The first season of the anime " Kaiju No. 8, " based on the popular manga by Naoya Matsumoto that is currently being serialized on Shueisha's manga app "Shonen Jump+," will be screened in theaters for three weeks only from March 28th. The series has the appeal of being an ensemble drama, and the exploits and growth of characters other than the protagonist Kafka Hibino/ Kaiju No. 8 are also a major highlight. Season 1 depicts the friendship, growth, and conflicts of Japan Defense Force members Reno Ichikawa and Furuhashi Iharu, and the scene in which Reno and Iharu confront the formidable enemy Kaiju No. 9 also became a hot topic. We asked Wataru Kato, who plays Reno, and Yuki Shin, who plays Iharu, to look back on season 1.
◇Behind the scenes of the battle with Kaiju No. 9
-How do you feel now that the first season has finished?
I was conscious of bringing out the human side of Arata Iharu in my acting, and I felt that I couldn't lose to Reno, who was a rival. I also felt the same way about Kato.
Mr. Kato: I felt that the character of Iharu was expanded by Arata's performance in the anime. Many people may think that Kafka is the closest to Reno, but personally Iharu was the easiest to approach. From the moment he first spoke to me, I felt that he was close to me. I was able to understand from the beginning that he was this kind of person through his sound communication, and although Reno was a little hesitant at first, they eventually became comfortable with each other. Furthermore, in the battle against Kaiju No. 9, the two of them survive a life-or-death battle. I feel that the appeal of this work is not just the action, but also the depiction of human relationships.
--The battle with Kaiju No. 9 is one of the most exciting scenes in the first season.
We recorded together with Arata and Yoshino (Hiroyuki), who played Kaiju No. 9. Even if we fought, it was no use against Yoshino.
Kato and Yoshino are our seniors, and we face them with our lives on the line, but just like Iharu and Reno's attacks, we are nowhere near Kaiju No. 9.
It doesn't seem to be resonating with Arata .
Kato: I don't know if our acting resonated with Yoshino, but I felt like I couldn't get my point across, even though I tried and tried again, trying to get my point across.
Arata-san is being bullied. That's why I felt even more regret. I try to deliver my murderous intent, but it's far away. There are also serious scenes, like the fight with Kaiju No. 9, but there are also comical scenes, and I tried to create that gap. I also like the comical scenes.
What impressed Kato-san was the noise during the banquet scene. Arata-san improvised it and got him involved.
Arata: The one who leads the group is Iharu, the mood maker. Iharu has a complex about himself and feels like he's being left behind by those around him. It's a scene that really shows his humanity.
Mr. Kato is not just a joker.
Arata, that's the difficult part.
◇Ishun brings out the passion
-Have you worked together before?
This was your first time, Kato-san .
I was surprised at how Arata-san looked just like Reno. From my first impression, I felt his honesty, just like Reno. His way of weaving words is beautiful, and it was a pleasure to be able to act passionately with him.
Mr. Kato: As an otaku, I watched Arata's work, so when the cast was announced, I thought he was perfect for the role. I had heard about Arata from a mutual friend, but when I actually met him, I got the impression that he was a calm person, different from the image of the characters he had played up until now. He led the role of Iharu. I was also surprised by how loud his voice was.
Is that so, Arata ?
That's right, Kato-san ! It's especially true when I'm acting. There's a certain amount of sound pressure that's put on the microphone, and I don't have that kind of thing.
Arata-san, I don't think so.
Kato thought the same way, so when they were speaking to Iharu, he was conscious of the volume of his voice.
Arata didn't seem like that at all. In fact, even though he was calm, I felt like it was affecting him.
Kato-san can't be buried, but as Reno, I can't get too worked up. I feel that Iharu has brought out the passion in him.
◇ Reno is not shy around Iharu
-- "Hoshino's Day Off," which will be shown at the same time as the compilation film, depicts not only Soshiro Hoshina's days off, but also the daily lives of Reno and Iharu.
Arata-san, each character is explored in depth. They all get along well.
Mr. Kato: The title is "Hoshino's Holiday," but Reno and Iharu appear quite a bit. Their daily lives are depicted throughout the entire story, which is really fun, and I felt like I was able to broaden the scope of my character as an actor.
--Was the combination you two developed in the first season also utilized?
I think Arata's talent is being put to good use.
Kato-san, Reno is speaking in a relaxed manner and is not shy around Iharu.
This is possible because we have established a relationship with Arata .
He's no longer shy around Kato-san and Arata-san (laughs).
Arata: That's true (laughs).
--Will we be able to see unexpected sides to each character?
Arata: I like Hoshina, but even on his days off, I realized he was a person beyond my imagination. I like him even more now.
In the end, Kato-san is completely taken over by Hoshina. It's irresistible for those who are Hoshina's biggest fan.
Arata, who is your favorite?
I think it's Kato- san and Iharu. But I like them all. I also like Konomi Okogi.
There are a lot of characters in Arata's work.
Aside from Kato Haruichi and Aoi, Akari Minase and Igarashi Hakua are also all happily getting along well, which is great news for fans of the original work.
--One of the highlights is being able to enjoy the compilation on a big screen.
Arata's music is also amazing. I'm looking forward to seeing it at full volume in the cinema.
Kato-san, the first season of the anime was film scored, but the transitions change in the compilation, so the music has also been remade, so I'm looking forward to that as well.
--The second season is scheduled to air in July.
Arata-san: I think there will be some great scenes between Reno and Iharu in the second season, so please look forward to it.
"Kaiju No. 8" is a battle manga that has been serialized in "Shonen Jump+" since July 2020. Set in Japan, a monster superpower where monsters mercilessly invade everyday life, the story follows the adventures of the protagonist, Kafka Hibino, whose body has been transformed into a monster by a mysterious creature. The comics have sold over 18 million copies in total. The first season of the anime aired from April to June 2024 on TV Tokyo and other networks. The second season of the anime will begin airing in July.
