Fans of Dragon Ball frequently inquire if Goku is inspired by Sun Wukong, a character from the classic 16th-century Chinese novel Journey to the West. This comparison has been brought up repeatedly, particularly due to similarities between Goku and Sun Wukong’s monkey-like traits and other qualities.
It is a fact that Goku and many aspects of Dragon Ball draw inspiration from Sun Wukong and the overall story of Journey to the West. Akira Toriyama, the author, frequently incorporates Chinese myths and other stories to shape and enhance his series, particularly evident in the protagonist’s adoption of essential traits from Sun Wukong.
Please be aware that this article includes spoilers for the series.
The Truth Behind the Inspiration for Goku in Dragon Ball
Goku, like Sun Wukong, draws inspiration from various elements including his birth, abilities, and physical traits. One notable aspect to consider is the meaning of Sun Wukong, which translates to “Monkey King”in Chinese. This aligns with the monkey theme of the Saiyan race, which is evident in Goku’s story as well, as he could transform into a monkey-like creature under a full moon.
As he embarks on his journey, the character befriends a diverse group of individuals, much like Goku in Akira Toriyama’s manga. Additionally, like Goku, Sun Wukong possesses the ability to fly on clouds and shares a similar name, “Son Goku,”with the Monkey King.
Sun Wukong also had an ally known as the “Demon King,”who was initially an antagonist named Piccolo before eventually becoming a member of Goku’s team. Similar to Goku’s iconic staff from the earlier arcs, the legendary Chinese character’s staff also had the ability to grow in size.
More Similarities
Similarly, Sun Wukong and Goku share the common trait of being born from an egg and arriving on Earth in a pod with a similar shape, as depicted in Dragon Ball. Additionally, both characters have gained immortality through rigorous training, a similarity often noted when questioning whether Goku is inspired by Sun Wukong in the Journey to the West legend. This also reflects the anime protagonist’s unwavering commitment to martial arts.
Furthermore, it should be noted that Sun Wukong, like other characters in the story, embarks on a journey to retrieve the Buddhist sutras from the West. This bears a striking resemblance to the way Goku initially encountered Bulma and teamed up with her in the early stages of Dragon Ball. It is highly likely that Akira Toriyama drew inspiration from this aspect for his series, especially since the manga was originally intended to conclude after the first arc but became immensely popular during its initial release.
Additionally, Akira Toriyama acknowledged Bruce Lee as a significant inspiration, emphasizing his fascination with Chinese traditions.
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly, the inspiration for Goku was drawn from Sun Wukong, as the main character in Dragon Ball shares numerous resemblances with the Chinese figure. This also serves as a testament to Toriyama’s artistic influences and their profound impact on one of the most renowned creations in the world of manga and anime.
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