#Saiyuiki Journey West

[the-monkey-ruler]

I'm a fan of the Saiyuki/Monkey 1978 show and I thought I'd throw in some extra info after seeing that last anon ask about "why is sanzang often a woman in japanese media"

First off, I hope I don't come across as nitpicky, but the show in English is called "Monkey", not "Monkey Magic", and the only reason I point that out because there IS another JttW adaptation (animated series, but also from Japan) called "Monkey Magic" and I don't want anyone to get the two confused. (But the theme song to Monkey 1978 IS called "Monkey Magic" so confusion abounds lol) You said "many Japanese media followed its example and had Sanzang be a woman." While Sanzang is often played by a female actress in Japanese media, the character is almost always still male, at least in the more mainstream direct adaptations of the JttW story. DBZ is hardly an accurate adaption, and Bulma being made a woman was probably just inspired by Sanzang being played by actresses, like you said. I could be wrong but at least from the ones that I've seen, the adaptations that do change Sanzang the character to be a women are usually ones that don't take themselves as seriously when it comes to "accurately" adapting the original story (not that there's anything wrong with that).

"I can’t say for certain why they made Sanzang a girl in the 1970s" Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a definitive reason either, but I did read once that the actor who played Wukong for the show gave an interview and said that the reason they hired an actress was "to generate buzz about the show" (but I can't confirm a source for that quote). I've also seen multiple theories that another possible reason is due to the fact that Sanzang is supposed to be a beautiful man, so why not have a woman play him to amp up the attractiveness factor?

Also, in the English dub Tripitaka is often referred to as "the boy priest" which to me seems a weird specification to point out, unless they're implying that he's very young or not even an adult yet in this show. Wukong calls him "the lad" a lot too, which maybe lends a little credence to this Sanzang being young. I don't know if that's also true in the original Japanese, but if it is, then that might also explain why they chose an actress to play him, to make him look properly youthful.

(Or maybe the English dub kept emphasizing Sanzang being a boy/a lad simply to help audiences know that despite being played by a lovely actress, the character is still a man lol)

OR who knows, maybe the casting director for the show felt like being progressive for the 70s, because Sanzang isn't the only cross-cast character; Buddha is played by a female actress and Guanyin is played by a male actor.

Sorry for such a long ask, I tried to keep things concise while still hitting the main points. I really really enjoy this show and I'm sad there isn't a whole lot of information available for it!

I'm a fan of the Saiyuki/Monkey 1978 show and I thought I'd throw in some extra info after seeing that last anon ask about "why is sanzang often a woman in japanese media" First off, I hope I don't come across as nitpicky, but the show in English is called "Monkey", not "Monkey Magic", and the only reason I point that out because there IS another JttW adaptation (animated series, but also from Japan) called "Monkey Magic" and I don't want anyone to get the two confused. (But the theme song to Monkey 1978 IS called "Monkey Magic" so confusion abounds lol)

I like that Monkey Magic anime that you brought up. It's good stuff!

You said "many Japanese media followed its example and had Sanzang be a woman." While Sanzang is often played by a female actress in Japanese media, the character is almost always still male, at least in the more mainstream direct adaptations of the JttW story. DBZ is hardly an accurate adaption, and Bulma being made a woman was probably just inspired by Sanzang being played by actresses, like you said.

I'm not saying that most Japanese media have Sanzang as a girl, just a lot of them, and yes most faithful adaptions of course have Sanzang as a boy but that doesn't discount how many girl Sanzang media has come out of this and could have been influenced by Monkey (1978). This is more just observing the combination of Japanese media that has femme Sanzang more than other countries' media.

The Saiyuki franchises do keep it that Sanzang is a male played by a woman there is other Saiyuki media that has him as a female on purpose. Saiyuki TV series (1993), Saiyuki (1994), and the Sayuki movie (2007) are clearly 1978-inspired but as such just have Sanzang is supposed to be a man. Maybe even Doraemon: The Record of Nobita’s Parallel Visit to the West (1988) since while the character is a girl she is still playing Sanzang as a man.

