Saiyuki (manga)#Artbooks
{{short description|Japanese manga series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| name = Saiyuki
| image = Cover of the seventh tankōbon volume.jpg
| caption = Cover of the seventh {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volume, featuring Genjo Sanzo (center), Son Goku (bottom), Sha Gojyo (right) and Cho Hakkai (left)
| ja_kanji = 最遊記
| ja_romaji = Saiyūki
| genre = {{ubl|Adventure{{cite book|title=Saiyuki|url=https://kodansha.us/series/saiyuki/|publisher=Kodansha USA|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=February 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230201162549/https://kodansha.us/series/saiyuki/|url-status=live}}|Fantasy{{cite web|last=Chavez|first=Eduardo M.|title=Saiyuki Vol. #1|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=22|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=June 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080418071046/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=22|archive-date=April 18, 2008|date=February 23, 2004}}}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
|type = manga
|author = Kazuya Minekura
|publisher = {{ubl|Square Enix (1997–2002) |Ichijinsha (2002–2015) }}
|publisher_en = {{English manga publisher
| AUS = Madman Entertainment
| NA = {{ubl|Tokyopop (formerly)|Kodansha USA (current)}}
}}
|demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}}
|imprint = G Fantasy Comics
|magazine = Monthly GFantasy
|first = February 18, 1997
|last = November 2001
|volumes = 9
|volume_list = List of Saiyuki volumes#Volume list
}}
{{collapsed infobox section begin}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
|type = ova
|title = Saiyuki Premium
|director = Takashi Sogabe
|producer =
|writer = Reiko Yoshida
|music = Yuriko Nakamura
|studio = Tokyo Kids
|first = April 23, 1999
|last = February 29, 2000
|runtime =
|episodes = 2
|episode_list = List of Saiyuki episodes#Saiyuki Premium (1999)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
|type = Light Novel
|author = Misagi Hijiri
|illustrator = Kazuya Minekura
|publisher = {{ubl|Enix (before 2002)|Ichijinsha (after 2002)}}
|demographic = female
|imprint =
|magazine =
|first = April 1, 1999
|last = February 1, 2001
|volumes = 3
|volume_list = List of Saiyuki volumes#Novels
}}
{{collapsed infobox section end}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
|title = Sequels
|content =
- Saiyuki Reload (2002–09)
- Saiyuki Reload Blast (2009– )
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
|title = Prequels
|content =
- Saiyuki Gaiden (1999–09)
- Saiyuki Ibun (2009– )
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
|title = Anime television series
|content =
- Gensomaden Saiyuki (2000–2001)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
|title = Anime film
|content =
- Saiyuki: Requiem (2001)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title = Other
| content =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}
{{Nihongo|Saiyuki|最遊記|Saiyūki|lead=yes}} is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kazuya Minekura. It was originally serialized in Square Enix's {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}} magazine Monthly GFantasy between February 1997 and November 2001, with its chapters collected in nine {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes. It was later republished by Ichijinsha, who released nine volumes with new covers from October 2002 to June 2003, and a five-volume {{Transliteration|ja|bunkoban}} edition which was released from April to August 2015. The story, which is loosely based on the 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West, follows a monk named Genjo Sanzo who receives a mission to travel to the west with a group of three yokai (demons) to stop the revival of Gyumao, an evil god.
The manga was licensed for an English release by Tokyopop, who published nine volumes between March and July, 2005. The most recent publication in North America is by Kodansha, the series receiving a hardcover release with a new translation between February 2020 and January 2021.
Minekura's manga includes two sequels titled Saiyuki Reload and Saiyuki Reload Blast, as well as two prequels titled Saiyuki Gaiden and Saiyuki Ibun. The series has spawned a media franchise that includes five anime series. Pierrot produced a 50-episode anime television series titled Gensomaden Saiyuki that aired from April 2000 to March 2001, and won the twenty-third annual Animage Anime Grand Prix prize for best anime. The same studio developed an anime film adaptation and two anime sequel series titled Saiyuki Reload and Saiyuki Reload Gunlock, which were broadcast together in Japan from October 2003 to September 2004. Two other animes were produced; Platinum Vision made Saiyuki Reload Blast in 2017 and Liden Films made Saiyuki Reload: Zeroin, in 2022. Three original video animations (OVAs), ten stage musicals, a light novel adaptation, numerous video games, drama CDs, and artbooks have also been made.
As of July 2017, the Saiyuki franchise has sold 25 million copies in circulation worldwide, making it one of the best-selling manga series of all time. It has become a mainstay of manga/anime culture, and its entries have continually garnered critical praise and accolades.
Plot
{{see also|List of Saiyuki characters{{!}}List of Saiyuki characters}}
Togenkyo (Shangri-La) is a land of peace and harmony, earned after generations of war between humans and yokai. At the beginning of Saiyuki, it is revealed that someone is trying to bring back the yokai god Gyumao, which is generating waves of evil energy that flow throughout the land. As a side-effect, this inflicts a dark curse on the previously peaceful yokai, causing aggressive, murderous urges that drive them to massacre humans.
The Buddhist Trinity urgently dispatch one of the five Sanzo, the sacred guardians of the five creative sutras of the world. Genjo Sanzo, the complete opposite of the image expected of a high-ranking priest, is entrusted with the mission of going to the west of Togenkyo in order to stop the resurrection of Gyumao. He is accompanied by three yokai: faithful companion Son Goku, a 15-year-old child who looks like a little monkey and spends his time eating, Sha Gojyo, a great flirt and drinker before the eternal, and Cho Hakkai, always friendly but hiding a heavy past. Those three seem to be the only yokai who aren't affected by the dark curse.
Along the way they encounter many adversaries as the dark curse continue to spread. Sanzo, Goku, Gojyo, and Hakkai meet Shunrei, whose lover was a yokai, during a short stopover in a village. We also discover that Gojyo is looking for his half-brother, Jien, who disappeared shortly after saving his life. Later, while Sanzo and his gang are resting in a bar, they are attacked by Yaone, a herbalist who works for Kogaiji, the son of Gyumao. From here on out, Kogaiji will continue to pursue them himself, along with his assassins.
A little further down the road, they discover a mountain of yokai corpses. It seems that the person responsible for this carnage is a monk nicknamed “The Savior”. But in truth, he is Shuei, a specialist in incantations that Sanzo knew during his childhood, now possessed by an evil incantatory seal. When he confronts Sanzo's gang with the intention of killing Goku, Hakkai, and Gojyo for being yokai, he instead accidentally lands an almost fatal blow on Sanzo. When he sees this, Goku goes berserk and his diadem (a power limiter which restricts his yokai strength) breaks. With his full power released, Goku becomes violent and begins to destroy everything in his path. Eventually the group manage to calm him with the help of the goddess Kanzeon Bosatsu, who restores his diadem.
At Hojo Castle, a yokai named Lady Gyokumen is revealed as being one of the main coordinators of Gyumao's return. Furious at the delays at killing Sanzo and his traveling group, she demands further measures be taken; Ririn, Kogaiji's half-sister, decides to join the effort alone.
As Sanzo, Gojyo, Hakkai and Goku continue their pilgrimage west, they encounter a fortune teller named Chin Yi-So. He is revealed to be a yokai who has the ability to summon shikigami. Chin Yi-So has a fierce hatred towards Hakkai, whom he calls by his old first name, Cho Gono. During a flashback sequence, it is revealed that Hakkai had murdered his entire village, and scores of yokai, after his sister was given as a sacrifice to a yokai lord named Hyakugan Maoh. The son of the lord, Chin Yisou, used his blood to transform Hakkai into a yokai before turning himself into a shikigami, reborn as the Chin Yi-So we see in present day. After fleeing Hyakugan Maoh's castle, Hakkai lay in the forest outside waiting to die. This is when Gojyo finds him after a night of drinking, saving his life and encouraging him to find a new purpose. Hakkai eventually agrees and renames himself to try and leave his past behind.
The two later met Sanzo and Goku when the Buddhist Trinity sent them out to find Cho Gono; seeing as Cho Gono has already taken on the new name of Hakkai, Sanzo deems the criminal already dead, and instead befriends Hakkai and Gojyo as they journey together.
In the present, Chin Yi-So forces Hakkai to confront his past and finally reveal it in full to the group. While Hakkai is convinced this will mean the other three will abandon him, instead they reaffirm that someone's past is their own, and they continue traveling together after defeating Chin Yi-So. It is also revealed that Gojyo's brother, Jien, is working for Kogaiji as one of his assassins.
During their journey, Sanzo and his gang infiltrate the lair of a desert yokai believed to have stolen one of the sutras of the opening of Heaven and Earth. But during their fight, Sanzo collapses, struck down by the yokai's poison, and the desert lair begins to collapse after the battle. Fortunately, the Sanzo gang is saved at the last minute by Kogaiji. He challenges Goku to a duel in order to recover the sacred sutra.
Shortly after this ordeal, the gang rests in a neighboring town. While out in the local market, Gojyo saves a boy from a group of thugs. Soon after, Goku and Hakkai are imprisoned in a pocket dimension contained in the jar of another yokai, Kinkaku, splitting the party as they face off against the yokai and his twin, Ginkaku. While there, the party learn of a new, darker adversary who calls himself "God". During their clashes, God manages to steal a sutra from them, leaving the group in pursuit to take it back once they escaped his domain.
