Gensomaden Saiyuki - A deep review of the fascinating story and characters

A comprehensive review and recommendation of Gensoumaden Saiyuki

"Gensomaden Saiyuki" is a TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from 2000 to 2001 and is based on the manga of the same name by Kazuya Minekura. Although this work is based on the classic "Journey to the West," it has a unique world view and character settings that give it a new appeal. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this anime, as well as recommended points.

■Overview of the work

"Saiyuki: The Legend of Gensouma" is a story about the journey of Xuanzang and three demons, Son Goku, Sha Gojyo, and Zhu Bajie, as they head to the land of Tenjiku. The original work is a manga serialized in "Monthly G Fantasy" by Minekura Kazuya, and the anime aired for a total of 50 episodes from April 4, 2000 to March 27, 2001. It was directed by Date Yuto and produced by Group TAC, with Studio Pierrot cooperating in the animation production.

■ Story

The story begins with Xuanzang, under orders from the Bodhisattva Kannon, setting out on a journey to thwart the resurrection experiment of Gyumaoh. Tripitaka recruits three demons, Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing, and Zhu Bajie, and the story depicts his journey westward, overcoming various difficulties. Each episode depicts battles with hostile demons and the Heavenly Fighting Prince, as well as the past and inner conflicts of his companions, creating a deep human drama.

■ Characters

The charm of this work lies in its unique characters. Below are the main characters.

Tripitaka Master Xuanzang

Although Sanzo is a high-ranking monk who is devoted to Buddhism, he is an extremely devilish, raw monk who drinks alcohol, smokes tobacco, and gambles. He is proud, self-centered, and arrogant, but he is also a handsome man with calm judgment and charisma. His weapon is a spirit-raising gun, and he wears the "Ma Ten Sutra," one of the scriptures in the "Tenchi Kaigen." Sanzo's character has a presence and charm that overturns the traditional image of a monk.

Son Goku

Son Goku is a lively little monkey born from a rock that gathered the aura of the earth. He was sealed away for 500 years, but was freed by Tripitaka. He loves to eat, and his favorite phrase is "I'm hungry!" He is also an instinctive character who gets excited when a strong opponent appears. The crown on his forehead, the golden horn, is a device that controls his demonic powers, and when it is removed, he transforms into his original form, Saiten Daisho Son Goku, and goes on a rampage against friend and foe alike. His weapon is a Nyoibou, which can also transform into a Sanjocho.

Sha Wujing

Sha Gojyo is half human, born to a human mother and a demon father. Being half human and half demon is considered taboo, and he has distinctive red hair and eyes. He has a rough personality, is a womanizer, and is a heavy smoker, but he is actually a caring and reliable older brother figure to his friends. When he was young, he was nearly killed by his stepmother but was saved by his half-brother, and he uses a shakujo with a chain as his weapon.

Cho Hakkai

Zhu Bajie was once a human named Zhu Wuneng, but was reincarnated as a demon out of anger and hatred after his beloved woman committed suicide. He is usually a gentle, smiling, good-natured young man, but he can also make sharp remarks. He has a high tolerance for alcohol and is the owner and operator of the White Dragon (which transforms into a car). The cuff on his left ear is a device that controls his demonic powers, and although he does not carry a weapon, he uses qigong techniques to attack and defend.

Red Child

Hong Gai-er is the son of Niu Mowang and Rakshasa-nu, and cooperates with the experiment to revive Niu Mowang because Rakshasa-nu has been sealed away by Princess Gyoku-men. He is a character who sends assassins to Tripitaka's party and challenges them to a fight himself. His subordinates include Yaone, Li Lin, and Dokujiao Si.

Princess Gyokumen

Princess Yumen is the one who carried out the experiment to revive Niu Mowang, Niu Mowang's concubine, and Li Lin's real mother. She sealed away the Rakshasa women and made Hong Gai Er obey her. She is a ruthless person who will sacrifice anything to get what she wants.

Flame

Hono is half celestial and half human, and his right eye is the same golden color as Son Goku. After defeating Bull King 500 years ago, he became the Fighting God Prince, and has a deep connection with Tripitaka's companions in his past life. His goal is to seize the Sacred Heavenly Scriptures and the Demonic Heavenly Scriptures, and he uses the Sacred Dragon Sword as his weapon. He also uses Qi-kōjutsu, and his immense power is immeasurable.

■Animation and direction

The animation for "Saiyuki: The Legend of Gensomaden" was produced by Studio Pierrot in collaboration with Group TAC, and features beautiful visuals and dynamic action scenes. Character design was done by Yuji Moriyama, who faithfully reproduced the atmosphere of the original work while bringing out the unique charm of the anime. The battle scenes are particularly impressive, with each character's individuality being brought out to the fore.

■Music

The music was composed by Sakuraba Motoi and produced by Enix. The opening themes are "FOR REAL" and "STILL TIME", both sung by Tokuyama Hidenori. The ending themes are "Tightrope" and "Alone", the former by CHARCOAL FILTER and the latter by Shimokawa Mikuni. These songs are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story. The insert song "open up your mind" is also sung by mirai, deepening the worldview of the work.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Saiyuki: The Legend of Gensomaden" is a story based on the classic "Journey to the West," but its unique worldview and character settings give it a new appeal. In particular, the human drama of the unique characters and the dynamic action scenes are worth watching. The music is also an important element in adding excitement to the story, making it a work of high quality overall.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

1. Characters with unique personalities

Each of the main characters, such as Tripitaka, Son Goku, Sha Wujing, and Zhu Bajie, has their own unique charm and background that draws the viewer in. In addition, the antagonists, such as Hong Hai'er, Princess Gyokumen, and Prince Yan, the Heavenly Fighting God, are also portrayed as attractive characters, deepening the story.

