The highly anticipated second season of Kaiju No. 8 is poised to captivate audiences once again, with a new trailer released by TOHO Animation showcasing the thrilling continuation of this monster-filled saga. Premiering on July 19, 2025, the anime promises an electrifying mix of action, emotion, and new characters, underscored by a poignant ending theme, “Beautiful Colors,” performed by the American band OneRepublic. The trailer, titled Ishi no Keisho (Succession of The Will), also introduces a new cast member, Kotono Mitsuishi, who joins the series as Hikari Shinomiya, a pivotal figure in the Kaiju No. 8 universe.
The latest trailer for Kaiju No. 8 Season 2, unveiled by TOHO Animation, offers a glimpse into the escalating stakes of the series, highlighting intense kaiju battles and the emotional journey of its characters. OneRepublic, returning after their successful contribution to Season 1 with Nobody, delivers a new ending theme, Beautiful Colors, which promises to strike a deeper emotional chord. In a statement shared via the official Kaiju No. 8 website, the band expressed their hopes for the song’s impact:
The message that I would share with all the Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 fans was that I hope from the bottom of my heart that you love this song as much as you love “Nobody”. It's a totally different style of song but I hope you feel the emotion that we created for this season, for this series. We want people to leave feeling a lot more emotional and I hope the song resonates. Just like “Nobody” did, we can jump and dance together but with “Beautiful Colors”, maybe we can cry with each other too.
This shift to a more emotive tone suggests that Season 2 will delve into the personal struggles and sacrifices of its characters, complementing the high-octane action that defined the first season. The trailer also previews the opening theme, “You Can’t Run From Yourself,” performed by Norwegian singer-songwriter AURORA, setting the stage for a season that balances intensity with introspection.
Kotono Mitsuishi Brings Hikari Shinomiya to Life
Adding to the excitement, veteran voice actress Kotono Mitsuishi joins the cast as Hikari Shinomiya, the late mother of Kikoru Shinomiya and a formidable Defense Force officer. Mitsuishi, known for her iconic roles in anime, brings depth to Hikari, a character who embodies both strength and tenderness. In a statement from the official Kaiju No. 8 website, Mitsuishi shared her approach to the role:
She's a woman so strong and cool-headed as a Defense Force officer that it's hard not to admire her—and yet at home, she's a loving, devoted mother. I made sure to portray her with grace and vitality. I can't help but think that if this were a world without Kaiju, she would have lived a happy life with her family... Since her appearances are limited, I cherished the moments she spends with Kikoru, Isao, and her colleagues. I believe Hikari's feelings live on in both her husband and daughter.
Hikari’s character is expected to play a significant role in Kikoru’s arc, particularly as the young officer joins the elite First Division and wields a new weapon, as teased in the trailer. Mitsuishi’s performance is poised to add emotional weight to the season, emphasizing the legacy of sacrifice within the Defense Force.
What is Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 about?
Based on Naoya Matsumoto’s hit manga, serialized in Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ since 2020, Kaiju No. 8 has become a global phenomenon for its unique blend of kaiju action, character-driven storytelling, and humor. The manga, which concluded with chapter 129 in July 2025, follows Kafka Hibino, a man who gains the ability to transform into a humanoid kaiju after a freak accident. Dubbed “Kaiju No. 8” by the Defense Force, Kafka uses his powers to protect humanity while concealing his dual identity.
Season 2 picks up after the events of the Kaiju No. 8 Captured Arc, diving into the Kaiju Weapon Arc and Compatible User Arc, with elements of the Cataclysms Arc potentially included. The story follows Kafka as he navigates his role in the Defense Force, facing new challenges and powerful adversaries. The season introduces Gen Narumi, the First Division’s formidable captain, whose presence shakes up the team dynamics. Meanwhile, the menacing Kaiju No. 9 continues to threaten the Defense Force, setting the stage for massive showdowns. Kikoru Shinomiya’s journey takes center stage as she joins the First Division, grappling with her mother’s legacy and wielding a new weapon to combat the growing kaiju threat. The season promises to deepen the exploration of Kafka’s struggle to balance his humanity and monstrous power, alongside the emotional and tactical challenges faced by the Defense Force.
Where to Watch Kaiju No. 8 Season 2
Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 premieres on July 19, 2025, at 11:00 p.m. JST (7:30 a.m. PT) on TV Tokyo and its affiliates in Japan, with weekly episodes airing every Saturday. For international audiences, the series will be available for streaming on Crunchyroll with English subtitles and dubs, as well as on X, where it will be simulcast worldwide in real time. Fans can also catch up on Season 1 and the special OVA Hoshina’s Day Off, which became available on Crunchyroll and X on July 5, 2025, following its theatrical release alongside the compilation film Kaiju No. 8: Mission Recon.
With its blend of heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and a stellar cast, Kaiju No. 8 Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch for anime fans. As the world braces for more kaiju chaos, the legacy of Hikari Shinomiya and the emotional resonance of “Beautiful Colors” will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact.
Sources: TOHO Animation YouTube channel, official website and official X account of Kaiju No. 8 anime