Media
=Manga=
{{see also|List of Saiyuki volumes{{!}}List of Saiyuki volumes}}
File:Main visual for "Saiyuki Original Art Exhibition ~Serialization 20th Anniversary.jpg{{cite web|script-title=ja:企画展『最遊記原画展～連載20周年記念～』を、新潟市マンガ・アニメ情報館で開催。（平成30年6月9日～7月8日）|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/236959|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305131939/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/236959|archive-date=March 5, 2023|language=ja|date=June 17, 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite press release|script-title=ja:企画展『最遊記原画展～連載20周年記念～』を、新潟市マンガ・アニメ情報館で開催。（平成30年6月9日～7月8日）|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000128.000021357.html|publisher=Shinchosha|via=PR Times|access-date=June 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623012411/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000128.000021357.html|archive-date=June 23, 2023|language=ja|date=June 26, 2018}}]]
The manga Saiyuki consists of five series whose release depends on the author's health. Kazuya Minekura, first published a one-shot of Saiyuki in Square Enix's Shōnen manga magazine Monthly GFantasy in August 1996;{{efn|The one-shot was released in the September 1996 issue (cover date September 1),{{cite web|script-title=ja:月刊Gファンタジー 1996年 表示号数9|url=https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M548275|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 7, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240607062342/https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M548275|archive-date=June 7, 2024|language=ja|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:最遊記|url=https://mangapedia.com/最遊記-za46wkh0d|website=Mangapedia|access-date=June 7, 2024|quote={{lang|ja|スクウェア・エニックス（エニックス）「Gファンタジー」1996年9月号に読み切り版が掲載。}}|archive-date=June 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607070211/https://mangapedia.com/最遊記-za46wkh0d|url-status=live|language=ja}} released in August 1996 of that same year.}} it began its regular serialization in the same magazine six months later on February 18, 1997 in March issue.{{efn|It started in the magazine's third issue of 1997 (cover date March 1),{{cite web|script-title=ja:月刊Gファンタジー 1997年 表示号数3|url=https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M548269|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240606162546/https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M548269|archive-date=June 6, 2024|language=ja|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Contents|magazine=Monthly GFantasy|publisher=Square Enix|date=March 1997|no-pp=y|page=Table of contents|url=https://jp.mercari.com/en/item/m82266209088|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=June 6, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240606190806/https://jp.mercari.com/en/item/m82266209088|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:動畫《最遊記RELOAD BLAST》超帥首波PV及角色新視覺圖公開|url=https://nikkan-wadai.net/comic/blast-review/|date=January 9, 2017|access-date=May 7, 2024|website=nikkan-wadai.net|archive-date=November 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231130072733/https://nikkan-wadai.net/comic/blast-review/|url-status=live|language=ja}} released on February 18 of that same year.{{cite web|url=https://news.gamme.com.tw/1468083|website=gamme.com.tw|date=January 9, 2017|access-date=May 7, 2024|quote=The manga "Saiyuki" series is a work serialized by Minekura Kazuya in "Monthly GFantasy" starting from February 18, 1997.|title=動畫《最遊記RELOAD BLAST》超帥首波PV及角色新視覺圖公開|archive-date=January 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116191046/https://news.gamme.com.tw/1468083|url-status=live|language=zh}}}} The series finished its final installment in the December 2001 issue of Monthly GFantasy, published in November 2001.{{efn|It ended in the magazine's twelfth issue of 2001 (cover date December 1),{{cite web|script-title=ja:月刊Gファンタジー 2001年 表示号数12|url=https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M548213|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2024|archive-url=https://perma.cc/M676-4XCM|archive-date=June 6, 2024|language=ja|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Contents|magazine=Monthly GFantasy|publisher=Square Enix|date=March 1997|no-pp=y|page=Table of contents|url=https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/n1116853994|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=June 6, 2024|archive-url=https://perma.cc/7XMK-WZGS|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:BIOGRAPHYバイオグラフィ|url=http://www.ichijinsha.co.jp/special/saiyuki20th/biography/|access-date=May 7, 2024|website=Ichijinsha|quote={{lang|ja|1996年 8月 『Gファンタジー』(エニックス/現：スクウェアエニックス)9月号に読切「最遊記」が掲載}}|archive-date=February 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228174426/http://www.ichijinsha.co.jp/special/saiyuki20th/biography/#0|url-status=live|language=ja}}}} Enix collected its chapters in nine {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes, released from October 1997 to March 2002.{{cite web|script-title=ja:最遊記 1|url=https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M334998|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 20, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240619191654/https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M334998|archive-date=June 19, 2024|language=ja|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:最遊記 9|url=https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M334990|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 20, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240619191931/https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M334990|archive-date=June 19, 2024|language=ja|url-status=live}}
In January 2004, Tokyopop licensed the series for an English language release in North America,{{cite web|access-date = May 8, 2024|publisher = ICv2|date = January 4, 2004|title = TOKYOPOP TO PUBLISH SAIYUKIr|url = https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/4063/tokyopop-to-publish-saiyuki|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221128221200/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/4063/tokyopop-to-publish-saiyuki|archive-date = November 28, 2022}}{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-01-21/tokyopop-talks-about-new-manga|title=Tokyopop talks about new manga|website=Anime News Network|date=January 21, 2004|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=October 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005064604/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-01-21/tokyopop-talks-about-new-manga|url-status=live}} and published the nine volumes between March 2, 2004, and July 12, 2005.{{cite web|title=Saiyuki Volume 1|url=http://tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1926|publisher=Tokyopop|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=December 14, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051214090429/http://tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=1926|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Saiyuki Volume 9|url=http://tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=2796|publisher=Tokyopop|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=December 25, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225202542/http://tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=2796|url-status=dead}} In Australasia, Madman Entertainment released all nine volumes from October 3, 2007, to October 9, 2008.{{cite web|title=Saiyuki (Manga) Vol. 01|url=http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/8437/saiyuki-manga-vol-01|publisher=Madman Entertainment|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=July 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704005057/http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/8437/saiyuki-manga-vol-01|url-status=}}{{cite book|title=Saiyuki (Manga) Vol. 09 (End)|url=http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/10458/saiyuki-manga-vol-09-end|publisher=Madman Entertainment|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=September 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901104022/http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/10458/saiyuki-manga-vol-09-end|url-status=}} In July 2019, Kodansha USA announced that they have licensed the manga in North America, republished the newly translated main series in North America in 400-page, hardcover volumes between February 18, 2020 and January 19, 2021 in digital and in print from February 25, 2020, to January 5, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-07-06/kodansha-licenses-6-new-manga-acquires-saiyuki-chobits-clover/.148703|title=Kodansha Licenses 6 New Manga, Acquires Saiyuki, Chobits, Clover|date=July 6, 2019|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 26, 2022|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521194203/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-07-06/kodansha-licenses-6-new-manga-acquires-saiyuki-chobits-clover/.148703|archive-date=May 21, 2023}}{{cite web|access-date =May 22, 2024|publisher = Anime UK News|date = July 7, 2019|title = Kodansha Comics Anime Expo 2019 Announcements|url = https://animeuknews.net/2019/07/kodansha-comics-anime-expo-2019-announcements/|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230321083720/https://animeuknews.net/2019/07/kodansha-comics-anime-expo-2019-announcements/|archive-date = March 21, 2023}}{{cite web|access-date =May 22, 2024|publisher = ICv2|date = July 9, 2019|title = KODANSHA COMICS TO BRING BACK 'SAIYUKI,' 'CHOBITS,' 'CLOVER'|url = https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/43561/kodansha-comics-bring-back-saiyuki-chobits-clover|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230922084918/https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/43561/kodansha-comics-bring-back-saiyuki-chobits-clover|archive-date = September 22, 2023}}
{{cite web|title=Saiyuki, Volume 1|url=https://kodansha.us/volume/saiyuki-1/|publisher=Kodansha USA|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-date=March 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325071655/https://kodansha.us/volume/saiyuki-1/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Saiyuki, Volume 4|url=https://kodansha.us/volume/saiyuki-4/|publisher=Kodansha USA|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-date=March 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329230431/https://kodansha.us/volume/saiyuki-4/|url-status=live}}
The series is licensed in France by Génération Comics (today Panini Comics), which published the nine volumes from April 2004 to December 2005; in Spain by Mangaline Ediciones;{{cite web|url=https://ramenparados.com/saiyuki-tendra-un-nuevo-arco-animado/|title=Saiyuki tendrá un nuevo arco animado|website=RamenParaDos|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=February 23, 2024|language=es|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130111256/https://ramenparados.com/saiyuki-tendra-un-nuevo-arco-animado/|archive-date=November 30, 2022}} in Italy by Dynit;{{cite web|url=http://www.animeclick.it/volumetto_popup.php?manga=45061|title=Saiyuki 1 |website=AnimeClick.it|access-date=March 5, 2024|language=it|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120620123615/http://www.animeclick.it/volumetto_popup.php?manga=45061|archive-date=June 20, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animeclick.it/news/92533-lucca-2021-gli-annunci-dynit-manga|title= Lucca 2021: gli annunci Dynit Manga|website=AnimeClick.it|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=March 5, 2024|language=it|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003160327/https://www.animeclick.it/news/92533-lucca-2021-gli-annunci-dynit-manga|archive-date=October 3, 2022}} in Germany by Carlsen Verlag; and Tong Li Publishing licensed the Chinese translation, which it published from February 12 to July 22, 2011.{{cite web|url=https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=50923|title=【書展 11】 東立人氣新書《最遊記》及《茶之淚》首賣上市|date=February 13, 2011|publisher=GNN Gamer|access-date=November 23, 2023|language=zh|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815021046/https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=50923|archive-date=August 15, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tongli.com.tw/BooksDetail.aspx?Bd=BM0005001|website=Tong Li Publishing|access-date=November 22, 2023|title=最遊記第1集|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122065443/https://www.tongli.com.tw/BooksDetail.aspx?Bd=BM0005001|url-status=live|language=zh}}{{cite web|url=https://www.tongli.com.tw/BooksDetail.aspx?Bd=BM0005009|website=Tong Li Publishing|access-date=November 22, 2023|title=最遊記第9集|archive-date=November 22, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231122065301/https://www.tongli.com.tw/BooksDetail.aspx?Bd=BM0005009|url-status=live|language=zh}} In January 2023, on the occasion of Saiyuki's 25th anniversary, a new design book box edition was published in Taiwan by Tong Li Publishing.{{cite web|url=https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=244087|title=全新設計再現經典《最遊記紀念版》25 週年書盒版在台推出|date=January 17, 2023|publisher=GNN Gamer|access-date=November 22, 2023|language=zh|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802020320/https://gnn.gamer.com.tw/detail.php?sn=244087|archive-date=August 2, 2023}}
