original short anime for Kaiju No. 8 (Kaijuu 8-gou), titled “Narumi no Heijitsu” (Narumi’s Weekday), has been confirmed to stream in four episodes starting September 5, 2026, on the YouTube “TOHO animation” channel and other platforms. Alongside the announcement, a promotional video was released, as well as the event visual for the standalone special event “Defense Force Boot Camp in Tachikawa” and a birthday visual for protagonist Hibino Kafka.
About the Series
Kaiju No. 8 is a kaiju battle action manga by Matsumoto Naoya, serialized in Shueisha’s manga app “Shounen Jump+” and concluded in July 2025. The series has exceeded 19 million copies in cumulative domestic circulation (including digital versions) across all 16 volumes. Its popularity extends beyond Japan, gaining many fans in North America and overseas.
Original Short Anime “Narumi no Heijitsu”
The anime adaptation, with animation production by Production I.G and kaiju design & works by Studio Khara, saw its first season air and stream from April 2024, generating huge excitement worldwide. The second season concluded in September 2025. Amid anticipation for a sequel, the “Jump Festa 2026” event in late 2025 announced the production of a “concluding arc” and the original short anime “Narumi no Heijitsu,” sparking major buzz.
“Narumi no Heijitsu” is based on a story concept by Watanabe Kizuku, who also writes the spin-off manga Kaijuu 8-gou RELAX in Saikyou Jump. The short anime depicts the far-from-ordinary weekdays caused by Narumi Gen, the strongest man in the Japan Defense Force.
The newly released PV offers a first look at the actual episode footage, capturing various expressions of Narumi not seen in the main series, and hints at the activity of characters who have had limited screen time so far. Despite being a short movie, it promises a packed, thrilling ride.
Event: Defense Force Boot Camp in Tachikawa
An event visual has also been revealed for the standalone event “Anime Kaiju No. 8 Defense Force Boot Camp in Tachikawa,” to be held on October 24 at the series’ sacred ground, Tachikawa. The visual features the characters in autumn-themed outfits, a rare departure from their usual defense force suits.
The event will include popular recurring segments such as “live dubbing” and “boot camp projects,” and this year will also feature a completely new, original scripted reading drama. Tickets for the event, packed with exclusive content, are now in their second lottery pre-sale period starting today.
Kafka’s Birthday Visual
Today, August 5, is “8-gou no hi” (No. 8 Day) and also the birthday of protagonist Hibino Kafka. To commemorate, a special birthday visual has been unveiled. It shows Kafka eagerly eating, with affectionate (?) messages from his comrades Reno and Kikoru. The visual captures a candid moment of a defense force member who usually throws himself into serious battles. Birthday visuals for other characters are also planned for release, so stay tuned.
Staff and Cast
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Original Story | Matsumoto Naoya (Shueisha Jump Comics) |
| Story Concept | Watanabe Kizuku |
| Director | Miyashige Shigeyuki |
| Character Design | Nishio Tetsuya |
| Kaiju Design | Maeda Mahiro |
| Art Director | Kimura Shinji |
| Color Design | Hirose Izumi |
| 3D Director | Shingaki Shun |
| Director of Photography | Arai Eiji |
| Editing | Yamajou Yuka |
| Sound Director | Gou Bunyuki |
| Music | Bandou Yuudai |
| Kaiju Design & Works | Studio Khara |
| Animation Production | Production I.G |
Cast: Narumi Gen: Uchiyama Kouki
Streaming Schedule
Starting September 5, 2026, every Saturday at 20:00, four episodes:
- September 5: “Shoutaichou no Honne-hen” (The Squad Leader’s True Feelings)
- September 12: “Fukutaichou no Nayami-hen” (The Vice Captain’s Worries)
- September 19: “Nishi no Aitsu-hen” (That Guy from the West)
- September 26: “Douki no Kizuna-hen” (The Bond of Comrades)
Event Details
Title: Anime Kaiju No. 8 Defense Force Boot Camp in Tachikawa
Date & Time: October 24 (Saturday), Doors open 12:00, Show starts 13:00
Venue: Tachikawa Stage Garden (3-3 N1, Midori-cho, Tachikawa, Tokyo 190-0014)
Cast (scheduled): Fukunishi Masaya (Hibino Kafka/Kaiju No. 8), Seto Asami (Ashiro Mina), Kato Wataru (Ishikawa Reno), File-chan (Shinomiya Kikoru), Kawanishi Kengo (Hoshina Soushirou), Arataki Yuuki (Furuhashi Iharu), Uchiyama Kouki (Narumi Gen), Yasumoto Hiroki (Hasegawa Agei)
Ticket Prices (all tax included): Goods S Seat: 13,000 yen / S Seat: 11,000 yen / Goods A Seat: 10,500 yen / A Seat: 8,500 yen. Bonus goods: Japan Defense Force issued metallic bottle.
Official Second Lottery: August 5 (Wed) 18:00 – September 6 (Sun) 23:59. Results: September 16 (Wed) 15:00. Payment: September 16 (Wed) 15:00 – September 23 (Wed) 23:59.
General Sales (first-come): September 25 18:00 – October 4 (Sun) 23:59. (C) Defense Force 3rd Unit (C) Matsumoto Naoya / Shueisha
