The anime industry is abuzz with excitement as the spring season reaches its peak, with standout hits emerging as summer approaches.
One of the prominent series capturing attention is Kaiju No. 8, praised for its animation quality and pacing. It seems the series’ creator, Naoya Matsumoto, found inspiration for Kaiju No. 8 in an unexpected place—Godzilla.
In a recent interview, Matsumoto revealed that Godzilla, the legendary monster, played a pivotal role in shaping Kaiju No. 8. Specifically, Matsumoto credited the 2016 film Shin Godzilla, directed by Hideaki Anno, as a major influence.
The film, which marked Godzilla’s 33rd appearance by Toho Company, garnered global acclaim and revitalized the iconic monster for modern audiences. Its success even led to Toho’s subsequent film Godzilla Minus One, which won an Academy Award.
After watching Shin Godzilla, Matsumoto was inspired to create Kaiju No. 8, although the manga didn’t debut until July 2020.
Despite this, the sci-fi drama has quickly become a sensation in Shonen Jump, attracting a new generation of fans. The recent anime adaptation by Production I.G. has further propelled the series’ popularity, firmly establishing Kaiju No. 8 as a standout title in the manga and anime scene.
