Saiyuki Reload Review: A fascinating story and a reassessment of characters

"Saiyuki RELOAD" - A new story of adventure and friendship

Saiyuki RELOAD is a TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from October 2, 2003 to March 25, 2004. It is based on a manga by Minekura Kazuya, directed by Endo Tetsuya, and produced by TV Tokyo, Dentsu, and Pierrot. This is the second installment in the series following Gensoumaden Saiyuki, and is a long-awaited new work by fans. During the broadcast period, a total of 25 episodes were aired in a 30-minute slot every Thursday from 18:30 to 19:00.

story

The setting of Saiyuki RELOAD is Shangri-La, the source of civilization and faith. Suddenly, something strange happens, and the monsters who used to live peacefully start to lose their sense of self and go berserk. The source of this strange phenomenon is an experiment on the resurrection of the former great monster, Gyumaoh. The mixture of science and magic is taboo in this world, and as a result, negative vibrations have spread across the land. Heaven takes this situation seriously and orders Xuanzang to prevent the resurrection of Gyumaoh. Together with Son Goku, Sha Gojyo, and Zhu Bajie, who are not affected by negative vibrations, Sanzo sets out on a journey to the far-off Western region, the land of Tenjiku.

Meanwhile, in Bodeng City, Tianjiku, Princess Gyokumen, the mastermind behind the experiment to revive Gyumaoh and Gyumaoh's lover, issues an order to Hong Gai'er to eliminate Tripitaka and his companions. Hong Gai'er is the son of Gyumaoh, and in order to rescue his sealed-away mother, Rakshasa-jo, he takes on the fight alongside his confidant, who adores him. Will Tripitaka and his companions be able to thwart the experiment to revive Gyumaoh and restore peace to the Shangri-La that is heading for ruin?

Commentary

Saiyuki RELOAD is the second installment in the series following Gensoumaden Saiyuki, and features a completely new production staff that explores new appeals of the work. While bringing out the best in the original work, the anime develops its own unique story and delves deeper into the characters. Particular attention has been paid to the character backgrounds and portrayals of their emotions, and the series contains many episodes that deeply touch the viewer. The intensity of the battle scenes and the quality of the music were also highly praised, earning it strong support from fans.

cast

The main cast of "Saiyuki RELOAD" is as follows:

• Xuanzang: Toshihiko Seki
• Son Goku: Soichiro Hoshi
• Sha Wujing: Hiroaki Hirata
• Zhu Bajie: Akira Ishida
• Red Child: Takeshi Kusao

These cast members play an important role in bringing excitement to the story, expressing the individuality of each character. In particular, Toshihiko Seki as Sanzo made a strong impression on viewers with his exquisite portrayal of both the strictness of a monk and his human side. Soichiro Hoshi as Son Goku captured the hearts of viewers with his light-hearted portrayal of a free-spirited character.

Main Staff

The main staff of "Saiyuki RELOAD" are as follows:

• Original story: Kazuya Minekura (serialized in Isseisha's "Monthly Comic ZERO-SUM")
• Director, series composition, sound director: Endo Tetsuya
• Character design: Noriko Otake
• Art director: Mio Isshiki
• Color design: Iwami Mika
• Director of photography: Shirai Hisao
• Edited by: Masahiro Matsumura
• Music: DIMENSION, Daisuke Ikeda
• Recording direction: Hajime Takakuwa
• Producers: Tomoko Gushima, Taihei Yamanishi, Ryunosuke Tsuno
• Produced by: TV Tokyo, Dentsu, Pierrot

These staff members succeeded in faithfully recreating the worldview of the original work while bringing out the unique charm of the anime. In particular, Tetsuya Endo's skill as a director has the power to draw viewers in by skillfully depicting the development of the story and the growth of the characters. Noriko Otake's character designs also succeeded in animating the original work without compromising its image, enhancing its visual appeal.

Main Characters

The main characters of "Saiyuki RELOAD" are as follows.

• Xuanzang: Although he is a high-ranking monk who has converted to Buddhism, he is a seemingly outrageous monk who indulges in alcohol, tobacco, and gambling. However, he is a handsome man with natural nobility and charisma. In order to stop the experiment to revive Gyumaoh, he heads for the far west country of Tianjiku accompanied by the demons Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing, and Zhu Bajie. His weapon is a gun called the "Shourei Gun." He wears the "Ma Ten Sutra," one of the five scriptures in the world, "Tenchi Kaigen."
• Son Goku: A unique being born from the energy of the earth. He was locked in a rock prison for 500 years without aging, but was rescued by Tripitaka and set free. However, he has lost all of his memories from before he was in the rock prison. Eating and playing take up most of his thoughts, and his catchphrase is "I'm hungry!" He is like a mascot among the four. His weapon is a "Nyoibou" (a club that can also be used as a three-sectioned stick).
• Sha Gojyo: He is half human, born to a human mother and a monster father. Being half human and half monster is considered taboo, so the child born has red hair and eyes. His rough and careless behavior makes him seem careless at first glance, but he is actually a reliable older brother who cares about his friends. He is also a big womanizer. When he was young, he was nearly killed by his stepmother, who is also a monster, but his half-brother killed her and saved him. His weapon is a sharp "shakujo" (a staff with a chain attached).
• Zhu Bajie: Buddha was originally a human named Zhu Woneng. However, when his beloved woman, Huanan, was kidnapped by the Hundred Eyes Demon King's clan, he killed a thousand demons to save her, and was covered in their blood, turning him into a demon. He is usually a gentle, smiling, good-natured young man, but can be surprisingly sarcastic. He does not carry a weapon, but can attack and defend using vent techniques.