2. A profound human drama

Each character's past and inner conflicts are depicted, creating a deep human drama. In particular, the episodes depicting the growth and bonds between the characters as they travel are very moving.

3. Dynamic action scenes

The battle scenes are spectacular, with each character's individuality highlighted. In particular, the battle scenes using Son Goku's Nyoibou and Tripitaka's Shoreigun are extremely impressive.

4. Beautiful visuals and music

The visuals of the animation are beautiful, with character designs and background art that enhance the worldview of the work, and Sakuraba Motoi's music is an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story, enriching the viewing experience.

■Subtitles and Episodes

Below are the subtitles and broadcast dates for all 50 episodes.

• Episode 1: Go to the West (2000/04/04)
• Episode 2: First Game - Guide to Gold (2000/04/11)
• Episode 3: His god My god ~Where God Is~ (2000/04/18)
• Episode 4: Crimson ~Scarlet Tears~ (2000/04/25)
• Episode 5: Pure Assassin (2000/05/02)
• Episode 6: Shower of Bullets ~The Mysterious Monk of the Curse~ (2000/05/09)
• Episode 7: Good Night ~Twilight Farewell~ (2000/05/16)
• Episode 8: Confront - The Man Who Predicts Death (2000/05/23)
• Episode 9: Lethal Trap ~Feast of Battle~ (2000/05/30)
• Episode 10: Fake the Face ~The False Savior~ (2000/06/06)
• Episode 11: Tragic Revenge ~The Laughing Grim Reaper~ (2000/06/13)
• Episode 12: Wandering Destiny - Battle with the Darkness (2000/06/20)
• Episode 13: Crude Counterfeit ~The Fruit of Death~ (2000/06/27)
• Episode 14: Sweet Client - Our Promise (2000/07/04)
• Episode 15: Fated Guys: The Curse of Crimson (2000/07/11)
• Episode 16: Be There - A Hymn to the Living (2000/07/18)
• Episode 17: Eden - The Endless Paradise (2000/07/25)
• Episode 18: Vice or Justice (2000/08/01)
• Episode 19: Don't Go Alone - Weeping Maidens (2000/08/08)
• Episode 20: Sandstorm (2000/08/15)
• Episode 21: Selfish - Runaway to Ruin (2000/08/22)
• Episode 22: Devastation ~The End of the Battle~ (2000/08/29)
• Episode 23: Scapegoat - The Price of Obedience (2000/09/05)
• Episode 24: Mother: The Crimson Bond (2000/09/12)
• Episode 25: Tomfool! Tomboy! ~The Terrifying Assassin!~ (2000/09/26)
• Episode 26: Calling (2000/10/03)
• Episode 27: Advent ~The Coming of the Fighting Prince~ (2000/10/10)
• Episode 28: Lonley - The Signal of Rebellion (2000/10/17)
• Episode 29: Unexpected Defeat (2000/10/24)
• Episode 30: Undertaker: Invitation to Hell (2000/10/31)
• Episode 31: Ambition ~Pride of the Gods~ (2000/11/07)
• Episode 32: Fake Star Strike Back ~Clown's Pride~ (2000/11/14)
• Episode 33: Faraway Dream ~Withered Tears~ (2000/11/21)
• Episode 34: Second Contact - The Fighting God Returns (2000/11/28)
• Episode 35: Solitude (2000/12/05)
• Episode 36: Brotherhood ~Red Flower~ (2000/12/12)
• Episode 37: Taciturnity ~A Closed Smile~ (2000/12/19)
• Episode 38: Fleeting Vision - An Unfulfilled Promise (2000/12/26)
• Episode 39: Misty Rain (2001/01/09)
• Episode 40: Twilight ~The Grumpy Sun~ (2001/01/16)
• Episode 41: Collage - Silent Ripples (2001/01/23)
• Episode 42: Festival ~Unforgettable Scenery~ (2001/01/30)
• Episode 43: Tears ~The City of Illusions~ (2001/02/06)
• Episode 44: Plunderer - Theft of Sutras - (2001/02/13)
• Episode 45: Glorious Days - Before Dawn (2001/02/20)
• Episode 46: Chaos - The Shaking Earth (2001/02/27)
• Episode 47/Guilty or Not Guilty ~Prevention~(2001/03/06)
• Episode 48: Absolutely Heaven - The Door to Freedom (2001/03/13)
• Episode 49: Missing Desire ~Shining Paradise~ (2001/03/20)
• Episode 50: Alone ~To the West~ (2001/03/27)

■Cast and crew

The cast includes Soichiro Hoshi as Goku, Toshihiko Seki as Tripitaka, Hiroaki Hirata as Gojyo, Akira Ishida as Bakai, Takeshi Kusao as Hong Gaier, Kaoru Morota as Li Lin, Yoshitada Otsuka as Nie Zhenyi, and Shinobu Sato as Princess Glamour.

The main staff includes original author Minekura Kazuya, director Date Yuto, series composition by Sumisawa Katsuyuki, scripts by Sumisawa Katsuyuki, Yajima Daisuke, and Yamatoya Akira, animation character design by Moriyama Yuji, art by Ikeda Yuji (Studio Y.S.), sound director Takakuwa Hajime, sound production by KSS, music by Sakuraba Osamu, music production by Enix, animation production by Studio Pierrot, animation production cooperation by Group TAC, and production by TV Tokyo, Dentsu, and Studio Pierrot.

Conclusion

"Gensomaden Saiyuki" is a story based on the classic "Journey to the West," but with its unique worldview and character settings, it has a new appeal. The human drama of unique characters, dynamic action scenes, beautiful visuals and music combine to provide viewers with deep emotion and excitement. Please give it a watch.