The appeal and reviews of "Saiyuki Reload -Zero-": Exploring the depths of a new adventure

The appeal and evaluation of "Saiyuki RELOAD -ZEROIN-"

"Saiyuki Reload -Zeroin-" is a TV anime series based on the popular manga series by Kazuya Minekura, which aired from January 6 to March 31, 2022. The story is set in the continent of Shangri-La, where science and magic coexist, and follows Xuanzang and his companions as they journey to stop Gyumaoh's resurrection experiment. Below, we will introduce the appeal and reviews of this work, as well as related information in detail.

Story and worldview

The setting of "Saiyuki Reload -Zero-" is a "Shangri-La" where science and magic coexist. On this continent, humans and monsters live together, but due to the negative vibrations caused by Gyumaoh's resurrection experiment, the monsters go out of control and the balance is upset. To save the world from this crisis, Xuanzang is given the mission by the Bodhisattva Kannon of Heaven to stop Gyumaoh's resurrection experiment, and he heads for the Western Regions of India with Son Goku, Sha Gojyo, and Zhu Bajie. During their journey, they meet Hazel Gross, who has the power to resurrect dead people, and his servant Gato. The story unfolds in a way that draws viewers in as to what Hazel's purpose is and how their journey will progress.

The worldview of this work follows the original "Saiyuki" series, but adds new elements to deepen it. In particular, the setting where science and magic coexist blurs the boundary between fantasy and reality, providing viewers with fresh surprises. In addition, the theme of the resurrection experiment on Gyumaoh raises deep questions such as bioethics and human desires, giving the story a sense of depth.

Characters and cast

The appeal of "Saiyuki Reload -Zero-" lies in the unique characters and the powerful acting of the cast who play them. Below we introduce the main characters and the cast.

• Xuanzang Tripitaka (voiced by Toshihiko Seki) - 24-year-old monk of the 31st Tang Dynasty, Xuanzang Tripitaka. Although he is one of the highest priests, he is an apostate who enjoys drinking, smoking, and gambling. He has sharp eyes and charisma, but is also characterized by his arrogant and violent attitude.
• Son Goku (voice: Soichiro Hoshi) - 19 years old. A heretic born from the peak of Mount Kaga. He has a bright and pure personality and a bottomless stomach. His catchphrase is "I'm hungry."
• Sha Gojyo (voiced by Hiroaki Hirata) - 23 years old. Half monster, half human, he likes to pick up girls and has bad habits with women. He also has a caring and kind side.
• Zhu Bajie (voice: Ishida Akira) - 23 years old. A former human who became a monster after killing a thousand monsters in revenge. He has a calm and friendly personality, but is terrifying when angry.
• Hazel Gross (voiced by Tokon Koichi) - A foreigner from the western continent, he is confident that he has the power to revive dead people.
• Gato (voiced by Koyama Rikiya) - Hazel's servant, a silent, muscular man with a large body. He wields two pistols as a weapon.
• Kenichi Ni/Ukoku Sanzo (voiced by Houchu Ootsuka) - A scientist involved in the resurrection experiment of Gyumaoh and one of the highest priests. There are many mysterious aspects to this character.
• Tripitaka Master Komyo (voice: Mitsuru Miyamoto) - Tripitaka Master Xuanzang's master and the previous Tripitaka master with an easy-going personality.

The voice actors who play these characters are veteran voice actors who have been involved in the Saiyuki series for many years, and their acting skills bring out the charm of the characters. In particular, Toshihiko Seki's Xuanzang Sanzo and Soichiro Hoshi's Son Goku leave a strong impression on viewers by faithfully recreating the image of the original while adding a new interpretation.

Production and staff

Saiyuki Reload -Zeroin- was produced by LIDEN FILMS. The director was Takada Misato, the series composition was Yokote Michiko and Matsui Aya, and character design and general animation direction was Ogura Noriko. Art direction was Fukai Erika, color design was Noji Hirono, CG director Yamazaki Yoshimasa, cinematography was Goto Haruka, editing was Umezu Tomomi, music was Shiroto Yusuke, and sound direction was Takakuwa Hajime. This team of staff worked together to faithfully recreate the worldview of the original work while successfully bringing out new appeal.

In particular, Noriko Ogura, who was in charge of character design and chief animation director, paid particular attention to detail when drawing the original visuals into animation, while Yusuke Shiroto, who was in charge of music, provided a grandiose soundtrack that matched the atmosphere of the story, helping to enhance the emotions of the viewer.

