Official Report: Kaiju No. 8 Panel at AnimagiC 2025 – Voice Actors Masaya Fukunishi and Asami Seto Interact with European Fans

The official report has arrived from the Kaiju No. 8 panel held at Europe’s largest anime convention, AnimagiC 2025, which took place in Mannheim, Germany, on Saturday and Sunday, August 2 and 3, 2025. Masaya Fukunishi, voice of Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8, and Asami Seto, voice of Mina Ashiro, took the stage and deepened their connection with local fans.

Day 1 Panel (August 2)

Held at Rosengarten Mannheim, the Kaiju No. 8 panel took place in the Crunchyroll Cinema, which seats approximately 500 attendees. Taking the stage were Masaya Fukunishi (Kafka Hibino / Kaiju No. 8) and Asami Seto (Mina Ashiro), with Sebastian Horn serving as the MC.

The screening of the main promotional video was met with thunderous applause and cheers. Riding the energy, Fukunishi and Seto greeted the audience with a cheerful “Guten Tag!”, kicking off the panel in a warm and lively atmosphere.

When asked about his impression of Germany, Fukunishi revealed that he had purchased over 20 accessories while sightseeing and beamed, “It’s the best city ever!” Seto added, “Everyone here gives off such a wonderful energy—I love it.,” which was met with more applause.

Fukunishi shared that he’s a huge fan of the original manga and “begged his agency on his knees to let him audition,” drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Seto recounted how she was captivated by the world of the story from the very first page and desperately wanted to be part of it. Their mutual love for Kaiju No. 8 led to a high-five on stage, further energizing the audience.

On the topic of portraying the duality of Kafka and Kaiju No. 8, Fukunishi invited an audience member on stage for a height comparison to demonstrate how he modulates his voice to reflect the character’s size, entertaining the crowd. Seto spoke earnestly about her performance: “Mina is a cool-headed character, but because she suffers due to the kaiju, I try to never forget the burning passion behind her actions.”

When discussing their off-screen rapport, they revealed a shared interest in idol fandom. “Recently, we even went to a concert together,” they shared, which elicited loud cheers from the audience.

In response to a question about what roles they’d take if they were in the world of Kaiju No. 8, Fukunishi exclaimed, “I’d definitely join the Defense Force!” and acted out slaying a “kaiju” from among the audience with a spear. Seto said, “I’d be a Monster Sweeper and clean up the city,” adding a humorous flair that delighted the crowd.

During the live dubbing segment, Fukunishi passionately performed Kafka’s scene from Episode 3, and Seto delivered Mina’s lines from Episode 10. Their emotionally charged performances brought thunderous applause.

For their closing remarks, Fukunishi asked, “Do you love Kaiju No. 8? I’ll keep working hard to make it even more exciting!” Seto expressed her heartfelt thanks: “I’m truly happy to meet all of you.” The panel concluded with a call-and-response of “KAIJU HACHI GO!” followed by a commemorative photo session, marking a successful end to the first day.

Day 2 Panel (August 3)

The venue was packed once again on the second day of the panel. Fukunishi energetically ran around the auditorium, waving to every fan while calling out “Guten Tag!” Seto followed with a warm smile and greeting, and the atmosphere was electric. Cosplayers dressed as Kaiju No. 8 characters added to the event’s enthusiasm.

When asked for his impression of Germany, Fukunishi exclaimed, “Meat, meat, meat! The meat is delicious!” drawing laughter from the audience. Seto commented, “The beer is huge, and it pairs well with the food,” adding, “My goal is to try a butter pretzel today or tomorrow,” which charmed the crowd.

Reflecting on landing their roles, Fukunishi said, “Getting to play my favorite character from my favorite manga—my life feels like one big victory lap. Like I’m in Mario’s star mode!” Seto shared that she was thrilled when she passed the audition for Mina.

Fukunishi demonstrated how he plays Kaiju No. 8’s larger physique with a booming voice and wide mouth, acting out the line “Time to disassemble!” to great laughter. The MC and fans joined in a call-and-response that had the room in stitches.

Seto revealed her approach to Mina’s character: “She’s calm and composed, but also loves feline animals and dried squid snacks. I played up these gaps to show her charm.” On the recording atmosphere, Fukunishi said, “We eat the bread and rice balls brought in during breaks—it feels like a picnic.” Seto added, “Fai-chan bought a ton of gummy candies and shared them with us—I got two packs!” drawing more laughs.

In a change from the previous day, Seto said she’d now want to be a Defense Force member, not a Monster Sweeper. She jokingly targeted Fukunishi, playing the role of a kaiju, and shouted “Fire!” as she mimicked taking him down, causing the audience to erupt in cheers. Fukunishi followed up with, “Everyone had such amazing firepower,” sharing a laugh with the crowd.

During the final live dubbing, Fukunishi moved around the stage with passionate delivery, receiving the loudest cheers of the day.

To wrap up, Fukunishi shouted, “DO YOU LOVE Kaiju No. 8?” and was met with a resounding “YES!” from the audience. He responded with, “I love you all!” Seto concluded, “This was my first ‘Fire!’ I hope it becomes a great memory for you as well.” The two-day panel ended amidst warm applause and smiling faces.