In the world of Kaiju no 8, humanity faces constant threats from mysterious monsters known as Kaiju.

These colossal creatures wreak havoc with their unique abilities, constantly threatening humanity. But not all Kaiju are created equal.

The Japan Anti Kaiju Defense Force (JAKDF) formed a Kaiju classification system that differentiated each monster based on their strength and fortitude levels to combat these monsters.

Kaiju no 8 manga characters Kafka Hibino, Soshiro Hoshina, and Mina Ashiro seen in the ONE Esports featured image for the 'Where to read Kaiju no 8 manga' article
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto
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In this article, we explain the fascinating classification system the JAKDF uses to strategize and defend against these city-destroying monsters.

The Kaiju classification system in Kaiju no 8

Kaiju are enigmatic monsters that wreak havoc on humanity. These creatures come in different shapes and sizes, and boast unique powers that stem from their uni-organs.

Strongest Kaiju in Kaiju No 8, featuring Kaiju No 9, 14, 10, 15, and 11
Credit: Naoya Matsumoto, Shueisha, ONE Esports
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Each Kaiju contains a core within its body, which acts as its vital organ and primary weakness.

A Kaiju’s classification is determined by its strength, which the JAKDF measures using fortitude levels. This system allows the JAKDF to assess the threat level and deploy appropriate measures to neutralize it.

All types of Kaiju in Kaiju no 8

Yonju

Kaiju no 8 official Japanese infographic for Yonju -- a unique type of Kaiju in Kaiju no 8
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto

Kaiju with minimal fortitude levels are classified as Yonju. These creatures are also known as after-beasts in the Kaiju no 8 manga and often appear in packs.

Their relatively lower strength makes them less dangerous individually, but their numbers can pose a significant threat.

Honju

Kaiju no 8 official Japanese infographic for Yonju -- a unique type of Kaiju in Kaiju no 8
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto

Kaiju with higher fortitude levels, reaching 6.0 and above, are classified as Honju. Honju are typically larger and more powerful than Yonju.

In battles, Honju are often seen leading packs of Yonju. An example of this can be seen in episode 5, titled Sagamihara Neutralization Operation at Daybreak, where a giant Honju spawns more Yonju in the middle of the Defense Force’s operation.

To deal with Honju, the Defense Force needs to dispatch several platoons of officers.

Daikaiju

Daikaiju class Kaiju no 10 seen in episode 9 of Kaiju no 8
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto

Above the Honju class is the Daikaiju. These monsters have a fortitude level of 8.0 and above, making them extremely dangerous. The term Daikaiju translates to big, large, or great monster in English.

The JAKDF’s strongest divisions are required to deal with Daikaiju threats. The best course of action against Daikaiju involves deploying elite Division captains who wield special Number Weapons.

Kaiju no 8 supporting characters Soshiro Hoshina and Konomi Okonogi seen in episode 3 of season 1 viewing all the Defense Force applicants
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto
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These advanced weapons are designed to fight the strongest Kaiju and are created from the remains of past defeated Kaiju.

Numbered Kaiju

Kafka Hibino in his monster form punching a Yonju in episode 2 of Kaiju no 8 anime
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto

The most powerful and highest form of monsters in the series are simply called Kaiju.

Any creature exceeding the 9.0 fortitude level falls into this category. These monsters are labeled by number, similar to how Kafka Hibino’s monster form is classified as Kaiju no 8.

Kaiju no 8 supporting characters Iharu Furuhashi and Haruichi Izumo seen in episode 3 of season 1 participating in the final Defense Force test
Credit: Toho Animation, Shueisha, Production I.G, Naoya Matsumoto
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These Kaiju’s sheer power and fortitude make them the greatest threat to humanity, requiring the utmost effort and strength from the JAKDF to neutralize them.

MONSTER CLASSDESCRIPTIONFORTITUDE LEVEL
YonjuWeak individually, these pack hunters overwhelm with sheer numbers.Below 6.0
HonjuWeak individually, these pack hunters are overwhelmed with sheer numbers.Below 8.0
DaikajiuWeak individually, these pack hunters are overwhelmed with sheer numbers.Below 9.0
Numbered KaijuTitans demanding elite squads and advanced weaponry for a takedown.Above 9.0

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