In the futuristic setting of the sci-fi anime series Kaiju No. 8, the main character resides in a world where sudden monster appearances have caused chaos. These creatures, known as Kaiju, come in various sizes and dispositions, with the most destructive ones assigned numerical designations. Kafka Hibino, a 32-year-old, becomes intertwined with a peculiar Kaiju, granting him the power to morph into a monster dubbed 'Kaiju No. 8'.
The core of the Kaiju No. 8 narrative revolves around this transformation, prompting viewers to draw parallels with Franz Kafka's seminal work, The Metamorphosis. What connection lies between these distinct yet intriguing storylines?
Drawing Parallels
Blending Harsh Reality With Dark Fantasy
The term 'Kafkaesque' was coined to describe situations that are nightmarishly intricate, eerie, and irrational, akin to scenarios depicted in Franz Kafka's 20th-century novels. Kafka, a literary giant, often portrayed characters grappling with surreal and inexplicable circumstances, leading to the popularization of the term to describe absurd situations. In his renowned work, The Metamorphosis, the protagonist wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a colossal insect.
Struggling to adapt to his new form, the character remains incapacitated, reflecting on his mundane job and superficial relationships. Trapped in a job he despises, the protagonist's life takes a dark turn as his family faces financial turmoil, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.
The Influence of Franz Kafka in Kaiju No. 8
A Path to Evolution or Destruction?
The character Kafka Hibino in Kaiju No. 8 is a nod to the author, Franz Kafka. Kafka undergoes a metamorphosis after encountering a bug-like Kaiju, transforming into a humanoid monster. His family name, 'Hibino', translates to 'daily Kafka' or 'Kafka of the sunny fields of fire', symbolizing his daily evolution. Like Gregor in The Metamorphosis, Kafka feels trapped in a dead-end job.
Despite working as a cleanup technician for Kaiju remnants, Kafka's true aspiration is to join the Defense Force and combat the Kaiju alongside his childhood friend, Mina Ashiro. Hindered by circumstances like age and perceived lack of talent, Kafka relinquishes his dream. However, his transformation offers a chance for self-realization and a departure from his mundane life.
The juxtaposition between Kafka and Mina mirrors the contrast between talent and bravery, reminiscent of the relationship between Gregor and his sister Greta in Kafka's work. Through this metamorphosis, Kafka, akin to a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, holds the potential for a brighter future despite his monstrous appearance.
Kaiju No. 8 is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.