Saiyuki (2000)
A classic Japanese anime odyssey following a rogue priest and his demon companions on a desperate journey to prevent ancient evil from consuming the world.
Saiyuki - Series Information
- Original Title: 最遊記
- First Air Year: 2000
- Last Air Year: 2022
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure, Drama, Comedy
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 5
- Number of Episodes: 126
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: April 4, 2000 (Australia - MA 15+), April 4, 2000 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: TV Tokyo, AT-X
- Production Companies: Pierrot, dentsu, Platinum Vision, LIDENFILMS
- Production Countries: Japan
- Alternative Titles: Gensou Maden Saiyuuki (JP), Chroniques de l'extrême voyage Saiyuki (FR), 最游记 reload blast (CN), Saiyuki - La Leggenda del Demone dell'Illusione (IT), Saiyuki-Viaje al oeste a lo extremo (ES)
Saiyuki - Plot
Many years ago, humans and demons lived in harmony. But that unity ended when demons started attacking humans and plotted a mission to unleash Gyumao - an evil demon imprisoned for thousands of years. Now, Genjo Sanzo, a rogue priest, must team up with three demons - Sha Gojyo, Son Goku, and Cho Hakkai - and embark on a perilous journey to the west to stop these demons from resurrecting Gyumao and restore the balance between humans and demons on Earth.
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Saiyuki - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kaoru Morota as Hakuryu (voice)
- Akira Ishida as Cho Hakkai (voice)
- Toshihiko Seki as Genjo Sanzo (voice)
- Hiroaki Hirata as Sha Gojyo (voice)
- Soichiro Hoshi as Son Goku (voice)
- Dai Matsumoto as Dokugakuji (voice)
- Hochu Otsuka as Ni Jianyi (voice)
- Takeshi Kusao as Kougaiji (voice)
- Toshiyuki Morikawa as Homura (voice)
- Kaho Kouda as Nataku (voice)
Writers
- Katsuyuki Sumisawa
- Akatsuki Yamatoya
- Kenji Konuta
- Daisuke Yajima
- Miya Asakawa
Executive Producers
- Makoto Nakamura
Saiyuki - FAQs
Is Saiyuki based on a manga or book?
Saiyuki is based on the manga series by Kazuya Minekura, which is itself a modern reimagining of the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. The manga ran in several publications and inspired multiple anime seasons, OVAs, and a dedicated global fanbase.
Where can I watch Saiyuki online?
Saiyuki is available to stream on select platforms depending on your region. You can check JustWatch for a full, up-to-date list of streaming services, rental options, and purchase links available in your country.
How many seasons and episodes does Saiyuki have?
Saiyuki spans 5 seasons and a specials collection totalling 126 episodes: Gensomaden Saiyuki (50 episodes), Saiyuki Reload (25), Saiyuki Reload Gunlock (26), Saiyuki Reload Blast (12), Saiyuki Reload: Zeroin (13), plus 10 special episodes.
What is Saiyuki about?
Saiyuki follows rogue priest Genjo Sanzo and his three demon companions — Cho Hakkai, Sha Gojyo, and Son Goku — on a dangerous westward journey to prevent a group of rogue demons from resurrecting Gyumao, an ancient evil, and restore peace between humans and demons.
Who are the main voice actors in Saiyuki?
The principal Japanese voice cast includes Toshihiko Seki as Genjo Sanzo, Akira Ishida as Cho Hakkai, Hiroaki Hirata as Sha Gojyo, and Soichiro Hoshi as Son Goku. Supporting roles are voiced by Takeshi Kusao, Toshiyuki Morikawa, Hochu Otsuka, and others.
When did Saiyuki first air?
Saiyuki first aired on April 4, 2000, on TV Tokyo in Japan. The franchise continued across multiple sequel seasons over more than two decades, with the final season, Saiyuki Reload: Zeroin, concluding the series in 2022.
Is Saiyuki still ongoing or has it ended?
Saiyuki has ended. The anime franchise concluded with its fifth season, Saiyuki Reload: Zeroin, in 2022. The series spanned over two decades of storytelling across five seasons and a collection of specials, making it one of the longer-running anime franchises adapted from manga.
What genre is the Saiyuki anime series?
Saiyuki blends multiple genres including action, adventure, animation, drama, and comedy. It draws from supernatural and shounen manga traditions while incorporating road-trip adventure elements, character-driven drama, and moments of sharp comedic relief throughout its run.
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