TOKYO – In conjunction with the July 19 premiere of the highly anticipated second season of the anime Kaiju No. 8, a special preview of the show’s score has been released. The “Kaiju No. 8” 2nd Original Soundtrack Vol. 0, featuring three tracks composed by Yuta Bandoh, became available for streaming on July 20. The release is already drawing significant attention for its inclusion of Mark Guiliana, a titan of the modern jazz drumming world, in his first-ever collaboration on a Japanese anime.
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‘Kaiju No. 8’ Season 2 Premieres with Simultaneous Music Release
Kaiju No. 8 is based on the wildly popular manga by Naoya Matsumoto, serialized on Shueisha’s Shonen Jump+ app. The first season, which aired in April 2024 with animation by Production I.G and kaiju design by Studio Khara, garnered immense acclaim both in Japan and internationally.
To coincide with the launch of the new season, composer Yuta Bandoh has released a preview of the score, featuring the following three tracks:
- Narumi’s Theme feat. Mark Guiliana
- Hikari’s Theme
- Hoshina’s Theme (Holiday ver.) feat. Koki Nakamura
These pieces musically capture the essence of key characters, including the formidable Captain Gen Narumi of the Defense Force’s 1st Division, who plays a central role in the second season.
Modern Jazz Genius Mark Guiliana Makes His Japanese Anime Debut
A major highlight of the soundtrack is the participation of world-renowned drummer Mark Guiliana on “Narumi’s Theme.”
Guiliana, hailed by The New York Times as “a drummer around whom a cult of admiration has formed,” is widely known for his work on David Bowie’s final album, ★ (Blackstar). This project marks his first foray into the world of Japanese animation.
Guiliana shared his thoughts on the collaboration:
“When I first heard the track, it felt like I was stepping into a completely new world. I immediately felt a familiarity with the sonic textures, and ideas on how to approach it began rushing through my mind. The recording session was a truly exciting challenge. I focused on maintaining precision while infusing relentless energy to support and propel the music and the character forward. I am sincerely honored to be part of a Japanese animation that will reach so many people, and I am deeply grateful to be a member of this incredible project.” – Mark Guiliana (Drums)
Music by Acclaimed Composer Yuta Bandoh
The score for Kaiju No. 8 is crafted by composer and musician Yuta Bandoh. With a foundation in classical music, Bandoh has earned widespread acclaim for his genre-defying work, including the music for the drama My Dear Exes and the film Belle (co-composer), as well as arrangements for top artists like Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada.
As a recipient of the 25th Akutagawa Award for Music Composition (2015) and the Sakuya Konohana Award (2023), Bandoh is a leading talent in the contemporary music scene. He now brings his exceptional quality to the epic world of Kaiju No. 8.
“Kaiju No. 8” 2nd Original Soundtrack Vol. 0 Release Information
- Title: “Kaiju No. 8” 2nd Original Soundtrack Vol. 0
- Tracks:
- Narumi’s Theme feat. Mark Guiliana
- Hikari’s Theme
- Hoshina’s Theme (Holiday ver.) feat. Koki Nakamura
- Music by: Yuta Bandoh
- Release Date: Available for download and streaming on all major platforms from July 20, 2025.
- Streaming Link: https://YutaBandoh.lnk.to/Kaiju82ndvol0
‘Kaiju No. 8’ Season 2 Series Information
- Synopsis: Spared from being turned into a weapon by the judgment of Director General Isao Shinomiya, Kafka Hibino remains in custody. As the rookies of the 3rd Division depart for their new assignments, Kafka is confronted by the captain of the 1st Division and the Defense Force’s strongest soldier, Gen Narumi. To prove his worth to Narumi, who sees no need for him as a trooper, Kafka must confront the immense power of Kaiju No. 8. But in the shadows, the threat of Kaiju No. 9 looms large… A story of inherited will and power, the birth of a new Numbers weapon user, and the greatest crisis the Defense Force has ever faced is about to unfold.
- Broadcast & Streaming Information:
- Broadcast: Airing on TV Tokyo and affiliate stations every Saturday at 23:00 (JST) from July 19, 2025.
- Streaming: Simultaneously streamed worldwide on the official X (formerly Twitter) account every Saturday at 23:00 (JST). Available on various other platforms starting at 23:30.