The ‘Journey to the West’ is one of the most famous novels in Chinese literature. Written in the 16th century by Wu Cheng’en, it tells the story of the monk Xuanzang’s pilgrimage to India and his protection by the Monkey King Sun Wukong and other disciples. Due to its popularity and interesting characters, it has inspired many anime adaptations over the years that put their own creative spins on the classic tale.
The novel features powerful characters like the mischievous Monkey King that lend themselves well to exciting anime adaptations. It also has memorable moments like the pilgrimage across China that allow stories to explore new settings and scenarios. Over the decades, Japanese animation studios have produced various interpretations of the source material, modernizing it for new audiences while maintaining ties to the original work, citing inspiration from the work of Wu Cheng’en. Here’s a list of such anime.
5. Monkey Typhoon
‘Monkey Typhoon’, the 52-episodes long animated series based on the manga by Joji Arimori, follows the premise of the famous Chinese novel but manages to add the elements of the classic story in a futuristic world with the involvement of robots. Its Japanese name ‘Assobot Robot Goku’ is a direct nod to its influence from the novel.
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The show follows the main character, Goku, who is a first-gen “Assobot” with powers and also features like monkeys. He is tasked with searching for the 49 Keys of the Apocalypse. In the show, Goku draws major influence from Sun Wukong, made evident by his trickster nature, and sets off to find the treasure hidden in the same place as the keys.
4. Alakazam The Great
Released in 1960, ‘Alakazam the Great‘ was Toei Animation’s first full-length feature film inspired by Journey to the West. It takes inspiration from the source material, focusing on Goku’s rise to the kingship of the Monkey Clan and his journey to overcome arrogance.
One of the first full-length animated movies to make it to the United States from Japan, ‘Alakazam the Great‘ is an interpretation of the novel that makes Goku the hero. The inclusion of magic gave it a more fantastical edge compared to other early adaptations. Goku is never really a villain in the film but is portrayed as a mischief-maker and playful thief, similar to his depiction in Chinese mythology and the source novel.
3. Shinzo
Known as ‘Mushrambo‘ in Japanese, ‘Shinzo‘ is set in a futuristic world where humanity must be saved. It cleverly switches out ancient Buddhist texts with humans as the relic. For those anime fans who like elaborate stories with immersive lore and complex settings, ‘Shinzo‘ is an ideal choice.
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The character of Mushra — one of the three figures that guards and guides the main character — isn’t a monkey but retains the features of a staff as a weapon and the distinctive golden headband. It’s a clever twist to switch out the ancient Buddhist texts with human beings.
2. Gensomaden Saiyuki
‘Go To The West‘ is the very first episode of ‘Gensomaden Saiyuki,’ so it’s clear they aren’t exactly being subtle about using Journey to the West as their source material. The show is set in the paradise of Shangri-La, which has been disturbed by rising evil spirits and vicious monsters.
A Priest named Sanzo is ordered by the Celestial Heavens to travel to India and discover what has happened and how to fix it. Sanzo is obviously intended to be the Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang, and naturally, he’s joined as usual by three companions, one of which is Son Goku. ‘Gensomaden Saiyuki‘ was popular enough to prompt a full-length movie and a remake.
1. Dragon Ball
The full name of the Monkey King in ‘Journey to the West’ is Sun Wukong. In Japanese, the pronunciation is Son Goku, and thus we have the name of our iconic protagonist in ‘Dragon Ball‘. Goku also has a tail, uses a staff, and flies around on a cloud — all the powers that Sun Wukong also has. Dragon Ball drew heavily on ‘Journey to the West’ characters like Goku and plot points involving the search for sacred objects.
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However, what sets Dragon Ball apart is its perfect fusion of sci-fi and fantasy action-comedy blended with Eastern mythology. The initial season followed Goku and his friends seeking the magical Dragon Balls similarly to the monk’s quest in Journey to the West. Dragon Ball proved there was still potential to reinvent the classic Chinese tale through new genres beloved by fans. Its character Goku brought joy even in dire battles with his innocence and ability to inspire.
