Japanese Defense Force

Lore & Background

The Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force was formed in response to kaiju attacks that plague Japan more than any other nation. Officers are equipped with powered suits crafted from kaiju remains, which enhance their strength, speed, and durability. Each suit's performance is measured by "unleashed combat power," expressed as a percentage that varies per individual, with a maximum of 100%. The most powerful weapons are Numbers, named after the daikaiju they are made from, granting unique abilities to compatible users. The organization is divided into divisions led by captains and vice-captains whose combat power exceeds 90%. Field officers are supported by operators who provide kaiju intelligence and monitor health and suit output. Kaiju are classified by "fortitude level" indicating strength, with honju being stronger kaiju and yoju being smaller ones that accompany or sprout from honju. Daikaiju with high fortitude or abnormal traits receive a number identifier based on appearance order. Notable divisions include the Third Division, led by Captain Mina Ashiro, renowned for her uniquely destructive marksmanship, and the First Division, led by Captain Gen Narumi. The Defense Force headquarters apprehended Kafka Hibino after he revealed his kaiju form, but he proved his value by defeating Director General Isao Shinomiya in a duel.

In Their Own Story

During an attack on the Tachikawa base by Kaiju No. 10, Kafka Hibino was forced to reveal his kaiju form to save the base from destruction. He was subsequently apprehended by Captain Mina Ashiro and taken to Defense Force headquarters. There, he proved his value by defeating the Director General, Isao Shinomiya, in a duel. Following this, Kafka and Kikoru Shinomiya were transferred to the First Division, led by Captain Gen Narumi. Months later, during a full-scale invasion by Kaiju No. 9, Kafka, alongside Mina, defeated No. 9, though its corpse mortally wounded Kafka. After a four-month coma, Kafka recovered and returned to active duty at the Tachikawa base. A year later, the Defense Force permitted him to use his kaiju form when necessary, provided he exercised caution to remain undetected.

Reader's Guide

The Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force operates with a clear hierarchy. Field officers are led by platoon leaders, with varying levels of unleashed combat power. Captains and vice-captains, whose combat power exceeds 90%, lead divisions. Operators support field officers by providing information on kaiju and monitoring the officers' health and suit output. Officers wear powered suits made from kaiju remains that grant increased strength, speed, and durability. The suits have a total power output measured as a percentage, referred to as "unleashed combat power," which varies per individual, with a maximum of 100%. Daikaiju remains are used to create Numbers weapons, which are much stronger than regular suits and provide special abilities, but only compatible individuals can use them. Kaiju are assigned a "fortitude level" indicating overall strength, classified as honju (stronger kaiju) or yoju (smaller kaiju that accompany or sprout from honju). Daikaiju with high fortitude or abnormal characteristics receive a number identifier based on when they first appear.

Did You Know?

• The Japanese Anti-Kaiju Defense Force was established because Japan has the highest rate of kaiju attacks in the world.
• Officers' powered suits have a total power output measured as a percentage called 'unleashed combat power,' with a maximum of 100%.
• Numbers weapons are created from daikaiju remains and are named after the daikaiju they are made from, but only compatible individuals can use them.
• Kaiju are classified by 'fortitude level' indicating strength, with honju being stronger kaiju and yoju being smaller ones that accompany or sprout from honju.
• Captain Mina Ashiro of the Third Division is renowned for her uniquely destructive marksmanship.