Characters

This article lists the main protagonists from the manga and anime series Saiyuki as well as other Characters. Most of them were originally created by mangaka Kazuya Minekura.

Concept and Creation
Minekura's Sanzo-Ikkō, or Sanzo Party, bears only a superficial similarity to the original four in the Monkey King. While their general physical design is similar to those from the novel, their personalities are the complete polar opposites. Their names are the same as the names of the characters in the Chinese novel, but given Japanese pronunciations:
 * Genjo Sanzo(玄奘三蔵) is Xuánzàng (玄奘) or Táng-Sānzàng (唐三藏, Tang's three scriptures).
 * Son Gokū is Sūn Wùkōng (孫 悟空), or the Monkey King.
 * Cho Hakkai is Zhū Bājiè (豬 八戒), a pig monster. His original name, Cho Gonou is actually Zhū Wùnéng (豬 悟能), the Buddhist name given to Zhu Bajie by Guan Yin when they first met in the original novel.
 * Sha Gojyō is Shā Wùjìng (沙 悟淨), a water demon, classified as a kappa in some translations.
 * Gyūmaōh is Niumowáng (牛魔王) Ox King

Saiyuki Ibun
Note: These Character all predate the original Saiyuki storyline