The author changed her publisher from Enix to Ichijinsha and the company republished the nine volumes with new covers from October 2002 to June 2003.{{cite web|url=https://www.animeclick.it/news/93528-lo-sapevate-che-curiosita-e-aneddoti-su-anime-e-manga-gennaio-2022|title=Lo sapevate che? Curiosità e aneddoti su anime e manga (gennaio 2022)|website=AnimeClick.it|date=January 29, 2022|access-date=March 5, 2024|language=it|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208065241/https://www.animeclick.it/news/93528-lo-sapevate-che-curiosita-e-aneddoti-su-anime-e-manga-gennaio-2022|archive-date=December 8, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/report/Saiyuki|website=Manga News|access-date=November 4, 2023|title=Saiyuki Présentation|archive-date=July 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724075047/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/report/Saiyuki|url-status=live|language=fr}} Ichijinsha republished the series in five {{Transliteration|ja|bunkoban}} volumes from April 30 to August 25, 2015.{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉かずや「最遊記」文庫版刊行スタート、全巻購入ボックスの全サも|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/145957|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305131939/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/145957|archive-date=March 5, 2023|language=ja|date=April 30, 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:文庫版 最遊記 五巻|url=https://data.ichijinsha.co.jp/detail/75803106|website=Ichijinsha|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720034857/https://data.ichijinsha.co.jp/detail/75803106|archive-date=July 20, 2022|language=ja|date=August 25, 2015|url-status=live}}
== Sequels ==
In March 2002, Ichijinsha's josei manga magazine Monthly Comic Zero Sum began serializing a sequel to the Saiyuki series titled Saiyuki Reload, finishing in June 2009 with ten volumes.{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉「最遊記外伝」が5月完結、作品への質問募集中|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/14551|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717023840/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/14551|archive-date=July 17, 2022|language=ja|date=March 21, 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-29/saiyuki-reload-to-end-in-japan-new-manga-to-follow|title=Saiyuki Reload to End in Japan, New Manga to Follow|date=May 29, 2009|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209062726/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-05-29/saiyuki-reload-to-end-in-japan-new-manga-to-follow|archive-date=December 9, 2022}} Tokyopop published Saiyuki Reload in North America in nine volumes from 2005 to 2009,{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-01-21/tokyopop-talks-about-new-manga|title=Tokyopop talks about new manga |date=January 21, 2004|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331132543/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-01-21/tokyopop-talks-about-new-manga|archive-date=March 31, 2023}}{{cite web|title=Saiyuki Reload Volume 1|url=http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=3386|publisher=Tokyopop|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=December 19, 2005|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051219150650/http://www.tokyopop.com/dbpage.php?page=product&productid=3386|url-status=}}{{cite web|title=Saiyuki Reload Volume 9|url=http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1473/SaiyukiReload/9|publisher=Tokyopop|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211170903/http://www.tokyopop.com/product/1473/SaiyukiReload/9|url-status=}} Madman Entertainment then published the series in nine volumes from 2009 to 2010 in Australasia.{{cite book|title=Saiyuki Reload (Manga) Vol. 01|url=http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/10738/saiyuki-reload-manga-vol-01|publisher=Madman Entertainment|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=September 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901111626/http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/10738/saiyuki-reload-manga-vol-01|url-status=}}{{cite book|title=Saiyuki Reload (Manga) Vol. 09|url=http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/13382/saiyuki-reload-manga-vol-09|publisher=Madman Entertainment|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-date=September 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901111500/http://www.madman.com.au/catalogue/view/13382/saiyuki-reload-manga-vol-09|url-status=}}
The final series titled Saiyuki Reload Blast, started serialization in Ichijinsha's {{Transliteration|ja|josei}} manga magazine Monthly Comic Zero Sum since December 2009. After a hiatus that began in September 2010,{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記」シリーズ本編の最終章は「最遊記RELOAD BLAST」|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/18099|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=May 4, 2024|language=ja|date=June 27, 2009|archive-date=April 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404005128/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/18099|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:シリーズ最終章「最遊記RELOAD BLAST」連載開始|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/25760|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=May 4, 2024|language=ja|date=December 28, 2009|archive-date=April 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404005130/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/25760|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:おつかれさまでした。|url=https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/12577477/|website=Minekura's official blog "World is 峰-mine-"|access-date=May 4, 2024|language=ja|date=December 30, 2009 |archive-date=September 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926122512/https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/12577477/|url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=September 27, 2010 |title=Saiyuki's Minekura Puts Manga on Hiatus due to Health |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-09-28/saiyuki-minekura-puts-manga-on-hiatus-due-to-health |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604235236/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-09-28/saiyuki-minekura-puts-manga-on-hiatus-due-to-health |archive-date=June 4, 2023 |access-date=July 17, 2022 |publisher=Anime News Network |language=}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-12-31/saiyuki-creator-kazuya-minekura-returns-from-surgery|title=Saiyuki Creator Kazuya Minekura Returns from Surgery|date=December 31, 2010|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 17, 2022|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202134755/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-12-31/saiyuki-creator-kazuya-minekura-returns-from-surgery|archive-date=February 2, 2023}} the manga resumed in March 2012,{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉かずや「最遊記RELOAD BLAST」3月より連載再開|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/63489|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221225192223/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/63489|archive-date=December 25, 2022|language=ja|date=January 28, 2012|url-status=live}} The first volume was released in July of the same year,{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記RELOAD BLAST」1巻発売！購入特典の画像公開|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/71657|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 17, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305131939/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/71657|archive-date=March 5, 2023|language=ja|date=June 24, 2012|url-status=live}} In July 2013, publication of Saiyuki Reload Blast slowed due to Minekura's health.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-07-27/saiyuki-reload-blast-wild-adapter-manga-slow-down-due-to-creator-health|title=Saiyuki Reload Blast, Wild Adapter Manga Slow Down Due to Creator's Health|date=July 27, 2013|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320172107/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-07-27/saiyuki-reload-blast-wild-adapter-manga-slow-down-due-to-creator-health|archive-date=March 20, 2023}} Ichijinsha published the second volume in July 2014.{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉かずや「最遊記RB」1巻は、ミニ画集付き限定版も|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/122040|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718025340/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/122040|archive-date=July 18, 2022|language=ja|date=July 25, 2014|url-status=live}} In April 2016, publication again paused.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-04-01/saiyuki-reload-blast-manga-goes-on-hiatus/.100453|title=Saiyuki Reload Blast Manga Goes on Hiatus|date=April 1, 2016|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607054809/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-04-01/saiyuki-reload-blast-manga-goes-on-hiatus/.100453|archive-date=June 7, 2023}} Initially, the third volume was planned to be released in August 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-07-13/1st-saiyuki-reload-blast-volume-in-3-years-ships-in-august/.118793|title=1st Saiyuki Reload Blast Volume in 3 Years Ships in August|date=July 13, 2017|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 18, 2022|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717013130/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-07-13/1st-saiyuki-reload-blast-volume-in-3-years-ships-in-august/.118793|archive-date=July 17, 2022}} but was postponed until October that year, when it was published alongside a special edition.{{cite web|script-title=ja:約3年ぶり！峰倉かずや「最遊記RB」3巻発売、“落書冊子”付き特装版も|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/254847|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718023512/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/254847|archive-date=July 18, 2022|language=ja|date=October 31, 2017|url-status=live}} The series went on hiatus in October 2017 and resumed 18 months later.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-03-27/saiyuki-reload-blast-manga-resumes-after-18-month-hiatus/.145089|title=Saiyuki Reload Blast Manga Resumes After 18-Month Hiatus|date=March 27, 2019|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 18, 2022|language=|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717013959/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2019-03-27/saiyuki-reload-blast-manga-resumes-after-18-month-hiatus/.145089|archive-date=July 17, 2022}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉かずや「最遊記RELOAD BLAST」連載再開、ゼロサムの表紙＆巻頭カラーに登場|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/333244|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717022451/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/333244|archive-date=July 17, 2022|language=ja|date=May 28, 2019|url-status=live}} In January 2021, Ritsuhiro Mikami released a one-shot for the series.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-01-31/ritsuhiro-mikami-draws-spinoff-1-shot-for-kazuya-minekura-saiyuki-manga/.168990|title=Ritsuhiro Mikami Draws Spinoff 1-Shot for Kazuya Minekura's Saiyuki Manga|date=January 31, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 9, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221124131450/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2021-01-31/ritsuhiro-mikami-draws-spinoff-1-shot-for-kazuya-minekura-saiyuki-manga/.168990|archive-date=November 24, 2022}}
== Prequels ==
Saiyuki Gaiden began serialization in Square Enix's {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga magazine Monthly GFantasy in May 1999, and ran in the magazine until February 2003 issue.{{efn|It ended in the magazine's second issue of 2003 (cover date March 1),{{cite web|script-title=ja:月刊Gファンタジー 2003年 表示号数2|url=https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M548199|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 6, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240606201802/https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M548199|archive-date=June 6, 2024|language=ja|url-status=live}}}} Due to the change of manga publisher, it continued serialization in Ichijinsha's {{Transliteration|ja|josei}} magazine Monthly Comic Zero Sum{{cite web|url=https://www.animeclick.it/news/93528-lo-sapevate-che-curiosita-e-aneddoti-su-anime-e-manga-gennaio-2022|title=Lo sapevate che? Curiosità e aneddoti su anime e manga (gennaio 2022)|website=AnimeClick.it|date=January 29, 2022|access-date=March 5, 2024|language=it|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208065241/https://www.animeclick.it/news/93528-lo-sapevate-che-curiosita-e-aneddoti-su-anime-e-manga-gennaio-2022|archive-date=December 8, 2023}} from November 2003 issue,{{efn|It started in the magazine's eleventh issue of 2003 (cover date November 1),{{cite web|script-title=ja:月刊Comic ZERO-SUM 2003年|url=https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M571833|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 7, 2024|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240607042350/https://mediaarts-db.artmuseums.go.jp/id/M571833|archive-date=June 7, 2024|language=ja|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|title=Contents|magazine=Monthly Comic Zero Sum|publisher=Ichijinsha|date=November 1, 2003|no-pp=y|page=Table of contents|url=https://jp.mercari.com/en/item/m69533786468|access-date=June 7, 2024|language=ja|archive-date=June 6, 2024|archive-url=https://perma.cc/NGV7-EPD3|url-status=live}}}} and ended in May 2009 with four volumes.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-21/saiyuki-gaiden-adventure-manga-prequel-to-end-in-may|title=Saiyuki Gaiden Adventure Manga Prequel to End in May (Updated)|date=March 21, 2009|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 5, 2023|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125012739/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-03-21/saiyuki-gaiden-adventure-manga-prequel-to-end-in-may|archive-date=January 25, 2021}}