Broadcast and distribution information

"Saiyuki RELOAD -ZEROIN-" was broadcast on AT-X, TOKYO MX, BS11, and Mainichi Broadcasting System from January 6 to March 31, 2022. The specific broadcast schedule is as follows:

• AT-X: January 6, 2022 to March 31, 2022, every Thursday from 23:00 to 23:30
• TOKYO MX: January 7, 2022 to April 1, 2022, every Friday from 0:30 to 1:00
• BS11: January 7, 2022 to April 1, 2022, every Friday from 0:30 to 1:00
• Mainichi Broadcasting System: January 9, 2022 to April 3, 2022, every Sunday from 3:08 to 3:38

It was also streamed online and was available on dTV, Anime Times, Amazon Prime Video, U-NEXT, Hulu, FOD, GYAO!, Tver, ABEMA, Bandai Channel, TELASA, d Anime Store, Niconico Channel, J:COM On Demand, au Smart Pass Premium, Hikari TV, TSUTAYA TV, Rakuten TV, AnimeFesta, Animehodai, and MBS Dogaism. It was also streamed live on ABEMA and Niconico Live Broadcasting.

Episodes and subtitles

"Saiyuki RELOAD -ZEROIN-" consists of 13 episodes, each with a different theme and plot. Below are the subtitles and broadcast dates for each episode.

• Episode 1: "Blue-eyed Angel" (January 6, 2022)
• Episode 2: "The Value of Life" (January 13, 2022)
• Episode 3: "Humans and Monsters" (January 20, 2022)
• Episode 4: "Choice" (January 27, 2022)
• Episode 5: "He's Back" (February 3, 2022)
• Episode 6: "The Right to Life" (February 10, 2022)
• Episode 7: "The Great Saint Equals the Heavens" (February 17, 2022)
• Episode 8 "Oasis" (February 24, 2022)
• Episode 9: "Even the Smallest Insect Has a Soul" (March 3, 2022)
• Episode 10 "Atonement" (March 10, 2022)
• Episode 11: The Next Sun to Rise (March 17, 2022)
• Episode 12: Memories Revealed (March 24, 2022)
• Episode 13 "The Tripitaka Encounter" (March 31, 2022)

Each episode follows the journey of Xuanzang and his companions, and delves into the core of the story, such as the experiment to revive Bull Mowang and Hazel's purpose. In particular, episode 7, "Equaling the Heavens," reveals Son Goku's past, and episode 12, "Memories Revealed," reveals Hazel's true intentions, drawing viewers in with the story.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme of "Saiyuki Reload -Zero-" is "Kamimo Hotokemo" by GRANRODEO, with lyrics by Kisho Taniyama and music and arrangement by Masaaki Iizuka. This song is a powerful rock number that will liven up the journey of Xuanzang and his companions, and will inspire the hearts of viewers.

The ending theme is "Ruten" by Nakamura Shugo, with lyrics and music by Nakamura and arrangement by Murayama Jun. The melody of this song evokes the melancholy of the story and resonates deeply with viewers. These theme songs and music are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story.

Related Titles

"Saiyuki RELOAD -ZEROIN-" is a work created as part of Kazuya Minekura's "Saiyuki" series. Related works are introduced below.

• "Saiyuki" (OVA version)
• "Fantasy Madness: Saiyuki"
• "Theatrical version of Gensoumaden Saiyuki Requiem: Requiem for the Unchosen Ones"
• "Saiyuki RELOAD"
• "Saiyuki RELOAD GUNLOCK"
• “Saiyuki RELOAD -burial-”
• "Saiyuki Gaiden"
• "Saiyuki Gaiden Special Edition: Fragrance Chapter"
• "Saiyuki RELOAD BLAST"
• "Ura Sai"
• "Sayuki Gaiden"
• "Ura Sai (Saiyuki RELOAD BLAST version)"
• "Ura Sai (Saiyuki RELOAD ZEROIN version)"

These works are based on the original "Saiyuki" series, and each work has a different perspective and story. In particular, the "Saiyuki RELOAD" series focuses on the journey of Xuanzang and his companions, and "Saiyuki RELOAD -ZEROIN-" is positioned as part of that series.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Saiyuki Reload -Zero-" has been highly praised as a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work, but also by new viewers. In particular, the unique characters and deep story development are appealing and have the power to draw viewers in. In addition, the world view where science and magic coexist and the theme of the resurrection experiment of Gyumaoh blur the boundary between fantasy and reality, providing viewers with fresh surprises.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this work:

• Characters with a wide variety of personalities - Xuanzang, Son Goku, Sha Wujing, Zhu Bajie and other characters with a wide variety of personalities add excitement to the story. Their growth and struggles are depicted, leaving viewers with deep emotions.
• Deep storyline - The story unfolds to the core, including the resurrection experiment of Gyumaoh and Hazel's purpose. It raises deep questions such as bioethics and human desires, and has the power to make the viewer think.
• Beautiful visuals and music - The beautiful visuals and music, which reflect the production staff's attention to detail in the character designs, art settings, and music, enhance the story.
• Enjoyable for fans of the original work and new viewers alike - By following the original Saiyuki series while adding new elements, it is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work but also by new viewers.

As mentioned above, "Saiyuki RELOAD -ZEROIN-" is a work that has unique characters, a deep story, beautiful visuals and music. It is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans of the original work but also by new viewers, so we highly recommend watching it.