The following contains spoilers for Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 5, “I Want to Be Strong.”
Since the start of the highly anticipated Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, the anime’s battles are only overshadowed by its compelling characters and engaging narrative. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 5 furthers Kafka’s entertaining journey while pushing the beloved anime in exactly the right direction to satisfy fans. Moreover, Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 5 continues the anime’s streak of incredible episodes since the new anime season began. Kaiju No. 8 shows absolutely no signs of slowing down as the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force recovers from their biggest failure.
Isao Shinomiya stood as a beacon of hope for the Defense Force and the people of Tokyo in the story of Kaiju No. 8, and his death weighs heavily on his soldiers. In response to Isao’s death, Kikoru Shinomiya resolves to become stronger, even if she’s too heartbroken to attend her father’s funeral. At the same time, Kafka Hibino grapples with the possibility of turning into a kaiju forever when part of his body fails to revert to its human state. Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 5 proves that the anime’s fresh momentum is here to stay.
Isao Shinomiya’s Death Puts Kaiju No. 8’s Ultimate Plan in Motion
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Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 5 begins with the incredible conflict that has defined the season. The battle first began in Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 2, with Kaiju No. 9’s insect attack on Tokyo. The monstrous kaiju expertly hides his true intentions and completely catches Isao Shinomiya and the rest of the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force off guard. Unfortunately, there is nothing his subordinates can do to save him, and he is absorbed into the creature after the incredible battle in Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 4. His powerful soldiers are grief-stricken and attempt to avenge their fallen leader here and now.
Try as they might, Gen Narumi and Kafka are not enough to incapacitate the beast. Nevertheless, the opening conflict is an incredible start to the episode, demonstrating the outstanding action that has defined the series. At the climax of Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 5, Kaiju No. 9 makes a cunning escape by taking advantage of the Defense Force’s greatest weakness: its humanity. Kaiju No. 9 targets a mourning Kikoru Shinomiya and the unconscious Defense Force operative who aided Isao in the previous episode. Gen and Kafka dutifully throw themselves in harm’s way only for the Kaiju to finally make his escape.
Yet, something about the monster’s plan is utterly fascinating. Kaiju No. 9 to the plan as if it were given to him by someone else. This moment implies that Isao Shinomiya’s consciousness could have been added to Kaiju No. 9’s arsenal, which is a shocking idea. Not only does this suggest that Kaiju No. 9 could become even more intelligent, but that it might learn all the Defense Force’s various secrets. Either way, Isao merging with Kaiju No. 9 likely has more consequences than the anime is ready to reveal.
Kaiju No. 8 Characters Mourn Isao Shinomiya’s Death Along With Anime’s Fans
The battle is followed by a beautifully animated, but tragic scene. The light symbolically fades from Isao Shinomiya’s picturesque office as the Defense Force has been irreparably changed forever. Isao Shinomiya served as a guiding light for the organization, and it will be interesting to see how the institution changes after his death. Either way, the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force’s greatest new objective is revenge on the monster that took their beloved leader.
Isao Shinomiya’s funeral is tragic, but beautiful. Every known character from the anime is depicted, mourning the loss of their inspiring director. Each individual’s reaction provides shocking insight into the depth of their personality. Mina Ashiro is clearly troubled by the newsbut remains stoic in the face of her comrades. Kafka, on the other hand, shows no reluctance about letting his colleagues see his emotional state. He watches the entire procession with tears streaming down his face.
The entire funeral scene shares many striking resemblances to the Third Hokage’s funeral from Naruto. The scene is clearly meant to have the same impact and is given the same weight within both series. There are also many similar shots, including the previously mentioned focus on every character. While there are no outright references, the instance is a beautiful homage nonetheless.
Interestingly, many fans are just as shaken by Isao Shinomiya’s loss as the characters within the anime. He might not have had as much time to shine compared to previous characters, but he was one of the most integral aspects of the plot. Moreover, his relationship with Kikoru offered a compelling aspect for both characters to improve. Sadly, he died before he could ever improve things with his beloved daughter. That said, they will probably receive closure when Kikoru becomes strong enough to avenge her father.