Saiyuki Ibun was published from September 2009 and was serialized in Ichijinsha's Shōjo manga magazine Comic Zero Sum WARD.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-17/saiyuki-ibun-manga-series-launched-by-kazuya-minekura|title=Saiyuki Ibun Manga Series Launched by Kazuya Minekura|date=September 17, 2009|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=August 20, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209065237/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-17/saiyuki-ibun-manga-series-launched-by-kazuya-minekura|archive-date=December 9, 2022}} In November 2012, it resumed after a 28-month break,{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-16/saiyuki-ibun-manga-resumes-after-28-month-hiatus|title=Saiyuki Ibun Manga Resumes After 28-Month Hiatus|date=November 16, 2012|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605073343/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-16/saiyuki-ibun-manga-resumes-after-28-month-hiatus|archive-date=June 5, 2023}} and a single volume was released the following April{{cite web|script-title=ja:ゼロサムWARD、峰倉かずや「最遊記異聞」が連載開始|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/21285|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=August 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617233213/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/21285|archive-date=June 17, 2022|language=ja|date=September 16, 2009|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:【4月25日付】本日発売の単行本リスト|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/89385|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211226003945/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/89385|archive-date=December 26, 2021|language=ja|date=April 25, 2013|url-status=live}} before going on an indefinite hiatus.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-03-16/kazuya-minekura-saiyuki-ibun-manga-goes-on-hiatus|title=Kazuya Minekura's Saiyuki Ibun Manga Goes on Hiatus|date=November 16, 2012|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115132528/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-03-16/kazuya-minekura-saiyuki-ibun-manga-goes-on-hiatus|archive-date=January 15, 2023}}
=Anime=
{{see also|List of Saiyuki episodes{{!}}List of Saiyuki episodes}}
File:Cover of the first "Gensomaden Saiyuki" Complete DVD-BOX.jpg
The anime adaptation of Saiyuki consists of five series, three of which Studio Pierrot produced, an anime film adaptation and three original video animations (OVAs). Saiyuki was first animated in a two-episode OVA series that was produced by Tokyo Kids and premiered on April 23, 1999. The second OVA episode was released on February 29, 2000, and was followed by the premier of the 50-episode anime television series Gensomaden Saiyuki, which Studio Pierrot produced.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenation.net/blog/ask-john-what-is-gensomaden-saiyuki/|title=Ask John: What is Gensomaden Saiyuki?|date=June 19, 2002|publisher=AnimeNation|access-date=June 23, 2023|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623212450/https://www.animenation.net/blog/ask-john-what-is-gensomaden-saiyuki/|archive-date=June 23, 2023}} The series aired on TV Tokyo from April 4, 2000, to March 27, 2001. Enoki Films holds the US license to Gensomaden Saiyuki under the title Saiyuki: Paradise Raiders.{{cite web|url=http://www.enokifilmsusa.com/library/saiyuki.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020127164330/http://www.enokifilmsusa.com/library/saiyuki.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2002-01-27|title=Saiyuki|publisher=Enoki Films USA|date=2002-01-27|access-date=2019-08-25}}
Saiyuki proved sufficiently popular for the production of a theatrical motion picture titled Saiyuki: Requiem, which was released in Japan on August 18, 2001. It was produced by Studio Pierrot, directed by Hayato Date, and written by Katsuyuki Sumisawa. ADV films licensed an English version of Saiyuki: Requiem in 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-07-03/adv-films-licenses|title=ADV Films Licenses |date=July 3, 2004|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=August 12, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613231946/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-07-03/adv-films-licenses|archive-date=June 13, 2023}}
Saiyuki Reload was adapted into a 25-episode animated television series that aired from October 2, 2003, to March 25, 2004.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenation.net/blog/new-anime-websites-opened-3/|title=AnimeNation Anime News Blog|date=March 26, 2004|publisher=AnimeNation|access-date=June 24, 2023|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230624014859/https://www.animenation.net/blog/new-anime-websites-opened-3/|archive-date=June 24, 2023}} A 26-episode sequel titled Saiyuki Reload Gunlock aired from April 1, 2004, to September 23, 2004. ADV Films licensed Gensomaden Saiyuki and the movie. The other two series are licensed by Geneon in North America.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-09-01/discotek-releases-z-x-ignition-lupin-iii-vs-detective-conan-urusei-yatsura-only-you-anime-on-bd-on-/.176915|title=Discotek Releases Z/X Ignition, Lupin III vs. Detective Conan, Urusei Yatsura: Only You Anime on BD on November 30 |date=September 1, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 9, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428110019/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-09-01/discotek-releases-z-x-ignition-lupin-iii-vs-detective-conan-urusei-yatsura-only-you-anime-on-bd-on-/.176915|archive-date=April 28, 2023}}
In February 2006, Geneon and Tokyopop agreed to cross-promote several properties. Tokyopop's translation of Saiyuki GunLock was advertised on Geneon's DVD releases for the same series, and vice versa.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-02-02/geneon-tokyopop-cross-promote|title=Geneon - Tokyopop Cross Promote|date=February 2, 2006|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=August 9, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105184745/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-02-02/geneon-tokyopop-cross-promote|archive-date=November 5, 2022}} In April 2007, Studio Pierrot released Saiyuki Reload: Burial, a new OVA series that adapts the "Burial" arc of the Saiyuki Reload manga.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenation.net/blog/saiyuki-reload-burial-trailer-released/|title=Saiyuki RELOAD -burial- Trailer Released|date=December 28, 2006|publisher=AnimeNation|access-date=August 25, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220825110321/https://www.animenation.net/blog/saiyuki-reload-burial-trailer-released/|archive-date=August 25, 2022}}
In November 2009, it was announced an OVA titled Saiyuki Gaiden had been green-lit.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-02/saiyuki-gaiden-manga-gets-ova-green-lit|title=Saiyuki Gaiden Manga Gets OVA Green-Lit |date=November 2, 2009|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209071007/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-11-02/saiyuki-gaiden-manga-gets-ova-green-lit|archive-date=December 9, 2022}} The OVA is based on the eponymous manga series Kazuya Minekura wrote and illustrated, and it is a prequel to the manga series Saiyuki, which ended in Ichijinsha's Monthly Comic Zero-Sum magazine in 2009.{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉かずや「最遊記外伝」OVAは全3巻で2011年発売|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/36977|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=August 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203144551/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/36977|archive-date=February 3, 2023|language=ja|date=August 31, 2010}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉かずや「最遊記外伝」アニメ化はクライマックス部分|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/33934|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=August 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203150058/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/33934|archive-date=February 3, 2023|language=ja|date=June 28, 2010}} Saiyuki Gaiden was licensed from Sentai Filmworks and premiered by Anpro Studio from March to November 2011, and a special edition titled Saiyuki Gaiden: Kouga no Shou was released on Apr 26, 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/all/2012-03-25|title=Saiyuki Gaiden Video Anime Gets Special Edition|date=March 25, 2012|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617223006/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/all/2012-03-25|archive-date=June 17, 2022}}
An anime television series adaptation of the Saiyuki Reload Blast manga series aired from July 5 to September 20, 2017, on Tokyo MX, TV Aichi, BS11, and Sun TV.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-07-25/kazuya-minekura-saiyuki-reload-blast-manga-gets-anime/.104666|title=Kazuya Minekura's Saiyuki Reload Blast Manga Gets Anime|date=July 25, 2016|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=January 7, 2017|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406081735/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-07-25/kazuya-minekura-saiyuki-reload-blast-manga-gets-anime/.104666|archive-date=April 6, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-05-26/saiyuki-reload-blast-anime-reveals-july-5-premiere-more-cast/.116620|title=Saiyuki Reload Blast Anime Reveals July 5 Premiere, More Cast|date=May 26, 2017|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=May 26, 2017|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406081025/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-05-26/saiyuki-reload-blast-anime-reveals-july-5-premiere-more-cast/.116620|archive-date=April 6, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-01-07/saiyuki-reload-blast-anime-reveals-1st-promo-video-cast-staff-july-tv-premiere/.110693|title=Saiyuki Reload Blast Anime Reveals 1st Promo Video, Cast, Staff, July TV Premiere |date=January 7, 2017|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=January 7, 2017|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406081027/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-01-07/saiyuki-reload-blast-anime-reveals-1st-promo-video-cast-staff-july-tv-premiere/.110693|archive-date=April 6, 2023}} It ran for 12 episodes.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-06-03/saiyuki-reload-blast-anime-listed-with-12-episodes/.116984|title=Saiyuki Reload Blast Anime Listed With 12 Episodes |date=June 3, 2017|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 3, 2017|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406224115/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/daily-briefs/2017-06-03/saiyuki-reload-blast-anime-listed-with-12-episodes/.116984|archive-date=April 6, 2023}} Crunchyroll licensed the series and Funimation released it on home video as part of the two companies' partnership.{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/04/19-1/crunchyroll-and-funimation-reveal-new-slate-of-home-video-releases|title=Crunchyroll and Funimation Reveal New Slate of Home Video Releases|date=April 19, 2018|publisher=Crunchyroll|access-date=April 19, 2018|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403221648/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2018/04/19-1/crunchyroll-and-funimation-reveal-new-slate-of-home-video-releases|archive-date=April 3, 2023}} Muse Communication licensed the series in South and Southeast Asia; it was aired on Animax Asia and later released on its YouTube channel.{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/emusesg/posts/829952727756107|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/422841215133929/829952727756107|archive-date=2022-02-26|url-access=limited|title=Next on the list we have Saiyuki Reload Blast! Coming to Muse Asia, daily at 8pm (GMT +8), from 7 to 18 November!|website=Facebook|date=November 5, 2020|accessdate=November 16, 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-06-22/animax-asia-to-air-simulcast-of-saiyuki-reload-blast-anime/.117824|title=Animax Asia to Air Simulcast of Saiyuki Reload Blast Anime|date=June 22, 2017|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 6, 2017|language=|archive-date=November 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211116143334/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-06-22/animax-asia-to-air-simulcast-of-saiyuki-reload-blast-anime/.1178243|url-status=live}}
In January 2021, Liden Films announced a new anime series titled Saiyuki Reload: Zeroin, which was directed by Misato Takada, and scrpted by Michiko Yokote and Aya Matsui. Noriko Ogura designed the characters and served as chief animation director, and Yūsuke Shirato composed the music. The main cast members reprised their roles.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-01-10/saiyuki-manga-even-a-worm-arc-gets-tv-anime-by-liden-films/.168254|title=Saiyuki Manga's 'Even a Worm' Arc Gets TV Anime by Liden Films|date=January 10, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=January 10, 2021|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404035155/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-01-10/saiyuki-manga-even-a-worm-arc-gets-tv-anime-by-liden-films/.168254|archive-date=April 4, 2023}} It aired from January 6 to March 31, 2022, on AT-X and other networks.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-29/saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime-1st-full-video-unveils-more-cast-january-debut/.176777|title=Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN- Anime's 1st Full Video Unveils More Cast, January Debut |date=August 29, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=August 29, 2021|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405092557/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-08-29/saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime-1st-full-video-unveils-more-cast-january-debut/.176777|archive-date=April 5, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-11-29/saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime-promo-videos-reveal-january-6-premiere/.180093|title=Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN- Anime's Promo Videos Reveal January 6 Premiere |date=November 29, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=November 29, 2021|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402120752/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-11-29/saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime-promo-videos-reveal-january-6-premiere/.180093|archive-date=April 2, 2023}} Granrodeo performed the opening theme "Kamino Hotokemo," while Shugo Nakamura performed the ending theme "Ruten."