I didn't even consider Dragon Ball as an example of Sanzang being portrayed as a woman. I was thinking Saiyuki Starzinger (1978), SF Saiyuki Starzinger Movie Edition SF (1979), and Saiyuiki Journey West (1999) where you play as Sanzo and choose your gender as either a girl or a boy. There is also the Japanese anime Nanbaka (2016) where Sanzang is played by two different characters also a man and a woman. There is also just anime-games like Monster Super League (2016), Dragalia Lost (2018), Granblue Fantasy (2014), and Monster Strike (2014) モンスターストライク.

There are other non-Japanese productions that also follow the idea of having Sanzang as a woman and while these can be separated from Monkey (1978) I think they should also be considered to be have some influence. The Australian tv show Legends of the Monkey King (2018) is stated to be inspired by Monkey (1978) more so than Xiyouji itself. Korean Odessey (2017) and God of High School (2020) are Korean productions but I'm not sure if this is inspired by Monkey (1978) as it is a different modern take of the story and thus could be different. There has only been one Chinese media that I have seen with a female Sanzang Ultimate Westward Journey (2019).

I could be wrong but at least from the ones that I've seen, the adaptations that do change Sanzang the character to be a women are usually ones that don't take themselves as seriously when it comes to "accurately" adapting the original story (not that there's anything wrong with that).

I guess they don't have to be taken seriously but they should still be noted all the same because this is still Japanese media that is portraying Xiyouji characters. It doesn't have to be taken seriously to still note when and to whom gender bent happen (should also be noted that Bailong and Wujing are also common characters to have their genders differ). Just cause they are games or cartoons doesn't make them any less media that should be considered how easily it is to change Sanzang's gender even for casual and common everyday games and shows.

It's not so much about accuracy as that isn't needed but how to widespread the idea of changing Sanzang's gender. It's not a bad thing but something that should be recognized. Personally, in terms of Dragon Ball, I always like the idea of Krillin being as Sanzang as well since I think that being an ex-monk would be clever. But since there is a lot of Japanese media that has Sanzang has multiple characters that could be Sanzang it could just be up to interpretation as Bulma was the original idea for Sanzang representation.

"I can’t say for certain why they made Sanzang a girl in the 1970s" Unfortunately I haven't been able to find a definitive reason either, but I did read once that the actor who played Wukong for the show gave an interview and said that the reason they hired an actress was "to generate buzz about the show" (but I can't confirm a source for that quote). I've also seen multiple theories that another possible reason is due to the fact that Sanzang is supposed to be a beautiful man, so why not have a woman play him to amp up the attractiveness factor?

I was quoting from the Monkey 1978 Baidu page when I was talking in my last post and it did seem like they were going to hire Tamasaburo Bando until the change was made. @journeytothewestresearch suggested that it could have been to highlight Sanzang's natural beauty so perhaps that could be the case. But in any case it def left an impressive on lots of media later down the line.

Also, in the English dub Tripitaka is often referred to as "the boy priest" which to me seems a weird specification to point out, unless they're implying that he's very young or not even an adult yet in this show. Wukong calls him "the lad" a lot too, which maybe lends a little credence to this Sanzang being young. I don't know if that's also true in the original Japanese, but if it is, then that might also explain why they chose an actress to play him, to make him look properly youthful. (Or maybe the English dub kept emphasizing Sanzang being a boy/a lad simply to help audiences know that despite being played by a lovely actress, the character is still a man lol)

I think they could have been implying that he was younger in the show since there was some media in the early 1960-70s where young boys were played by women. I have only seen this in like musical movies though, so that the 'young boy' would have a higher-pitched voice.

OR who knows, maybe the casting director for the show felt like being progressive for the 70s, because Sanzang isn't the only cross-cast character; Buddha is played by a female actress and Guanyin is played by a male actor.