Although these characters each have different backgrounds and personalities, they are depicted as continuing their journey toward a common goal. Their growth and deepening friendship are important elements that move the audience.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Saiyuki RELOAD" are as follows:

• Episode 1: The Bullet is Loaded Again ~Run~ (2003/10/02)
• Episode 2: The Moving Trap ~Wanted Dead or Alive~ (2003/10/09)
• Episode 3: The Strongest Enemy in History ~Lethal Weapon~ (2003/10/16)
• Episode 4: The Last Promise ~Negative Energy~ (2003/10/23)
• Episode 5: Sleeping Memories ~Voice~ (2003/10/30)
• Episode 6: Recapture ~Sad Memory~ (2003/11/06)
• Episode 7: Little Partner ~Little Will~ (2003/11/13)
• Episode 8: Delicious Food ~Poison~ (2003/11/20)
• Episode 9: The Unconquerable Castle - Self Defense - (2003/11/27)
• Episode 10: The Monster Xuanzang - Trick or Treat (2003/12/04)
• Episode 11: A Gentle Statue ~Mother~ (2003/12/11)
• Episode 12: Spirited Away Mountain ~Tiny Dream~ (2003/12/18)
• Episode 13: A Little Little Story - Lovely Baby (2003/12/25)
• Episode 14: Whispers in the Darkness ~Black Crow~ (2004/01/08)
• Episode 15: Premonition ~Secret Ambition~ (2004/01/15)
• Episode 16: Footprints ~Opposite~ (2004/01/22)
• Episode 17: Unfulfilled Wish (2004/01/29)
• Episode 18: Sad Bonds ~Critical Day~ (2004/02/05)
• Episode 19: God ~Farewell~ (2004/02/12)
• Episode 20: Overture ~Chase~ (2004/02/19)
• Episode 21: Battle ~Don't Cry~ (2004/02/26)
• Episode 22: Shattered Things ~Pain~ (2004/03/04)
• Episode 23: Our Way ~Dawn~ (2004/03/11)
• Episode 24: Rematch ~Go Ahead~ (2004/03/18)
• Episode 25: Conclusion ~Nothing to Give~ (2004/03/25)

The subtitles for each episode reflect the development of the story and the feelings of the characters, helping viewers to immerse themselves in the story. The English subtitles also enhance the atmosphere of the work.

Related Titles

"Saiyuki RELOAD" has deep ties to the following related works:

• Gensomade Saiyuki
• The Movie: Gensomaden Saiyuki Requiem: Requiem for the Unchosen
• Saiyuki RELOAD GUNLOCK
• Saiyuki RELOAD -burial-
• Saiyuki Gaiden
• Saiyuki Gaiden Special Edition: Fragrance Chapter

These works share the worldview of the original work, but depict different perspectives and stories. In particular, "Gensomaden Saiyuki" is the predecessor to "Saiyuki RELOAD" and is an important work for understanding the background and relationships of the characters. In addition, "Saiyuki RELOAD GUNLOCK" and "Saiyuki RELOAD -burial-" are sequels to "Saiyuki RELOAD", so you can enjoy the continuation of the story and new developments.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for "Saiyuki RELOAD" are as follows.

• OP1: Wild Rock
  • Lyricist: Haze
  • Composer: BUZZLIP
  • Arrangement: BUZZLIP
  • Sung by: BUZZLIP
• ED1: ID
  • Lyricist: Morihei Ozaki
  • Composer: Shotaro Mitsuzono
  • Arrangement: Minoru Toyoda
  • Song: flow-war
• ED2: In the howling wind
  • Lyricist: Yuuka Saegusa
  • Composer: Akihito Tokunaga
  • Arrangement: Akihito Tokunaga
  • Sung by: WAG

These songs are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. In particular, the opening theme "Wild Rock" captured the hearts of viewers with its powerful themes of adventure and friendship. The ending songs "ID" and "In the Wind" have beautiful melodies that reflect the emotions of the characters and the development of the story, deeply moving viewers.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Saiyuki RELOAD" is a work that maximizes the appeal of the original work, while developing its own unique storyline and delving deeper into the characters. In particular, it focuses on the character backgrounds and portrayals of their emotions, and contains many episodes that deeply touch the viewers. In addition, the intensity of the battle scenes and the quality of the music were highly praised, and it has garnered strong support from fans.

While this work depicts a tale of adventure and friendship, it also carefully depicts the growth of the characters and the deepening of human relationships, which is an important element in moving the viewer. In particular, the individuality of each character, such as Xuanzang's leadership, Sun Wukong's free-spiritedness, Sha Wujing's reliability, and Zhu Bajie's gentleness, stood out and left a strong impression on viewers. In addition, the portrayal of the enemy characters, such as Hong Hai'er's conflict and Princess Gyokumen's ambition, is also in-depth, adding depth to the story.

"Saiyuki RELOAD" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the original work, but to all anime fans. In particular, it is recommended for those who enjoy stories of adventure and friendship, and those who like works that depict the growth of characters and the deepening of human relationships. It will also satisfy those who place importance on the quality of battle scenes and music.

Other related works that are recommended include "Gensomaden Saiyuki", "Saiyuki RELOAD GUNLOCK", and "Saiyuki RELOAD -burial-". By watching these works, you can gain a deeper understanding of the world view and character background of "Saiyuki RELOAD". Also, be sure to read the original manga. By enjoying the anime that brings out the charm of the original to the fullest and other works that share the world view of the original, you will be able to enjoy the charm of "Saiyuki RELOAD" even more deeply.