{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-10-14/saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime-reveals-theme-song-artists/.178451|title=Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN- Anime Reveals Theme Song Artists|date=October 14, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=October 14, 2021|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230606003615/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-10-14/saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime-reveals-theme-song-artists/.178451|archive-date=June 6, 2023}} Sentai Filmworks licensed the series outside Asia.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-21/sentai-filmworks-licenses-saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime/.180875|title= Sentai Filmworks Licenses Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN- Anime|date=December 21, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=December 21, 2021|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305131939/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-21/sentai-filmworks-licenses-saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime/.180875|archive-date=March 5, 2023}} In South and Southeast Asia, Muse Communication licensed the anime.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-02/muse-asia-licenses-girls-frontline-police-in-a-pod-saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime/.180198|title=Muse Asia Licenses Girls' Frontline, Police in a Pod, Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN- Anime |date=December 2, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 24, 2023|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607072148/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-12-02/muse-asia-licenses-girls-frontline-police-in-a-pod-saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime/.180198|archive-date=June 7, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-11-17/muse-malaysia-licenses-she-professed-herself-pupil-of-the-wise-man-sabikui-bisco-anime/.179650|title=Muse Malaysia Licenses She Professed Herself Pupil of the Wise Man, Sabikui Bisco Anime |date=November 17, 2021|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 24, 2023|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220803150703/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-11-17/muse-malaysia-licenses-she-professed-herself-pupil-of-the-wise-man-sabikui-bisco-anime/.179650|archive-date=August 3, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-01-02/muse-asia-simulcasts-police-in-a-pod-saiyuki-reload-zeroin-4-more-anime-in-january/.181154|title=Muse Asia Simulcasts Police in a Pod, Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN-, 4 More Anime in January|date=January 2, 2022|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=June 24, 2023|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605060314/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-01-02/muse-asia-simulcasts-police-in-a-pod-saiyuki-reload-zeroin-4-more-anime-in-january/.181154|archive-date=June 5, 2023}}
HIDIVE streams the English dub of Saiyuki Reload: Zeroin', which premiered on February 24, 2022, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Latin America, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Scandinavian countries, and the Netherlands. The show premiered on January 6 on AT-X, Tokyo MX, and BS11. Sentai Filmworks licensed the anime, and HIDIVE streamed the series as it aired in Japan. The four main cast members of the previous Saiyuki, Saiyuki Reload, Saiyuki Gunlock, and Saiyuki Reload Blast television anime reprised their roles.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-02-16/hidive-streams-saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime-english-dub/.182700|title=HIDIVE Streams Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN- Anime's English Dub |date=February 16, 2022|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 6, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305131939/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-02-16/hidive-streams-saiyuki-reload-zeroin-anime-english-dub/.182700|archive-date=March 5, 2023}}
Saiyuki Reload Sanzo's Song collection was released on October 24, 2007, and was published and distributed by Frontier Works.{{cite web|title=-『最遊記RELOAD』SANZO'S SONG COLLECTION |url=http://saiyuki-ova.net/web/news.htm|website=saiyuki-ova.net (Japanese)|date=|access-date=August 25, 2022|archive-date=April 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130412002422/http://saiyuki-ova.net/web/item.htm|url-status=}} Frontier Works released Saiyuki Complete Vocal Song collection on August 27, 2014.{{cite web|script-title=ja:企画展『最遊記原画展～連載20周年記念～』を、新潟市マンガ・アニメ情報館で開催。（平成30年6月9日～7月8日）|url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000128.000021357.html|website=animate Times|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824192537/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1398679971|archive-date=August 24, 2022|language=ja|date=April 30, 2014}}
=Stage musicals=
File:"Saiyuki Opera Den-Reload-".jpg (Genjo Sanzo), Taizoh Shiina (Son Goku), Taiyo Ayukawa (Sha Gojyo), Yuki Fujiwara (Cho Hakkai){{cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/151191 |title=「最遊記」ミュージカル、新作の上演決定！9月にサンシャイン劇場で開幕 |last= |first= |date=Jun 19, 2015 |website= |publisher=natalie |access-date=August 1, 2022 |quote= |archive-date=July 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730033536/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/151191 |url-status=live }}]]
Saiyuki has been adapted into several stage musicals, beginning with its first show Saiyuki Kagekiden: Go to the West, which was performed at Tennozu Galaxy Theater in Tokyo from September 13th to 21st, 2008, and has continued for more than ten years.{{cite web|url=https://recentanimenews.tumblr.com/post/629300712125399040/saiyuki-musical-to-return-with-its-9th-show|title=Saiyuki Musical to Return with Its 9th Show "-Sunrise-" in February 2021|date=September 2020|publisher=nime News - Tumblr |access-date=July 9, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801032934/https://recentanimenews.tumblr.com/post/629300712125399040/saiyuki-musical-to-return-with-its-9th-show|archive-date=August 1, 2022}} Saiyuki Kagekiden: Go to the West DVD was released on January 25, 2009.{{cite web|title=Introduction |url=http://saiyuki-ova.net/web/news.htm|website=saiyuki-ova (Japanese)|date=|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-date=June 28, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628143044/http://saiyuki-ova.net/web/news.htm|url-status=}} The story takes place three years before the journey of Sanzo and his group to the West and the Rikudo arc. Since Saiyuki Kagekiden: Go to the West in 2008, the musical Saiyuki Kagekiden has been performed in ten works.
The musical Saiyuki Kagekiden: Dead or Alive ran in 2009.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－外伝－」制作決定！2023年上演、鈴木拡樹ら4人が続投|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/472481|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031160609/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/472481|archive-date=October 31, 2022|language=ja|date=April 3, 2022}}
{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-15/saiyuki-manga-gets-new-musical-in-february/.164038|title=Saiyuki Manga Gets New Musical in February|date=September 15, 2020|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 9, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023155725/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-15/saiyuki-manga-gets-new-musical-in-february/.164038|archive-date=October 23, 2022}} Saiyuki Kagekiden, Go to the West and Dead or Alive, had the same cast and a man playing the role of Kanzeon Bosatsu.
A limited-edition DVD reissue of the 2009 stage plays Go to the West and Dead or Alive was announced for May 10, 2017, coinciding with the 20th Anniversary of the manga series.{{cite web|title=-Go to the West- & -Dead or Alive- Limited Reprint DVD |url=http://saiyukikagekiden.net/gw_da/|website=Saiyuki Kagekiden (Japanese)|date=|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-date=October 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027130211/http://saiyukikagekiden.net/gw_da/|url-status=usurped}}
In 2014, the third musical staging of Saiyuki Kagekiden was performed for the first time in about five years since the previous work titled Saiyuki Kagekiden: God Child, from May 2 to 7, 2014. The story is based on Saiyuki: Kinkaku Ginkaku Hen and Saiyuki's Kami-sama arc from Saiyuki Volumes 6 to 9.{{cite web|script-title=ja:最遊記ミュージカル、本日開演！カミサマ編が舞台で蘇る|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/115872|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730055034/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/115872|archive-date=July 30, 2022|language=ja|date=May 2, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-03-31/saiyuki-kageki-den-god-child-stage-play-actors-get-in-character|title=Saiyuki Kageki-den -God Child- Stage Play Actors Get in Character|date=March 31, 2014|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 7, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220707154829/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2014-03-31/saiyuki-kageki-den-god-child-stage-play-actors-get-in-character|archive-date=July 7, 2022}}
In 2015, the stage musical Saiyuki Kagekiden: Burial ran from September 17 to 23, 2015; the story takes place in the Burial Arc.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝」小野田龍之介の紅孩児、6年ぶり出演！椎名鯛造も歌声絶賛|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/160338|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730031216/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/160338|archive-date=July 30, 2022|language=ja|date=September 17, 2015}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記」埋葬編がミュージカル化！東京千秋楽はニコ生配信も|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/135775|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730031217/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/135775|archive-date=July 30, 2022|language=ja|date=January 8, 2015}} The musical Saiyuki Kagekiden: Reload ran from September 17 to 23, 2015.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－Reload－」紅孩児役・小野田龍之介が6年ぶり出演|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/153364|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730050530/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/153364|archive-date=July 30, 2022|language=ja|date=July 9, 2015}} By July 2015, in the event of Saiyuki Kagekiden, cast members Included Hiroki Suzuki and others, who sang the theme song "Go to the West" from Saiyuki Kagekiden: Burial in the background of the DVD video based on Kazuya Minekura's "Saiyuki".{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝」イベント、鈴木拡樹らがDVD映像バックにテーマ曲熱唱|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/154495|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023194429/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/154495|archive-date=October 23, 2022|language=ja|date=July 20, 2015}}
Saiyuki Kagekiden the Movie: Bullets starring Hiroki Suzuki was screened at Saiyuki FESTA 2017 from January 7 to 8, and was released on DVD and CD on June 28, 2017.{{cite web|title=Introduction |url=http://saiyukikagekiden.net/tmb/index.html|website=Saiyuki Kagekiden the Movie -Bullets- (Japanese)|date=|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-date=August 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806051557/http://saiyukikagekiden.net/tmb/index.html|url-status=usurped}} The film is based on a short story featuring the cast of Saiyuki Kagekiden, and was produced to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Kazuya Minekura's manga Saiyuki.{{cite web|script-title=ja:鈴木拡樹ら出演「最遊記歌劇伝the Movie」が6月にDVD&CD化|url=https://natalie.mu/stage/news/216105|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305131939/https://natalie.mu/stage/news/216105|archive-date=March 5, 2023|language=ja|date=January 8, 2017}} In January 2017, a memorial talk by the cast of Sanzo and his group was held at Saiyuki FESTA.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記FESTA」で三蔵一行キャストが思い出トーク、峰倉からの手紙も|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/216042|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305134616/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/216042|archive-date=March 5, 2023|language=ja|date=January 18, 2017}} The 2014–2015 stage cast were also involved in a compilation of eight original short stories that were dramatized for a film release; it was shown in three screenings, two of which included cast appearances, at the SaiyukiFESTA 2017 event at Makuhari Messe International Convention Centre on 8 January, commemorating 20 years of publication of the manga. A behind-the-scenes documentary titled Saiyuki Kagekiden: Over the Bullets for the event includes cast insights on their experiences with the show; it was broadcast on Tokyo MX1 and online via mcas on December 25, 2016.
IN September 2018, Saiyuki Kagekiden: Ibun Stage Reveals Cast ran from September 4 to 9 in Tokyo Dome City's Theatre G-Rosso. Ibun is directed and written by Kaori Miura.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-07-13/saiyuki-ibun-stage-play-reveals-cast-in-costume/.134251|title=Saiyuki: Ibun Stage Play Reveals Cast in Costume|date=July 13, 2018|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=July 6, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706154850/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2018-07-13/saiyuki-ibun-stage-play-reveals-cast-in-costume/.134251|archive-date=July 6, 2022}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝」新作、追加キャストに田村心・小沼将太・深澤大河ら11人|url=https://natalie.mu/stage/news/274552|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220722024210/https://natalie.mu/stage/news/274552|archive-date=July 22, 2022|language=ja|date=March 21, 2018}} The story is based on the Saiyuki Ibun manga and takes place 400 years before the events of the main story at Taisōji, a priest training temple known as the greatest in Shangri-La.