I do think that showing Buddha and Guanyin as genders differing from how they are usually portrayed was very innovative! Perhaps even touching on Guanyin's original legend where she was an Indian Prince, gives her an ambiguous gender role. It could be that the director seeing that both form and beauty are not limited to gender could be played by anyone as long as the acting is top quality.

Sorry for such a long ask, I tried to keep things concise while still hitting the main points. I really really enjoy this show and I'm sad there isn't a whole lot of information available for it!

I do wish that I could find more information and I'm surprised that there is very little despite how globally popular it was. I know that the sub was many people's intro to Xiyouji and further created a stronger legacy. But it could be that the show's run was to be short

[femalechibiblogger]

5 Old and Nearly Forgotten Manga and Anime Series

1. Patalliro!

Patalliro was a manga series that first started in 1978, which would then become an anime series that aired from 1982 to 1983 with 49 episodes, and even a movie. 

The series took place in a fictional country called ‘Malynera’, and took place in a futuristic version of the year 2015 (remember that the series started in 1978). The main character of the series is a 10 year old boy named Patalliro du Malyner VIII, who becomes the king of Malynera and is often protected by two bodyguards: Jack Barbarosa Bancoran and Maraich Juschenfe. While being the ruler of an entire country, Patalliro also causes mischief and becomes a thorn in the sides of Bancoran and Maraich...but Patalliro also proves to be a competent and intellectual leader as well.

The series was a bit ahead of its time as it featured same-sex romance between men, especially between Bancoran and Maraich. The series wa also known for its witty humor, innuendos, slapstick, and is one of the longest running manga series. The manga has still not ended and has over 101 volumes...though recent ones have not yet been translated into English. 

The anime series was, for a while, difficult to find... Especially since the anime had not been aired on television for many years. But now the episodes can be found online today. There is even a spin-off called, Patalliro Saiyuiki!, which is a parody of the story: Journey to the West. A stage musical based off the series was made in Japan in 2018. 

2. Di Gi Charat

Di Gi Charat is a manga that started in 1998 and was adapted into several animes: Di Gi Charat (1999-2001), Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat (2002), Leave it to Piyoko-pyo! (2003), Di Gi Charat Nyo! (2003-2004), and Winter Garden OVA (2006). 

The series focuses on Princess Dejiko, the princess of planet Di Gi Charat, who comes to Earth to train to become a proper princess. She is accompanied by her friend Puchiko and servant Gema. She ends up befriending other humans and becomes a rival to the self-proclaimed idol: Robi~en~Rose/Hikaru Usada. Dejiko is not very princess-like, as she is crude, wild, impolite and lazy. 

The series is well-known for its humor, random storylines, and interesting characters. While it may seem like random nonsense, it also still makes sense in a way. The series could also be seen as a parody of the Magical Girl trope, as Dejiko has the qualities of a Magical Girl...but is still far from the ideal character-type. 

While the story changes with each anime series, some parts remain the same but just take place in a different time and location. All of the anime series can be found online, as well as the manga...though recent chapters may be difficult to find. Sega Dreamcast developed a game called, Di Gi Charat Fantasy, which was only available in Japan and also had a storyline different from the manga and anime. 

3. Kocchi Muite! Miiko

Kocchi Muite! Miiko is a manga series that first started in 1995, and was developed into an anime in 1998. 

The series depicts the life of ‘Miiko Yamada’, a tomboyish girl who often gets into mischief with her friends. It is a simple and cute story that depicts the innocence of childhood, as children often get caught up in adventure and mischief.

Both the manga and anime are very hard to find, as not all of the chapters have been uploaded on any manga websites. The episodes of the anime are also nearly impossible to find, and are yet to be easily available on any websites. 

Hopefully, it will become easier to find in the near future.

