Summary
Kaiju No. 8follows the story of Kafka Hibino and his journey to becoming an officer for the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force while concealing his secret of harnessing the power of a Kaiju in his body. Though he fails many times, his one last chance to impress sees him barely squeak in, earning the role as Cadet with the potential of earning a full-fledged role as an Officer if he can improve his skills. Though his motivation to become an Officer is based off a promise as a child to a friend, his main goal once he lands this position is to join the side of that friend, Mina Ashiro. Mina is the captain of the Anti-Kaiju’s Third Division inKaiju No. 8, representing the division as its strongest warrior.
Though the two formed a bond during their childhood and the anguish they both faced, caused by a Kaiju attack, Mina and Kafka went down opposite paths in adulthood. While Mina serves the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force,leading the third divisionand destroying Kaiju with her cannon, Kafka is a member of the Kaiju Cleaning Company. Though Mina is as fierce and strong as the other captains of the Defense Force, there’s a vulnerability to her that creeps up from time to time. When she reminisces about the past, and the words Kafka once told her, the audience learns that she has a memory that haunts her, despite her physical strength.
Mina Ashiro’s Introduction In Kaiju No. 8
One Of The Best Debuts In The Series
During the opening sequence of Episode 1, titled “The Man Who Became a Kaiju”, the audience is introduced to Mina and her potential as a Kaiju hunter. A large threat is destroying the city and causing massive damage to the infrastructure, yet is swiftly taken down by a single blast from Mina’s cannon, indicating how high her combat power is. Combat power is determined by a Kaiju hunter’s ability to draw out the strength of the suit they wear, which brings out massive rewards to its user, such as increases to their strength and speed. Mina stands above all in the Third Division in this regard, sporting an unbelievable96% combat power.
From the magnificent visuals delivered by Production I.G, known for its work on series such asHaikyu!!andPsycho-Pass, to the quality of sound design,Mina’s entrance inKaiju No. 8is on another level. A cool and confident appearance, standing tall over the behemoth Kaiju, while her animal companion remains by her side, is a visual that is sure to leave an impression on its audience. In this debut, Mina demonstrates her physical ability and leadership qualities, commanding a troop from the Third Division to scout the area, while she handles the biggest threats of all with relative ease.
The introduction is fitting for her character, and the anime does Mina’s entrance justice. Although she is perfectly suited for combat and can control her emotions at any given moment, Mina remains more on the quiet side. Mina has a high sense of duty and knows her place in the order of superiority, yet treats her fellow officers and vice-captain with respect and dignity, holding them to the highest of standards.
Mina Has History With Kaiju Monsters
A Troubling Past Leads To Redemption
In the first episode ofKaiju No. 8’s first season, the audience is treated to some flashback sequences featuring Mina and Kafka as children. In these flashbacks, the audience learns thata Kaiju attackhas devastated their town, destroying their homes, and leaving them in shambles. Mina is seen crying over the loss of her cat, who was sadly caught in the crossfire, leading to Kafka pledging that he will destroy all Kaiju. Though Mina is timid, she declares that she too wishes to become an officer for the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force, citing that she will be the cooler office between the two children.
During their studies, Mina contemplates the complexity of Kaiju and the knowledge that comes with hunting and killing them. Kafka’s eagerness to learn everything there is to know overwhelms Mina, opening up her concerns about facing Kaiju that are much larger than she is. Through a naive and innocent child-like approach, Kafka preaches that they have what it takes to join the Defense Force, promising her that he’ll be there for her whenever she is scared. Though Mina laughs it off as a corny, anime-like sentiment, she thanks Kafka for the reassurance and gains the confidence to continue learning.
Though the audience isn’t treated to more of the past, and the bond between Mina and Kafka, the moments that are displayed help paint the picture of how Mina grew as an Officer-turned-Captain. The fire had been lit once the Kaiju destroyed her city, and Kafka was the fuel needed to burn the fire to greater heights, helping her gain confidence and blossom into the Third Division Captain in the present.
Mina Plays A Big Part In The Defense Force
The Captain Of The Third Division
Mina’s presence as theAnti-Kaiju Defense Force’s Third Divisionis one that is respected among all her troops. Her ability to keep a calm composure while leading her division and taking down large Kaiju has been known to inspire others to join the Defense Force. Kafka’s class, specifically the male applicants, all admit to being inspired by Mina’s presence, wishing to one day gain the confidence and strength she has. Though that may not be possible, her silent charisma and power are a reassuring presence to have when the battle begins to get tough and her cannon can strike down anything in its path.
As a Captain of the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force,Mina also has access to specialized weaponsthat are tailored to her strength. During a conversation with Soshiro Hoshina, the Vice-Captain of the Third Division, the audience learns that she excels against large-sized Kaiju but struggles with medium and smaller-sized Kaiju. This leads to her using weapons like the T-25101985 Cannon and the Anti-Giant-Class Kaiju Rail Gun, both of which are perfect for the larger Kaiju. Mina also sports a special visor to help amplify her vision and locate targets, pinning down their exact coordinates before firing off a shot.
The credentials of Mina far exceed taking down the large-sized Kaiju, as seen in episode one. With the help of her Third Division, Mina led the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force to several victories, including battles against Kaiju No. 10 and Kaiju No. 14, as well as single-handedly taking down Six Supergiant-class Kaiju. Her combination of being a master marksman and possessing a 96% combat power rating make Mina a force to be reckoned with, and her leadership skills are sure to motivate anyone that follows her lead, even when the battle feels lost.
Kaiju No. 8
Production I.G’s Kaiju No. 8 is a Spring 2024 anime based on Naoya Matsumoto’s Shonen Jump+ manga. Set in an alternate version of Japan, the story follows the Anti-Kaiju Defense Force as they attempt to protect the nation from monster attacks.
