Kaiju is a Japanese term that translates to “strange beast” or “monster” in English. In popular culture, it refers specifically to a genre of films and media featuring giant monsters, typically depicted as massive creatures that can cause destruction and chaos in urban environments. Kaiju often emerge from the ocean or other locations, posing a threat to humanity and leading to confrontations with military forces or other giant creatures, often categorized as “kaiju” themselves. The term gained international recognition through iconic films such as “Godzilla,” which introduced many audiences to the concept of giant monsters as both fearsome adversaries and symbols of various themes, including nature’s wrath and man’s technological hubris. Kaiju has since become a significant part of pop culture, inspiring a wide range of movies, television shows, video games, and merchandise.
A whimsical manga narrative in "Bessatsu Shonen Champion" features a kaiju named "Kaijutan," resembling a young girl, roaming Japan. The story, created by Tatsuki Nakamura, explores themes of misunderstood creatures…