Goku’s Ways of Earning Money to Provide for His Family

It’s quite astonishing to consider that Goku, one of the most powerful beings in the universe, needs to work to financially support his family. After all, as the saying goes, money makes the world go round.

Even the mighty Saiyan race isn’t immune to the realities of the material world and the pangs of hunger. So, how does Goku manage to provide for Gohan and Goten (who consume meals fit for a banquet)? What are his means of earning income?

How Does Goku Earn Money to Support His Family?

Throughout the Dragon Ball saga, the Son family has tapped into various sources of income. In the early episodes, Chi-Chi’s father, the Ox-King, supported them with his considerable wealth. However, after the Ox-King lost his fortune, Goku took up farming, specifically growing radishes, to make ends meet.

In addition to farming, Goku has also earned prize money from martial arts tournaments. Moreover, after significant battles, Hercule Satan often provided financial rewards to Goku, further aiding the family. These multiple streams of income over time allowed Goku to look after his family.

Having A King as His In-Law

Early in the Dragon Ball series, Goku encounters Chi-Chi and her father, the Ox-King. A towering figure with substantial wealth, the Ox-King provided a lavish life for his family, residing in an impressive castle on Fire Mountain.

Throughout the series, the Ox-King’s fortune helped cover the Son family’s expenses, particularly during Goku’s many absences, such as when he faced demise in battle. With Goku frequently away, Chi-Chi’s father stepped in economically, ensuring the family was well taken care of.

The Ox-King often showers his grandsons with affection, constantly seen pampering them during his appearances. However, in Dragon Ball Super, the Ox-King’s wealth is diminished due to a catastrophic fire, leaving him financially struggling.

Goku: The Radish Farmer

With the Ox-King unable to support them anymore (he could hardly care for himself and his people), Chi-Chi began scolding Goku for his laid-back attitude, urging him to take on the role of the breadwinner.

Goku, being a simple man with uncomplicated thoughts, lacked education, which limited his options for earning a living other than through battles. Consequently, he opted for farming, the most straightforward and reliable method.

His crop of choice was radishes, humorously in honor of his deceased Saiyan brother, Raditz. While Goku may not excel as a father, farming offered him a way to assist Chi-Chi while staying close to home.

Prior to this, the family’s income mostly came from the prizes Goku earned in tournaments like the Tenkaichi Budokai. However, after the Buu Saga events, those earnings dried up, leading Goku to pursue farming as a long-term solution.

Even though the concept of radish farming might seem peculiar for someone as formidable as Goku, who can obliterate planets with a single finger snap, it has provided essential support for his family during the Ox-King’s absence.

Friends and Winning Tournaments

Farming became Goku’s primary source of income, but it wasn’t his only means of making money. Throughout Dragon Ball Super, Goku received monetary gifts from Hercule Satan following major conflicts.

Hercule, often labeled Earth’s “savior,” owes much of his reputation to Goku and his sons, and he is always eager to reward Goku for his contributions in defending the world. These monetary gifts likely provided Goku with the financial backing he needed while he was away from farming.

Furthermore, it’s possible that Bulma, one of Goku’s longtime and closest friends, also contributed financially. As an inventor and billionaire, her wealth is vast and likely unparalleled. However, given Chi-Chi’s pride, she would probably decline any financial assistance from Bulma.

Regardless of the means, Goku may not be the most dedicated family man and is often fixated on battles, but when circumstances required it, he stepped up to provide for his family. (At least when he was alive).

About Dragon Ball Super

Dragon Ball Super first serialized in June 2015, with editing and illustrations by Akira Toriyama and his protégé Toyotaro, respectively.

Dragon Ball Super elevates the DB universe by introducing the long-slumbering God of Destruction, Beerus.

Initially, Beerus considered obliterating Earth, but he postponed his plans upon discovering the incredible food he had yet to experience. He also looks forward to fighting Super Saiyajin God at some point.

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