IN January 2019 two more stage musicals based on Saiyuki, titled Saiyuki Kagekiden: Darkness and Saiyuki Kagekiden: Oasis. Saiyuki Kagekiden: Darkness ran at the Hulic Hall in Tokyo from June 6 to 14, 2019;{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－Darkness－」開幕、鈴木拡樹「新しいお客様にも知ってほしい」|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/334564|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023155725/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/334564|archive-date=October 23, 2022|language=ja|date=June 6, 2019}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－Darkness－」三蔵一行のビジュアル公開、追加公演も決定|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/328724|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730040252/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/328724|archive-date=July 30, 2022|language=ja|date=April 20, 2019}} and Saiyuki Kagekiden: Oasis ran from February 2 to 9, 2020. Both musicals were directed and written by Kaori Miura.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－Oasis－」メインビジュアル＆キャラクタービジュアル公開|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/361469|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126064454/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/361469|archive-date=January 26, 2023|language=ja|date=December 28, 2019}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝」ヘイゼル編「Oasis」は2020年2月に上演|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/333149|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220730040251/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/333149|archive-date=July 30, 2022|language=ja|date=May 28, 2019}}
In February 2021, Saiyuki Kagekiden: Sunrise, which follows "Darkness" and "Oasis", which will be the final chapter of the Hazel Arc, play ran from February 11 to 14, 2021, at Cool Japan Park Osaka WW Hall; and from February 18 to 24 at "Shinagawa Prince Hotell Stellar Ballo".{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－Sunrise－」キャラビジュ9人分解禁、公演日程なども明らかに|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/408248|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221001150854/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/408248|archive-date=October 1, 2022|language=ja|date=December 10, 2020}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－Sunrise－」新キャストを迎え、2021年2月に東京・大阪で上演|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/396369|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616044622/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/396369|archive-date=June 16, 2023|language=ja|date=September 14, 2020}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－Sunrise－」三蔵一行、ヘイゼル、ガトらが勢揃いしたメインビジュアル|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/410833|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207190604/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/410833|archive-date=December 7, 2022|language=ja|date=December 29, 2020}}
In April 2022, it was announced Saiyuki Kagekiden would return in 2023 with a new stage musical titles Saiyuki Kagekiden: Gaiden.{{cite web|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/04/03-1/saiyuki-kagekiden-returns-with-new-musical-stage-show-in-2023|title=Saiyuki Kagekiden Returns with New Musical Stage Show in 2023|date=April 3, 2022|publisher=Crunchyroll|access-date=July 18, 2022|language=|url-status=|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706164424/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/04/03-1/saiyuki-kagekiden-returns-with-new-musical-stage-show-in-2023|archive-date=July 6, 2022}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－外伝－」今秋上演決定、北村諒・佐奈宏紀ら新キャストも発表|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/472481|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=July 30, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031160609/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/472481|archive-date=October 31, 2022|language=ja|date=April 3, 2022}} In March 2023, it was announced the musical "Gaiden" would be staged that fall and the main cast was also announced.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記歌劇伝－外伝－」今秋上演決定、北村諒・佐奈宏紀ら新キャストも発表|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/515776|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=May 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527013557/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/515776|archive-date=May 27, 2023|language=ja|date=March 8, 2023}}
| class="wikitable"
|+ ! !! Year 2008 |
| Genjo Sanzo
| colspan="6" |Hiroki Suzuki | - |
|---|
| Son Goku
| colspan="8" |Shiina Taizo |
| Sha Gojyo
| COLSPAN="2"|Atsushi Maruyama || colspan="5" |Taiyo Ayukawa | Yuki Hirai |
| Cho Hakkai
| COLSPAN="2"|Ryuji Sainei || COLSPAN="3"|Yuki Fujiwara |Saine Ryuji | COLSPAN="2"|Yuki Fujiwara |
| Kougaiji
| COLSPAN="2"|Ryunosuke Onoda || - || - ||Ryunosuke Onoda | - | - | - |
| Dokugakuji
| COLSPAN="2" |Ryo Ueno || - || - ||Ryo Hatakeyama | - | - | - |
| Ken'yuu
Ukoku Sanzo | colspan="6" |Mitsuru Karahashi | - | Mitsuru Karahashi |
| Koumyou Sanzo
| - | - | - | colspan="3" |Shun Mikami | - | Shun Mikami |
| Hazel Grouse
| - | - | - | - | - | colspan="3" |Kohei Hozuki |
| Gato
| - | - | - | - | - | colspan="3" |Yoshihiko Narimatsu |
=Other media=
==Drama CDs==
A large number of Saiyuki drama CDs have been released. Frontier Works has released three drama CDs of the anime series Saiyuki Reload Blast on September 27, November 29, and December 20, 2017, respectively.{{cite web|script-title=ja:TVアニメ「最遊記RELOAD BLAST」ドラマCD第1巻の試聴配信がスタート！！|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1502677899|website=animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128223112/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1502677899|archive-date=January 28, 2023|language=ja|date=August 22, 2017}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:TVアニメ「最遊記RELOAD BLAST」ドラマCD第2巻 試聴開始！|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1509353236|website=animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128173657/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1509353236|archive-date=January 28, 2022|language=ja|date=October 31, 2017}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:TVアニメ「最遊記RELOAD BLAST」ドラマCD第3巻 試聴開始！|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1510555982|website=animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129052127/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1510555982|archive-date=January 29, 2022|language=ja|date=November 14, 2017}} The drama CDs includes original stories of all three episodes, and the comments of the actors Toshihiko Seki (Genjo Sanzo), Sōichirō Hoshi (Son Goku), Hiroaki Hirata (Sha Gojyo), and Akira Ishida (Cho Hakkai).{{cite web|script-title=ja:TVアニメ『最遊記RELOAD BLAST』ドラマCD第1巻より、関俊彦さん、保志総一朗さん、平田広明さん、石田彰さんからコメントが到着！|url=http://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1502688784|website=animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816144438/http://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1502688784|archive-date=August 16, 2017|language=ja|date=August 15, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://saiyuki-rb.jp/special/20171011/ |title=ドラマCD第2巻キャストコメント |publisher=saiyuki-rb.jp |archivedate=July 5, 2022 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705134257/http://saiyuki-rb.jp/special/20171011/}}{{cite web |url=http://saiyuki-rb.jp/special/20171027/|title=ドラマCD第3巻キャストコメント |publisher=saiyuki-rb.jp |archivedate=June 25, 2023 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625030227/http://saiyuki-rb.jp/special/20171027/}}
A CD box set called "Saiyuki" Premium Collection that includes 19 audio drama series from 1999 to 2012 was released by Frontier Works on June 26, 2019.{{cite web|script-title=ja:6月26日発売 ドラマCD「最遊記」Premium collectionの視聴＜第1弾＞がスタート！|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1555030314|website=animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128124026/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1555030314|archive-date=November 28, 2022|language=ja|date=April 12, 2019}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:第1弾に引き続き、6/26発売ドラマCD「最遊記」Premium collectionの視聴<第2弾>がスタート！|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1372828040|website=animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128124830/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1555634492|archive-date=November 28, 2022|language=ja|date=April 19, 2019}}
The first character CD of the "Saiyuki" series was released on September 27, October 30, November 27 and December 27, 2013, respectively.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ジャケットは峰倉かずや先生描き下ろし!! 大人気シリーズ『最遊記』より、キャラクターCDが4ヵ月連続リリース決定!!|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1555634492|website=animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625040443/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1372828040|archive-date=June 25, 2023|language=ja|date=July 4, 2013}} It includes an interview with the voice actors.{{cite web |url=http://saiyuki-cd.com/special/|title=キャラクターCD「最遊記」～沙悟浄～＆～猪八戒～収録後キャストインタビュー|publisher=saiyuki-cd.com |archivedate=June 25, 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625041931/http://saiyuki-cd.com/special/}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:『最遊記』シリーズキャラCD収録後の声優・関俊彦さん、保志総一朗さん、平田広明さん、石田彰さんにインタビュー!!|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1384482693|website=animate Times|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712062829/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1384482693|archive-date=July 12, 2022|language=ja|date=November 18, 2013}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「最遊記」キャラクターCDより、関俊彦さん、保志総一朗さん、平田広明さん、石田彰さんのインタビューが到着|url=https://okmusic.jp/news/24845|website=OKMusic|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230625044059/https://okmusic.jp/news/24845|archive-date=June 25, 2023|language=ja|date=September 22, 2013 |title=OKMusic }}
=Light novels=
The first official novel of Saiyuki was written by Misagi Hijiri, illustrated by Kazuya Minekura, and published by G-Fantasy / Square Enix. The first volume was released on April 1, 1999.{{cite book |title=最遊記―華焔の残夢 (Gファンタジーノベルズ) |last= |first= |date= April 1, 1999|publisher=Enix |id={{ASIN|4870254948|country=jp}} |quote=}}{{cite web |url=http://books.rakuten.co.jp/RBOOKS/NS/CSfLastGenGoodsPage_001.jsp?GOODS_NO=1049707|title=小説最遊記（１）華焔の残夢|website=Rakuten|archivedate=July 3, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703204401/http://books.rakuten.co.jp:80/RBOOKS/NS/CSfLastGenGoodsPage_001.jsp?GOODS_NO=1049707}} The second and third volumes were published on April 1, 2000, and February 1, 2001, respectively.{{cite web |url=http://books.rakuten.co.jp/RBOOKS/NS/CSfLastGenGoodsPage_001.jsp?GOODS_NO=1142438|title=小説最遊記（２）鏡花水月|website=Rakuten|archivedate=July 3, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703203128/http://books.rakuten.co.jp/RBOOKS/NS/CSfLastGenGoodsPage_001.jsp?GOODS_NO=1142438}}{{cite web |url=http://books.rakuten.co.jp/RBOOKS/NS/CSfLastGenGoodsPage_001.jsp?GOODS_NO=1312697|title=小説最遊記（３）螺旋の暦|website=Rakuten|archivedate=July 3, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040703204453/http://books.rakuten.co.jp/RBOOKS/NS/CSfLastGenGoodsPage_001.jsp?GOODS_NO=1312697}}{{cite book |title=最遊記〈2〉鏡花水月 (Gファンタジーノベルズ)|last= |first= |date=April 1, 2000|publisher=Enix |id={{ASIN|4757502249|country=jp}} |quote=}}{{cite book |title=最遊記〈3〉螺旋の暦 (Gファンタジーノベルズ)|last= |first= |date=February 1, 2001|publisher=Enix |id={{ASIN|4757503350|country=jp}} |quote=}} Ichijinsha Zero-sum Novels republished the three volumes in a new edition on July 1, 2005.{{cite book |title=最遊記 (1) 華焔の残夢 (ゼロサムノベルズ) |last= |first= |date= July 1, 2005|publisher=Ichijinsha |id={{ASIN|4758030065|country=jp}} |quote=}}{{cite book |title=最遊記 (2) 鏡花水月 (ゼロサムノベルズ)|last= |first= |date=July 1, 2005|publisher=Ichijinsha |id={{ASIN|4758030073|country=jp}} |quote=}}{{cite book |title=最遊記 (3)螺旋の暦 (ゼロサムノベルズ)|last= |first= |date=July 1, 2005|publisher=Ichijinsha |id={{ASIN|4758030081|country=jp}} |quote=}} Novel version of Saiyuki: Requiem film was published by G-Fantasy / Square Enix on October 1, 2001.{{cite book |title=劇場版 幻想魔伝最遊記―選ばれざる者への鎮魂歌(レクイエム)|last= |first= |date=October 1, 2001|publisher=Enix |id={{ASIN|475750554X|country=jp}} |quote=}} Saiyuki Omnibus, an omnibus edition novel anthology consisting of five short stories written by five authors, was released July 22, 2010, by Ichijinsha.{{cite web|script-title=ja:【発売情報】7月発売の最遊記シリーズ関連書籍。 |url=https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/14169894/|website=World is 峰-mine-|access-date=September 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220926120430/https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/14169894/|archive-date=September 26, 2022|language=ja|date=July 24, 2010}} Saiyuki Korotengi was written by Yukiko Uozumi and published a day earlier on April 25, 2011 by Ichijinsha.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ここ最近のお仕事を纏めました。 |url=https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/15743123/|website=World is 峰-mine-|access-date=September 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907172230/https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/15743123/|archive-date=September 7, 2023|language=ja|date=April 1, 2011}}{{cite book |title=最遊記 紅楼天戯 (ZERO-SUM NOVELS) |last= |first= |date=April 25, 2011|publisher=Ichijinsha |id={{ASIN|4758030189|country=jp}} |quote=}}
