The popular anime series Kaiju No. 8 is set to conclude with a final arc, alongside an original anime short that were both announced at Jump Festa 2026. The announcements, made on December 20, 2025, have generated considerable excitement among fans of the series.

The final arc will adapt the remaining chapters of Naoya Matsumoto's manga, up to chapter 129, which marked the series' conclusion in July 2025. The anime adaptation has maintained a rapid release schedule since its debut, with the first season premiering in April 2024. The second season aired in July 2025 and followed the story after Kafka was taken into custody by the Defense Force as Kaiju No. 8.

A new visual and promotional video for the final arc were unveiled at Jump Festa 2026. The footage showcases Defense Force members battling evolved kaiju, the uncertain fate of Isao Shinomiya, and Kafka's resolve as he continues to fight as Kaiju No. 8.

Adding to the excitement, an original short anime titled "Narumi's Ordinary Days" (鳴海の平日, Narumi no Heijitsu) was also announced. This special episode will focus on the daily life of Gen Narumi, the Captain of the First Division and known as the strongest anti-kaiju combatant. The short is reminiscent of the special episode "Hoshina's Day Off," which was screened in March 2025.

The Kaiju No. 8 Super Stage at Jump Festa 2026 featured appearances by the anime's main cast members, including Masaya Fukunishi (Kafka Hibino), Wataru Kato (Reno Ichikawa), Kengo Kawanishi (Soshiro Hoshina), and Koki Uchiyama (Gen Narumi).

Naoya Matsumoto, the creator of Kaiju No. 8, shared his thoughts on the anime's conclusion and the new short. He expressed gratitude to the cast, staff, and fans, stating, "This year has been a major one for Kaiju No. 8, with the broadcast of season two and the release of the game... Kaiju No. 8 as a work is far from over. I plan to keep throwing out ideas nonstop. Please continue to look forward to Kafka and the others in the future".

Production I.G is handling the animation for the final arc, with Studio Khara returning to oversee the creature designs. The first season of the anime aired from April 13 to June 29, 2024, comprising 23 episodes.

The Kaiju No. 8 manga was serialized on Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ platform from July 2020 to July 2025 and has been compiled into 16 volumes. Viz Media publishes the series in English, describing the story of Kafka Hibino, who dreams of joining the Japan Defense Force to fight alongside his childhood friend Mina Ashiro. However, Kafka becomes Kaiju No. 8, placing him on the Defense Force's neutralization list.

While a release date for the final arc has not been officially announced, speculation suggests it could arrive in early 2027. The original short anime "Narumi's Week at Work" is expected to release in mid-to-late 2026.

News of the Kaiju No. 8 finale aligns with a trend of major franchises concluding their runs. The final cour of Dr. Stone: Science Future is set to air in April 2026, and Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War will conclude with its final part in July 2026.