The Connection Between Dragon Ball and Journey to the West: A Modern Retelling of a Classic Tale

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball is one of the most iconic and influential manga and anime series of all time. What many fans might not know is that its origins are deeply rooted in Journey to the West (Saiyuki), one of China’s most famous classical novels. Written during the Ming Dynasty, Journey to the West tells the story of the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, and his adventures alongside a Buddhist monk and other companions on a pilgrimage to India. Toriyama’s Dragon Ball borrows heavily from this tale, especially in its early arcs, while reimagining the story in a unique and modern way.

This article explores the fascinating connections between Dragon Ball and Journey to the West, detailing how Toriyama drew inspiration from the ancient legend to create a timeless story.

The Origins of Dragon Ball

Akira Toriyama’s Inspiration

Before creating Dragon Ball, Akira Toriyama was already a successful manga artist with the hit series Dr. Slump. For his next work, Toriyama wanted to create a story rooted in adventure and martial arts. He turned to Journey to the West as a source of inspiration, adapting its characters, themes, and motifs into a narrative that would resonate with modern audiences.

Key Parallels Between Dragon Ball and Journey to the West

1. Son Goku and Sun Wukong

The protagonist of Dragon Ball, Son Goku, is directly inspired by Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Journey to the West.

Similarities:

• Name: “Son Goku” is the Japanese pronunciation of “Sun Wukong.”
• Monkey Traits: In Dragon Ball, Goku has a monkey tail, a nod to Sun Wukong’s identity as the Monkey King.
• Nyoibo (Power Pole): Goku wields the Nyoibo, a magical staff that can extend and contract at will, much like Sun Wukong’s weapon, the Ruyi Jingu Bang.
• Kintoun (Flying Nimbus): Goku rides the Kintoun, a magical flying cloud, similar to the one Sun Wukong uses to travel great distances.

Differences:

While Sun Wukong is mischievous and arrogant, Goku is portrayed as pure-hearted and naive, reflecting Toriyama’s intention to make the character more relatable and heroic for a younger audience.

2. Bulma as the Monk

In Journey to the West, the monk Tang Sanzang leads the pilgrimage and represents wisdom and spirituality. In Dragon Ball, this role is loosely adapted into Bulma, who begins the series as the brains behind the quest to find the Dragon Balls. While Bulma’s character is more pragmatic and materialistic than Tang Sanzang, her role as the group’s initiator and planner parallels the monk’s leadership.

3. Other Characters as Companions

The companions in Journey to the West find modern reinterpretations in Dragon Ball:

• Oolong (Pig): Oolong, a shape-shifting pig, draws inspiration from Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), who is often portrayed as gluttonous and lazy in Journey to the West.
• Yamcha: Though not a direct parallel, Yamcha’s early roguish nature and transformation into a loyal ally mirror elements of Sha Wujing (Sandy), a river ogre who redeems himself by joining the pilgrimage.

4. The Quest for the Dragon Balls

The overarching journey in Dragon Ball—to find the seven Dragon Balls that summon the dragon Shenron—mirrors the pilgrimage in Journey to the West. Both quests involve traveling across vast landscapes, encountering strange characters, and overcoming obstacles.

How Dragon Ball Evolves Beyond Journey to the West

While Journey to the West provides the foundation for Dragon Ball’s early chapters, Toriyama gradually shifts the series toward martial arts tournaments, intergalactic adventures, and high-stakes battles. By introducing elements like Saiyan lore, time travel, and cosmic-level villains, Dragon Ball grows into its own unique epic while maintaining echoes of its classical inspiration.

Themes Shared by Both Stories

1. The Power of Growth

Both Dragon Ball and Journey to the West emphasize personal growth, discipline, and redemption. Goku’s evolution from a naïve child to the universe’s strongest warrior mirrors Sun Wukong’s journey from a rebellious spirit to an enlightened protector.

2. Friendship and Teamwork

The camaraderie between Goku and his friends parallels the bond between the companions in Journey to the West. Both stories highlight the importance of teamwork and overcoming differences to achieve a common goal.

3. Spiritual Undertones

While Dragon Ball is less overtly spiritual than Journey to the West, themes of balance, self-improvement, and destiny are woven into the narrative.

Legacy of Dragon Ball and Journey to the West

In Japanese Culture

By adapting Journey to the West into a manga, Toriyama introduced a new generation of readers to the essence of this timeless tale. The success of Dragon Ball also inspired numerous adaptations and reinterpretations of Journey to the West in Japanese media.

Global Reach

While Journey to the West remains a cornerstone of Chinese literature, Dragon Ball has become a global phenomenon. Through its manga, anime, and merchandise, Dragon Ball introduces elements of the classic tale to audiences worldwide, bridging cultural gaps.

Conclusion: A Timeless Tale Reimagined

Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Journey to the West. By reimagining its characters and themes in a modern context, Toriyama created a story that not only honors the classic but also forges its own legacy. For fans of Dragon Ball, understanding its roots in Journey to the West offers a deeper appreciation of the series and its place within the rich tapestry of global storytelling.

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鳥山明さんの大ファン

鳥山明さんの作品をこよなく愛するドラゴンボールが好きな漫画オタクです。世の中のアニメ全般が好きで、クリエイターの皆様を応援しています。