4. Great Teacher Onizuka

Great Teacher Onizuka is a manga that went on from 1997-2002, was made into an anime in 1998, and became a live-action series in 2012 and 2014. 

The series tells the story of ex-delinquent Eikichi Onizuka, who decides to become a teacher. Onizuka is a wild, perverted jokester who is not exactly teacher material. However...Onizuka just may be the best teacher that anyone could ever have. After being hired at the prestigious Holy Forest Academy, Onizuka is assigned to teach a class filled with students who go to great lengths to get their teachers fired. But no matter what they do, Onizuka never quits and proves to be a great challenge for his troublesome students. In the end, he teaches his students life lessons through ways that no teacher could ever think of doing. Even though the entire school board wants him gone, he is not the type to back down and will even teach the adults a thing or two about being a good teacher. 

This series is well-known for its drama and depiction of a strict school system, filled with corruption and conspiracy against those who seem unfit to be teachers. The series also depicts the effects that bullying, violence, family problems, and suicide can have on a school and its students. While the series can be a bit controversial...it can also teach you a thing or two on how a teacher should be when it comes to their students.

Both the manga and anime can be easily found online.

5. Hanada Shonen Shi

Hanada Shonen Shi is a manga that went on from 1993-1995, and was developed into an anime that aired from 2002-2003. 

The series tells the story of a troublesome boy named ‘Hanada Ichiro’, who lives in a small village and is known for causing trouble. After being hit by a car and almost dying, Hanada gains the ability to see and talk to ghosts, who come to him to help them with their unfinished business so that they can move on into the afterlife. 

The series is known for its crude humor, but also light-hearted drama as it features a mischievous boy who now must help ghosts move on. It is perfect for those who love supernatural anime, but also like comedy and slice-of-life. 

While not all of the chapters of the manga are available, you can find the anime series online.

[the-monkey-ruler]

how many times has tripitaka been played by a beautiful girl? my gran’s watching monkey magic and i’m :0

From what I can tell it’s kinda iffy. Usually, it’s a Japanese live-action movie/tv show that was inspired by Monkey (1978) cause that is the biggest influencer there def. That def touched the Saiyuki Starzinger (1978) or the Saiyuki TV series (1993) and in (1994), Patalliro Saiyuki (1978). There is a few video games a well, the most popular is the Saiyuiki Journey West (1999) where you play as Sanzo and choose your gender as either a girl or a boy. The Australian tv show The Legends of the Monkey King (2018) is actually inspired by that series more so than Xiyouji itself. Also in some of the old 70s anime, he is seen as a girl to fit the “token girl” role. Funny enough in the Monkey Magic (1999) animation based on the game Sanzang is a guy but BaiLong is a girl instead… there are quite a few gender swaps in order to fit in some girl tropes.

There is also Korean Odessey (2017) that I know makes Sanzang a girl and also the Saiyuki Starzinger-inspired Korean Sun Wukong and the War of the Stars (1978).

But the overall amount of time is either surprisingly less than you would think but more than seems real. Most of the time they either have Sanzang, BaiLong, or even Wujing as a gender swap for the sake of having a girl character. Or I see some media where Wukong is changed depending on the movie. And otherwise, Bajie seems to have the least amount of changes unless it’s one of those “everyone is a girl” gender swaps that has happened.

I can’t say for certain how many gender swaps there are since I haven’t really been keeping a tally but there is a good few def.

I think the latest fem Sanzang I've been has been in Nanbaka (2016) and from what you can see more femme Saznags are from Japan cause it is mostly Monkey 1978-inspired because of its location.

The only femme Sanzang I've been in Chinese media personally is Pink Journey to the West (2015) where it looks like it's just Journey to the West but they are all girls for no reason. Haven't seen this one just know about it.

Have to say considering they are all about to kill each other on sight with just pointy sticks and rocks already makes me really think this the most valid. Not an ounce of mercy to be seen and Wukong has a fucking rock ready.

Amazing.