The Best Anime Inspired By Journey To The West

Key Takeaways

Journey to the West
is a timeless story that continues to inspire adaptations in various forms of media.
Anime like
Gokū no Daibōken
and
Shinzo
put their own unique twists on the classic tale.
Dragon Ball,
inspired by
Journey to the West
, evolved into a beloved franchise with a mix of humor and mythology.

As an avid enthusiast of Japanese animation, I must say that these three anime series are indeed a marvelous blend of mythology, humor, and captivating storylines. Having grown up watching these gems, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I delve into their intricate narratives.

“The novel ‘Journey to the West,’ penned by Wu Cheng’en during the 16th Century, takes us back to the 7th Century. This timeless Chinese masterpiece draws its characters and settings from history and ancient folklore. It’s a global favorite, influencing countless modern interpretations such as movies, books, comics, and animations. The video game ‘Black Myth: Wukong,’ currently captivating audiences worldwide, is another testament to this story’s enduring appeal.”

Many anime incorporate aspects from the novel “Journey to the West” in their settings, narratives, or characters. The array of anime genres and types inspired by this book is vast, ranging from subtle references to complete adaptations.

7 Gokū no Daibōken

Comedy, Fantasy, And Demons

The Best Anime Inspired By Journey To The West

Directed By: Gisaburô Sugii
Produced By: Eichi Kawabata
Studio: Mushi Productions
Release Date: January 7, 1967

As a devoted fan, I’d like to highlight some remarkable aspects of “Dragon Ball” (Gokū no Daibōken in Japanese). This anime holds a special place in history as one of the earliest Japanese animated series to gain international recognition, even though its localization was primarily focused on Europe rather than North America. The storyline closely mirrors the original novel, revolving around Goku, one of the guardians tasked with guiding the monk Xuanzang on his journey to India.

Back in its original run, this show was known as both “Adventures of the Monkey King” and “Goku’s Great Adventures,” depending on where you were watching. Unfortunately, it didn’t make its way to American screens back then. But now, for those of us who appreciate classic and vintage anime, it’s available for our viewing pleasure!

6 Sci-Fi West Saga Starzinger

A Creative Futuristic Adaptation

Directed By: Yugo Serikawa
Written By: Tatsuo Tamura, Mitsuru Majima, Sukehiro Tomita
Studio: Toei Animation
Release Date: April 2, 1978

An alternative way to present interpretations of the novel “Journey To the West” is by viewing it through a lens of futuristic or fantastical settings. In American culture, this series is often referred to as “Spaceketeers“. This interpretation retains the character interactions and quest for a mystical artifact, but transposes the story into a distant future era.

Rather than a monk serving as our central figure, we have a princess taking center stage, with her three protectors modeled after those from the original tale. The most influential among them and our story’s main character is Jan Kugo, who bears strong resemblances to The Monkey King in power and significance.

5 Monkey Typhoon

A Mixed Media Project That Combines Fantasy, Action, And Comedy

Directed By: Mamoru Hamatsu
Written By: Hiroshi Hashimoto, Rika Nakase, Shin Kibayashi
Studio: Studio Egg
Release Date: October 1, 2002

The animated series known as Monkey Typhoon, originally called Assobot Robot Goku in Japanese, was created based on Jōji Arimori’s manga. This captivating saga spans across 52 episodes and can be found under both its original title and the English translation. The original Japanese title is more indicative of the series content as it involves robots set in a futuristic world.

Instead of seeking out Buddhist texts, the protagonist, Goku (a unique robot resembling a monkey with distinct abilities), finds himself on a quest for the 49 Keys of the Apocalypse. In reality, he’s not just after the prophesied keys; his true intention is to uncover the hidden treasure concealed in the same location as the keys, showcasing his mischievous nature.

4 Alakazam The Great

A Vintage Adaptation From Early Toei

Directed By: Taiji Yabushita and Daisaku Shirakawa
Written By: Keinosuke Uekusa
Studio: Toei Doga
Release Date: August 14, 1960

One of Japan’s earliest full-length animated films to reach the U.S., titled “Alakazam the Great“, is a reimagining of the original story where Goku takes on the leading role. This version omits the intricacies surrounding Buddhist artifacts and focuses instead on Goku’s journey to becoming the king of the Monkey Tribe, his transformation into an arrogant, even tyrannical ruler, and eventually learning valuable lessons that lead him to alter his ways.

In many stories, including Chinese mythology and the book “Journey To the West,” Goku is portrayed not as a villain, but as a trickster and thief with a playful nature. This character is similar to the Monkey King who uses his cunning and resourcefulness to overcome demons, break free from captivity, and return to his people.

3 Shinzo

The Human Race Is The Relic That Must Be Saved

Directed By: Tetsuo Imazawa
Written By: Mayori Sekijima
Studio: Toei Animation
Release Date: February 5, 2000

If you’re a fan who craves intricate narratives steeped in rich lore and captivating settings, then Shinzo, known as Mushrambo in Japanese, is definitely worth checking out. This English-named show revolves around a secret sanctuary hidden on Earth, a place believed to hold the key to rejuvenating our planet’s original inhabitants – us, humans.

Instead of swapping out ancient Buddhist texts with humans, there’s another connection to explore. One of the three guardian/guides, Mushra, doesn’t resemble a monkey physically, but he carries a staff as a weapon, much like traditional depictions, and sports a distinctive golden headband – a trait that sets him apart.

2 Gensomaden Saiyuki

A Unique Dystopian Interpretation

Directed By: Hayato Date
Written By: Katsuyuki Sumisawa
Studio: Pierrot
Release Date: April 4, 2000

Titled “Go Into The West,” this anime series opens with an obvious nod to the classic tale of “Journey to the West.” The story unfolds in the mystical utopia of Shangri-La, where a surge of dark energy, malevolent spirits, and ferocious beasts have caused turmoil. A cleric named Sanzo is instructed by the Celestial Heavens to traverse to India, uncover the source of these disturbances, and find a way to restore harmony.

Sanzo appears to be modeled after the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang, accompanied by his usual trio of friends, including Son Goku. The series gained sufficient popularity to inspire a feature-length film and a remake titled “Saiyuki Reloaded.”

1 Dragon Ball

Humor And Mythology Evolved Into A Franchise

The main character from “Journey to the West” is called Sun Wukong, and when pronounced in Japanese, his name becomes Son Goku. Interestingly, this is the same name as our beloved protagonist in “Dragon Ball”. Both characters share similar traits: they have tails, wield staffs, and can travel by cloud.

The storyline of “Journey to the West” revolves around a Buddhist monk on a mission to obtain ancient spiritual texts in India and bring them back to China. Similarly, the initial phase of “Dragon Ball” follows Goku and his companions in their quest for the mystical Dragon Balls, a quest that many fans might not be familiar with as it’s more of a science-fiction and fantasy comedy rather than the action-oriented anime it later transformed into during its second season.

2024-08-25 10:03