Kazuya Minekura wrote an extra 39-page novel called Saiyuki Crossroaders, which was published by Zerosum Online Book.{{cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/49147 |title=ゼロサムオンライン開通！峰倉かずやの最遊記ノベルも |last= |first= |date=May 10, 2011 |website= |publisher=natalie |access-date=May 22, 2023 |quote=}}
=Artbooks=
A large number of Saiyuki artbooks have been released. Backgammon Collection was published by Square Enix on September 1, 1998, March 1, 2000 and March 1, 2001 respectively.{{cite book |title=Backgammon―峰倉かずや画集 Board book|last= |first= |date=September 1, 1998|publisher=Square Enix|id={{ASIN|4870253623|country=jp}} |quote=}}{{cite book |title=バックギャモン2―峰倉かずや画集 Comic|last= |first= |date=March 1, 2000|publisher=Square Enix |id={{ASIN|4757501900|country=jp}} |quote=}}{{cite book |title=Backgammon 3―峰倉かずや画集 Comic|last= |first= |date=March 1, 2000|publisher=Square Enix |id={{ASIN|4757504268|country=jp}} |quote=}} Backgammon-Remix was published by Ichijinsha on March 1, 2001.{{cite book |title=Backgammonーremix―峰倉かずや画集 Comic|last= |first= |date=December 1, 2003|publisher=Ichijinsha |id={{ASIN|4758030022|country=jp}} |quote=}} A series called Salty-Dog which is being released by Ichijinsha since January, it mainly includes Saiyuki RELOAD BLAST, Saiyuki Gaiden, and Saiyuki Ibun.{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉かずや最新画集「salty-dog IX」発売、「最遊記」シリーズ中心に収録|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/173688|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=February 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708150232/http://natalie.mu/comic/news/173688|archive-date=July 8, 2017|language=ja|date=January 25, 2016}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:8匹目の塩犬。|url=https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/20081055/|website=World is 峰-mine-|access-date=February 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919043922/https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/20081055/|archive-date=September 19, 2021|language=ja|date=July 25, 2013 }} And ten books of Minekura's "Salty Dog" art series have been published so far, The tenth book was published on July 31, 2019.{{cite book |title=salty-dog X (イラスト集) Tankobon Softcover|last= |first= |date=July 31, 2019|publisher=Ichijinsha|id={{ASIN|4758034508|country=jp}} |quote=}} A digital artbook called Soul-Pepper was released on January 30, 2015 by Ichijinsha.{{cite web|script-title=ja:峰倉かずやのDVD-ROM付きデジタル画集、作画工程もレイヤー別に収録|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/137144|website=Comic Natalie|access-date=February 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805133044/http://natalie.mu/comic/news/137144|archive-date=August 5, 2015|language=ja|date=January 27, 2015}}
== 25th anniversary ==
On October 27, 2022, it was announced Saiyuki manga would travel to three cities for a 25th Anniversary Exhibition, which began in Osaka at Namba Marui from December 30, 2022 to January 15, 2023; followed by Yurakucho Marui in Tokyo from May 12 to May 28; and Hakata Marui in Fukuoka from August 11 to September 3. Additional events in other regions were also planned.{{cite web |url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/10/26-1/saiyuki-manga-makes-the-journey-to-three-cities-for-25th-anniversary-exhibition |title=Saiyuki Manga Makes the Journey to Three Cities for 25th Anniversary Exhibition |last= |first= |date=October 27, 2022 |website=Crunchyroll |publisher= |access-date=October 31, 2022 |quote= |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031160554/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/10/26-1/saiyuki-manga-makes-the-journey-to-three-cities-for-25th-anniversary-exhibition |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/499141 |title=峰倉かずや「最遊記」シリーズ連載25周年記念の原画展、大阪・東京・福岡で開催 |last= |first= |date=October 27, 2022 |website= |publisher=Natalie |access-date=October 31, 2022 |quote= |archive-date=October 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221031160553/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/499141 |url-status=live }} The original painting of "Saiyuki 25th Exhibition" commemorating the 25th anniversary of the serialization, started on May 12, 2023.{{cite web |url=https://www.walkerplus.com/article/1138967/ |title=【人気コミックス「最遊記」の貴重な原画200点をその目で】連載25周年を記念した原画展が開催中！ホテルやパブとのコラボ企画も |last= |first= |date=May 26, 2023 |website=walkerplus |publisher= |access-date=May 27, 2023 |quote= |archive-date=May 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527015805/https://www.walkerplus.com/article/1138967/ |url-status=live }}
Reception
=Sales and popularity=
{{Multiple image
| perrow = 2 2 4
| total_width = 250
| image1 = Son Goku character cosplay.jpg
| alt1 =
| image2 =
| alt2 =
| image3 = Genjo sanzo character Cosplay.jpg
| alt3 =
| image4 =
| alt4 =
| image5 = Saiyuki cosplay.jpg
| alt5 =
| footer = Saiyuki cosplay has been popular in Japan.{{cite web|script-title=ja:『カードキャプターさくら』『最遊記』『銀河英雄伝説』ほか、今アツい名作アニメのコスプレをピックアップ！|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1496744746|website=animate Times|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111180545/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1496744746|archive-date=January 11, 2019|language=ja|date=August 8, 2017}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:連載20周年を迎え、TVアニメ『最遊記RELOAD BLAST』も放送中の『最遊記』シリーズのキャラクターをコスプレ特集！|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1502181229|website=animate Times|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208083437/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1502181229|archive-date=December 8, 2022|language=ja|date=June 6, 2017}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:『最遊記』コスプレ特集！孫悟空、玄奘三蔵、沙悟浄、猪八戒を再現した写真をお届け|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1640359329&p=2|website=animate Times|access-date=June 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230615171834/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1640359329&p=2|archive-date=June 15, 2023|language=ja|date=December 26, 2021}}
}}
The Saiyuki franchise has become a mainstay of manga and anime culture, and its entries have continually garnered critical praise.{{cite web|last=McCullough|first=Hayley|title=Saiyuki Journeys West Once Again In New Anime Series|url=https://www.cbr.com/saiyuki-reload-zeroin-new-series/|website=CBR|access-date=June 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620185701/https://www.cbr.com/saiyuki-reload-zeroin-new-series/|archive-date=June 20, 2023|date=August 31, 2021}} In 1999, the manga won the third spot in the list of most popular serial works;{{cite web|url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/x/2005-07-21/0931786370.html|title=唐僧师徒东瀛来访 日本人气动漫《最游记》周末双集连播|date=July 21, 2005|publisher=ent.sina.com.cn|access-date=November 23, 2023|language=zh|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123090850/http://ent.sina.com.cn/x/2005-07-21/0931786370.html|archive-date=November 23, 2023}} and was ranked second for the most popular long comic in "Puff".{{cite web|url=http://acg.gamersky.com/news/201501/517041.shtml|title=《最游记》作者峰仓和也发售画集《Soul-Pepper》|date=January 29, 2015|publisher=acg.gamersky.com|access-date=May 25, 2024|language=zh|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419220203/http://acg.gamersky.com/news/201501/517041.shtml|archive-date=April 19, 2015}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sohu.com/a/304482142_99998987|title=真实落泪！这部漫画连载得让人心疼想哭。|date=March 28, 2019|publisher=Sohu|access-date=May 25, 2024|language=zh|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123083635/https://www.sohu.com/a/304482142_99998987|archive-date=November 23, 2023}} During the third quarter of 2003, Saiyuki ranked at the top of ICv2's Top 50 Manga Properties.{{cite web|access-date = January 26, 2005|publisher = ICv2|date = October 18, 2004|title = Manga Competition Heats Up|url = http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/5869.html|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050210014752/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/5869.html|archive-date = February 10, 2005 }} In January 2004, Saiyuki was in the list of most anticipated manga series of Tokyopop.{{cite press release|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2004-01-21/saiyuki-tops-tokyopop%27s-must-have-manga|title=Saiyuki Tops Tokyopop's must-have manga|website=Anime News Network|date=January 21, 2004|access-date=May 8, 2024|archive-date=October 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231005070112/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2004-01-21/saiyuki-tops-tokyopop's-must-have-manga|url-status=live}} In March 2004, the manga was in the top 10 of Shōjo manga's series on the ICv2 website.{{cite web|access-date =August 24, 2022|publisher = ICv2|date = March 30, 2004|title = SHOUJO MANGA SERIES SCORE IN Q1|url = https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/4538/shoujo-manga-series-score-q1|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220823230338/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/4538/shoujo-manga-series-score-q1|archive-date = August 23, 2022}}
Saiyuki manga was top Manga Publisher of the Year in the "ICV2 2004 manga awards", and came a very close second for the 2004 award.{{cite web|access-date =August 24, 2022|publisher = ICv2|date = February 3, 2005|title = ICV2 2004 MANGA AWARDS|url = https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/6387/icv2-2004-manga-awards|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220528161515/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/6387/icv2-2004-manga-awards|archive-date = May 28, 2022}} In January 2005, Saiyuki Vol. 6 ranked at the top of ICv2's top-10 best-selling manga,{{cite web|access-date =August 24, 2022|publisher = ICv2|date = January 16, 2005|title = NEGIMA VOL. 4 LEADS MANGA CHARGE IN '05 Top-Selling Graphic Novel So Far|url = https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/6285/negima-vol-4-leads-manga-charge-05|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220823230422/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/6285/negima-vol-4-leads-manga-charge-05|archive-date = August 23, 2022}} and Saiyuki Volume 8 was ranked eighth in the top 10 best-selling manga of Tokyopop in June 2005.{{cite web|access-date =August 24, 2022|publisher = ICv2|date = June 13, 2005|title = 'FRUITS BASKET' ON TOP AGAIN|url = https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/7031/fruits-basket-on-top-again|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220823230340/https://icv2.com/articles/comics/view/7031/fruits-basket-on-top-again|archive-date = August 23, 2022}} During its premiere as a television series, the first six volumes of Saiyuki manga had sold over 3.2 million copies.{{cite web|access-date = June 3, 2010|publisher = Comipress.com|date = May 24, 2006|title = Historic Shoujo Manga Circulation Numbers|url = https://www.comipress.com/article/2006/05/24/161|url-status = live|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230113182222/https://www.comipress.com/article/2006/05/24/161|archive-date = January 13, 2023}} In December 2012, Saiyuki manga ranked fifth on AnimeClick.it{{'s}} website's poll of top 30 "The best 90s Shōnen" with 8,813 votes.{{cite web|title=I migliori shounen anni '90 secondo l'utenza di AnimeClick.it|url=https://www.animeclick.it/news/34066-i-migliori-shounen-anni-90-secondo-lutenza-di-animeclickit|publisher=AnimeClick.it|date=December 2, 2012|access-date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511204457/https://www.animeclick.it/news/34066-i-migliori-shounen-anni-90-secondo-lutenza-di-animeclickit|archive-date=May 11, 2021|language=it|url-status=live}} As of July 2017, the manga franchise had sold 25 million copies in circulation worldwide.{{cite press release|script-title=ja:『最遊記RELOAD BLAST』テレビアニメ化記念！シリーズ全世界累計2,500万部突破の人気アクションまんが『最遊記』をeBookJapanが48時間限定で1～9巻を無料読み放題!! |url=https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000627.000001485.html|publisher=Shinchosha|via=PR Times|access-date=June 23, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924073958/https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000627.000001485.html|archive-date=September 24, 2020|language=ja|date=July 5, 2017|url-status=live}}
=Critical response=
==Manga==
