What turned Kafka into a kaiju in Kaiju No. 8? Explained

Kaiju No. 8 gave anime some of the most beautiful main characters last year. One of such main characters was Kafka Hibino, a down-on-his-luck journeyman whose life changes when he pairs up with a Kaiju.

Though Kafka Hibino’s character is the most important in the entire Kaiju No. 8. There are still many questions fans, especially the new ones, ask about the main character. One of those questions is, “What turned Kafka into a Kaiju?” This question is answered in the anime but quickly forgotten due to its perplexing nature. Kafka becomes a Kaiju after a mysterious larva enters his mouth while he is in the hospital.

Before entering his mouth, the larva makes a statement that has made anime conspiracy theorists think. It says, “Found you,” two words that hold so much mystery in the world of Kaiju No. 8. Here is everything you need to know about Kafka in Kaiju No. 8.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion and may contain spoilers.

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How Kafka got his powers in Kaiju No. 8

The Flying Larva makes Kafka's dreams come true (Image via Production I.G)

In the series, humans and Kaiju have been fighting for years which has caused a ripple effect on the lives of many characters. Kafka is one of those victims as a huge chunk of his childhood(his school and home) is destroyed by Kaiju. This leads Kafka to try his luck in joining the Defense Forces, a task he is unsuccessful at, as he keeps failing the Defense Force’s qualifying exam.

Kafka then joins a Kaiju cleanup company. On one fateful day, he and a workmate, Reno Ichikawa, are attacked by a Kaiju. Kafka tells Reno to get help while he tries to handle the Kaiju alone. Kafka is heavily tossed by the Kaiju and is saved by the Defense Forces who cut through the Kaiju like it was nothing.

Kafka’s injuries led him to the hospital and while hospitalized, a Flying Larva Kaiju forces its way into Kafka’s mouth and makes the protagonist ingest it. When Kafka is checked on by his colleague, Reno, he is no longer human. He becomes a Kaiju.

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The Flying Larva’s origins, explained

Kafka Hibino as a Kaiju (Image via Production I.G)

The origins of The Flying Larva remained vague for most of the series and was one of the most asked by fans. All that was shown was the effect of Kafka Hibino consuming the Flying Larvae Kaiju, which made him one of the strongest Kaiju in the series. Another part shown is the Kaiju’s proclivity to kill other Kaiju’s, a trait unheard of in the series.

In Chapter 117 of Kaiju No. 8’s manga, the origin of Kafka’s abilities finally comes to light. Kafka is on the brink of death and then visions of the past are shown to him. In the visions, Kafka sees how old the fight between the Kaiju and humans is. A group of warriors is shown to battle with a Daikaiju—the opponent that housed itself inside Kaiju No. 9—the Daikajiu is currently locked in a battle with the Defense Forces and is responsible for Kafka nearly dying.

The Flying Larva was birthed from the regret of warriors killed by the Daikajiu. That regret merged with the Dragon Vein underground and became the Flying Larva. In Chapter 118, the Larva is shown to be bleeding and in pain, as Kafka Hibino comforts it. At the end of the chapter, Kafka thanks the larva and decides to permanently become a Kaijiu.

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Final Thoughts

The beauty of Kaiju No. 8 lies in its right pacing. During the entire series, nothing feels rushed, every mystery is revealed at the right part of the story, and it is not used as shock value but as a means to move the entire plot forward.

Naoya Matsumoto needs to be given credit for how well-written the whole Kaiju No. 8, especially with how he handles the mystery behind Kafka’s ability. He baits viewers from the beginning of the series, and when he reveals the origins, not too many questions are asked.

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