In Kaiju no 8 episode 12, the stakes are higher than ever for Kafka Hibino.

The battle to prove his humanity has finally begun.

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Defense Force Commanding Officer, Director General Isao Shinomiya, put Hibino to the ultimate test, questioning whether he was truly human or a monster that could threaten the safety of the Defense Force and the civilians they protect.

Brace yourself for Kaiju no 8’s explosive season 1 finale next week.

Kaiju no 8 episode 11 recap

Kaiju no 8 main characters Kafka Hibino and Reno Ichikawa seen shocked in season 1 episode 2 as the featured image of ONE Esports article 'Best 5 anime like Kaiju no 8 for massive monsters lovers'
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In episode 11, titled “Kaiju No. 8 Captured,” the truth about Kafka’s monstrous transformation is revealed to the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force’s top brass, led by Director General Isao Shinomiya.

Following the raid on Tachikawa Base, the Third Division was ordered to transport Kafka to the Defense Force’s main headquarters.

Kaiju no 8 main characters Kafka Hibino and Reno Ichikawa seen in ONE Esports' featured image for the 'All Kaiju no 8 songs and themes' article
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Overwhelmed with guilt for letting his fellow officers down, Hibino found solace in Reno Ichikawa’s unwavering support. Captain Mina Ashiro also shows faith in Kafka, reminding him of his past contributions and hard work as a human soldier.

Despite the dire situation, Ashiro still believes that Hibino could fight alongside her as a Defense Force officer.

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Kikoru Shinomiya went to great lengths to vouch for Hibino’s life, pleading directly with her father, Isao. However, a chest x-ray revealed that Hibino already had a kaiju core, which made him more monster than human.

To ascertain Hibino’s true nature, Isao attacked him to gauge his control over his monster form and determine if he would retain his humanity as Kaiju no 8. For this test, Isao wielded the formidable Numbers Weapon 2.

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Numbers Weapon 2, a dual gauntlet paired with a specialized combat suit, was crafted from the remains of Kaiju no 2, one of the most powerful monsters ever faced by the Defense Force. This Kaiju nearly obliterated Sapporo in 1972.

Isao Shinomiya was the only member of the Defense Force capable of handling Numbers Weapon 2, highlighting his elite status among the JAKDF’s top soldiers. His expertise with Numbers Weapon 2 earned him the reputation as the strongest fighter in the Defense Force’s history.

Kaiju no 8 manga characters Kafka Hibino, Soshiro Hoshina, and Mina Ashiro seen in the ONE Esports featured image for the 'Where to read Kaiju no 8 manga' article
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Under the relentless onslaught of Isao’s attack, Hibino was forced to fully transform into Kaiju no 8.

In this form, he lost control of his body, and the Kaiju that had infected him at the beginning of the series resurfaced, incessantly commanding Hibino to kill.

What are Numbers Weapons?

Kaiju no 8 main character Third Division vice captain Soshiro Hoshina seen fighting Kaiju no 8 in season 1 episode 9
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto

In Kaiju no 8, Numbers Weapons (also called Kaiju Weapons) are powerful combat gear crafted from the remains of defeated Kaiju. Developed by Izumo Tech, these suits harness the deceased Kaiju’s strength and abilities.

Numbers Weapons are powerful enough to take on even the most dangerous Daikaiju-class monsters. However, wielding them comes at a cost.

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Not everyone can use a Numbers Weapon. To function effectively, users need to be compatible with the specific Kaiju essence within the suit.

Synchronizing with the Kaiju energy triggers a surge in the user’s brain, potentially amplifying negative emotions and risking injuries.

Some users have reported seeing ghosts of the Kaiju from which the weapon was made, and occasionally the previous wielder, creating a connection between their memories and the new user.

Kaiju no 8 episode 12 release date and schedule

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Episode 12 is season 1’s final episode, and it airs on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. PT.

The release times and schedule for international viewers vary based on their time zone.

KAIJU NO 8 EPISODE 12 RELEASE DATE TIMEZONESATURDAY, JUNE 29/TIME
JST (Japanese Standard Time)11:00 p.m.
GMT+810:00 p.m.
ET (Eastern Time)10:00 a.m.
CT (Central Time)9:00 a.m.
GMT (Western European Time)2:00 p.m.
CET (Central European Time)4:00 a.m.
IST (Indian Standard Time)7:30 p.m.

Where to watch Kaiju no 8

Kaiju no 8 supporting characters Soshiro Hoshina and Konomi Okonogi seen in episode 3 of season 1 viewing all the Defense Force applicants
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto
All Kaiju no 8 episodes and their viewing platforms

You can watch the anime on streaming platforms:

Availability may differ depending on your region.

READ MORE: Kaiju no 8 gets its first official game — Witness a never-before-seen Kaiju threat in the trailer