The manga has received critical praise and accolades. In his review of volume one eduardo m. chavez of Anime on DVD said that he found the story to be enjoyable with having a moving plot, and overall a good twist on the fantasy genre with a popular story mixed in. He describes its characters as a special combination of science and magic and superior to other versions of the novel Journey to the West, which combines the series with good humor and entertaining action. Thinks that the four members of Sanzo's team are stereotypical guys and described them as those who fall victim to their own vices and become a great team of unlikely heroes - youkai saving humans. In the second volume he criticized Minkura's art called it erratically, The interaction shown in the characters of Sanzo and Hakkai with other secondary characters is considered an interesting technique. Modern concepts with an old story with a very dark, funny and surprising mood.{{cite web|last=Chavez|first=Eduardo M.|title=Saiyuki Vol. #2|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=142|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=June 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209124453/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=142|archive-date=February 9, 2005|date=July 14, 2004|url-status=live}} as of volume three, Minkura's art received mixed reviews, Chavez gave a very good grade to Story content described the relationship between Sanzo and Goku as unique, similar to a parasite and its host on the surface, but very deep and cherished by both. the writer were impressed with Goku's character, describing it as touching and almost inspiring, and called Sanzo's character rather poignant.{{cite web|last=Chavez|first=Eduardo M.|title=Saiyuki Vol. #3|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=262|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=June 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050209124617/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=262|archive-date=February 9, 2005|date=August 26, 2004|url-status=live}}
Jeanne of Aestheticism.com praised Minekura's Saiyuki, described the manga art as energetic and the story as a daring reconstructionist vision of the novel that references it in clever and refreshing ways; she also said it is fast and interesting, entertaining, and its pages are littered with anachronisms.{{cite web|url=http://www.aestheticism.com/visitors/manga/saiyuki/index.htm|title=Minekura Kazuya's Saiyuuki|publisher=Aestheticism.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070713000009/http://www.aestheticism.com/visitors/manga/saiyuki/index.htm|archive-date=July 13, 2007|url-status=dead}} Maria Lin of Animefringe.com praised Saiyuki's plot that filled with action-packed stories which contains violent themes and is very serious on occasion and humor to prevent from being heavy. she consider the manga as a Shōjo, which is regularly filled with extra material.{{cite web|last=Lin|first=Maria|title=Saiyuki Vol. 1 & 2|url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2004/09/review/06.php|website=Animefringe.com|access-date=October 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502214517/http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2004/09/review/06.php|archive-date=May 2, 2008|date=September 9, 2004|url-status=live}} NiDNiM of Manga News gave an above-average score to the first volume of the series; the author praised the manga art and called it pleasing.{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.1|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-1|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004522/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-1|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=January 16, 2009}} NiDNiM also gave a 17-out-of-20 score to the second and third volumes, and called the manga very entertaining and surprising, and described the pages as beautiful and accurate.{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.2|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-2|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004524/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-2|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=January 16, 2009}}{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.3|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-3|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004630/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-3|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=January 28, 2009}} Later volumes were given an above-average score,{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.4|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-4|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004609/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-4|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=February 4, 2009}}{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.5|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-5|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004527/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-5|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=February 11, 2009}}{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.6|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-6|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004516/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-6|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=February 20, 2009}}{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.7|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-7|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004522/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-7|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=February 27, 2009}}{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.8|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-8|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004643/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-8|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=March 9, 2009}}{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Vol.9|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-9|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=June 19, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824004526/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/manga/critique/Saiyuki/vol-9|archive-date=August 24, 2022|date=March 20, 2009}} as of final volume, the reviewer describes Kazuya Minkura's special attention to the charisma and psychology of her characters as commendable and stated: "Saiyuki may be a quest, at its core, but it acts more as a motor for humor and development. atypical charisms. Against the backdrop of a mythological story, not very innovative, the author indeed plays a lot on flashbacks, which give depth to the characters while bringing the essential dramatic side, and the experience accumulated by our heroes."{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Saiyuki Critique de la série manga|url=https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/serie/critique/Saiyuki|website=Manga News (in French)|access-date=August 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113084043/https://www.manga-news.com/index.php/serie/critique/Saiyuki|archive-date=November 13, 2022|date=December 22, 2015}}
Spartans of Manga Sanctuary rated the manga 9 out of 10; they described the drawings as magnificent, stating: "The fights are very dynamic and with a lot of humor. Saiyuki is a very pleasant series to read and follow."{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Critique Manga Saiyuki|url=https://www.manga-sanctuary.com/fiche_serie_critique.php?id=9242|website=Manga Sanctuary (in French)|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915111822/https://www.manga-sanctuary.com/fiche_serie_critique.php?id=9242|archive-date=September 15, 2023|date=}} Fellow Manga Sanctuary reviewer Chris936 gave it a 7-out-of-10 grade, praised Minekura's graphic style, and described the characters as "an excellent look in addition to having an interesting character" and called the manga "a pretty good, very pleasant to read and above all full of humor".{{cite web|last=|first=|title=Critique Manga Saiyuki|url=https://www.manga-sanctuary.com/fiche_serie_critique.php?id=23593|website=Manga Sanctuary|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915105858/https://www.manga-sanctuary.com/fiche_serie_critique.php?id=23593|archive-date=September 15, 2023|date=October 22, 2009|url-status=live}} Michelle Smith of Soliloquy in Blue reviewed the first three volumes, gave the a B grade, and praised the art and story progression.{{cite web|last=Smith|first=Michelle|title=Saiyuki 1-3 by Kazuya Minekura: B|url=http://soliloquyinblue.mangabookshelf.com/2010/06/27/saiyuki-1-3-by-kazuya-minekura-b/|website=Soliloquy in Blue - Manga Bookshelf|access-date=September 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915115517/http://soliloquyinblue.mangabookshelf.com/2010/06/27/saiyuki-1-3-by-kazuya-minekura-b/|archive-date=September 15, 2023|date=June 27, 2010|url-status=live}} Irene salzmann of Splash Comics praised the first volume of the manga, and described the characters as charming and lovable with a wealth of dark secrets, and the story as exciting, humorous, sometimes deep and full of ambiguities.{{cite web|title=Comic-Besprechung - Saiyuki 1|url=https://www.splashcomics.de/php/rezensionen/rezension/2184|website=Splash Comics|last=salzmann|first=Irene|date=July 12, 2003|access-date=September 15, 2023|language=de}} salzmann praised Later volumes and describes the story with a mixture of ancient exoticism and familiar modernity.{{cite web|title=Comic-Besprechung - Saiyuki 2|url=https://www.splashcomics.de/php/rezensionen/rezension/2185|website=Splash Comics|last=salzmann|first=Irene|date=September 18, 2003|access-date=September 15, 2023|language=de}}{{cite web|title=Comic-Besprechung - Saiyuki 3|url=https://www.splashcomics.de/php/rezensionen/rezension/2186|website=Splash Comics|last=salzmann|first=Irene|date=December 11, 2003|access-date=September 15, 2023|language=de}}{{cite web|title=Comic-Besprechung - Saiyuki 4|url=https://www.splashcomics.de/php/rezensionen/rezension/2187|website=Splash Comics|last=salzmann|first=Irene|date=March 20, 2004|access-date=September 15, 2023|language=de}} Manga Xanadu gave a 5-out-of-5 score, praising the manga and describing its story as sad and emotional, and fun and enjoyable.{{cite web|url=http://manga.jadedragononline.com/blog/2011/06/24/saiyuki-volumes-1-3/|title=Saiyuki Volumes 1-3: Manga Movable Feast|work=Manga Xanadu |date=June 24, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230915131652/http://manga.jadedragononline.com/blog/2011/06/24/saiyuki-volumes-1-3/|archive-date=September 15, 2023|url-status=live}}
Sarah of Anime UK News praised the first volume of Resurrected Edition of the manga graded Saiyuki 8 out of 10 described manga as landmark, the story is full of raw and convincing energy. Glimpses of the tragic backstories of each protagonist described "attractive" for readers. In the character of Sanzo, she finds an irresistible charm and described the deep sense of camaraderie between the heroes convincingly and truly affecting.{{cite web|last=|first=|title= Manga Review Saiyuki The Original Series Resurrected Edition Volume 1|url=https://animeuknews.net/2020/05/saiyuki-the-original-series-resurrected-edition-volume-1/|website=Anime UK News|access-date=September 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901173841/https://animeuknews.net/2020/05/saiyuki-the-original-series-resurrected-edition-volume-1/|archive-date=September 1, 2022|date=May 24, 2020}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140330155308/http://pierrot.jp/archives/mov_list_21th/mov_018.html |date=March 30, 2014 }} {{in lang|ja}}
- {{Anime News Network|manga|2406|Saiyuki}}
- [http://saiyuki-cd.com/ Official/ "Saiyuki" CD official website] {{in lang|ja}}
- [https://nitroblog.exblog.jp/ "World is Mine -mine- website] {{in lang|ja}}
- [http://minekura.net/ "Minekura.net website] {{in lang|ja}}
{{Saiyuki}}
{{Monthly GFantasy}}
{{Monthly Comic Zero Sum}}
{{Journey to the West}}
{{Tokyo Kids}}
{{Reiko Yoshida}}
{{Pierrot (company)}}
{{Pierrot films}}
{{Arms Corporation}}
{{Platinum Vision}}
{{Liden Films}}
{{Anime Grand Prix}}
Category:2000 anime television series debuts
Category:2003 anime television series debuts
Category:2004 anime television series debuts
Category:2017 anime television series debuts
Category:2022 anime television series debuts
Category:Adventure anime and manga
Category:Anime and manga set in China
Category:Fiction about Buddhism
Category:Chinese mythology in anime and manga
Category:Fantasy anime and manga
Category:Yōkai in anime and manga
Category:TV Tokyo original programming
Category:Works based on Journey to the West