Kaiju No. 8 Fans Can Look Forward to Even More Kikoru Shinomiya Power From Here
Kikoru Shinomiya blames herself for the loss of her father because Kafka and Gen might have prevented Kaiju No. 9 from escaping if he hadn’t targeted her. That said, Kikoru wasn’t the only helpless person on the battlefield, and Kaiju No. 9 would have used any leverage available to escape. Nevertheless, the entire situation has made Shinomiya aspire to grow even stronger than before.
The Defense Force prodigy has now lost both her parents to the kaiju threat and is more determined than ever to eradicate them from the earth. Shinomiya trains with platoon leader Shinonome to improve her skills, but there is a clear disconnect in their abilities. As a platoon leader, Shinonome has more ability and experience than Shinomiya. Yet, that is all subject to change. Gen Narumi has challenged her to become the strongest in the First Division by the end of this month.
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 6 also continues Gen Naurmi’s interesting characterization. He spends the better part of the episode fighting for his life against a Kaiju. Nevertheless, the anime once again demonstrates his immature personality as he is once again scolded by his subordinate for gaming on the job. That said, the aloofness is a key part of Gen Narumi’s character. Narumi is both the immature jerk and the integral defense force figure that the anime makes him out to be.
Through Gen’s extensive guidance, Kikoru could likely become one of the strongest characters in the anime. Kikoru has the extensive motivation needed to become stronger and will likely obtain a named Kaiju Weapon before long. Kikoru’s impressive lineage and untapped potential are enough to secure her a top spot in the Kaiju No. 8 lineup, but she now has one of the best motivations in the anime.
Gen Narumi & Kakfa Hibino Transform Their Dynamic in Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
At the same time as Kikoru is attempting to grow stronger, a shocking truth is revealed about Kaiju No. 8. The more Kafka uses his kaiju abilities, the less his body will transform back into a human. Kafka only has a small blemish on his hand for now, but before long, he could become a full kaiju without any chance to turn back. Nevertheless, his immense willpower will likely prevent him from fully losing himself to the Kaiju.
Gen Narumi is also convinced he needs Kafka’s help to continue the conflict. Narumi understands that he and Kafka are the only two fighters who truly understand what they’re up against. They share a truly touching moment that could redefine their relationship going forward. Like Soshiro HoshinaGen Narumi has gone from pitying Kafka Hibino to relying on him. Kaiju No. 8 continues to reintroduce and build on previous plots to make what is one of the most unforgettable shonen of the Summer 2025 season.
In a similar vein, one of the most shocking reveals of Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 6 happens at the very end of the episode. 3rd Division Vice Captain Soshiro Hoshina makes his season 2 debut and reveals that Kaiju No. 10 is still alive. There is a fair chance the beast will either be made into a weapon or converted into a soldier equipped to fight Kaiju. Either way, Kaiju No. 9’s claim about the era of Kaiju beginning could have been more accurate than anyone could have anticipated.
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 5 pushes the narrative forward with impressive momentum after several well-executed thrilling and emotional sequences. Each member of the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force struggles with Isao’s death in a different way, but it is clear he was loved and respected by all. Kikoru Shinomiya and Kafka Hiino have a difficult but compelling journey ahead of them in the upcoming Kaiju No. 8 saga.
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 is streaming on Crunchyroll.
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, Episode 5 “I Want to be Strong”
- Release Date
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2024 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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TV Tokyo, TV Osaka, TV Aichi, TVH, TVQ, TSC
- Directors
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Kouji Komurakata, Takayuki Inagaki, Yoshihide Ibata, Kazuma Satou, Kazuki Yokoyama, Hitomi Ezoe, Hirotaka Mori, Claire Barbou des Courières, Tetsuharu Nakamura
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Masaya Fukunishi
Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8 (voice)
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Asami Seto
Mina Ashiro (voice)
- Incredible action
- Heartbreaking emotional moments
- Beautiful animation
