Monkey
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Monkey
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|---|---|
| Episodes: | 52 |
| Year: | 1978-1980 |
| Country: | Japan |
| Seasons: | 2 |
| Seasons Breakdown: | (1) 26 (2) 26 |
| Category: | Fantasy |
| Colour: | Yes |
| Format: | Serial |
| Company: | Nippon Television and International Television Films |
| Creator: | Mamoru Sasak and Isoa Okishima (Based on Journey to the West by Wu Cheng'en) |
| Run Time (mins): | 45 |
| Language: | Japanese |
| Type of Show: | Live Action |
| Status: | Ended |
| Broadcaster: | NTV |
| First Aired: | October 1, 1978 |
| Last Aired: | May 4, 1980 |
Summary
After a period of ascetic life and the acquisition of supernatural abilities, Monkey returns to his homeland and assumes his role as ruler of the monkey tribe. Determined to expand his influence, he begins training his subjects with the ambition of raising a formidable army capable of conquering the world. His growing power soon fosters excessive pride, leading him to challenge the celestial order and demand recognition as a deity. In response, the gods appoint him as guardian of a sacred orchard, hoping the responsibility will divert his disruptive aspirations.
Monkey subsequently discovers that the orchard’s fruit confer immortality upon those who consume them. He devours the entire crop, prompting the gods to impose a severe punishment: he is cast down to Earth and imprisoned within a stone enclosure. Centuries later, the priest Tripitaka is chosen by Buddha to undertake a pilgrimage to retrieve sacred scriptures. For protection against hostile demons, Tripitaka is accompanied by Monkey and two other former celestial beings, Pigsy and Sandy , who, like Monkey, were expelled from Heaven for past transgressions.
Season Two
By the beginning of the second season, Monkey, Pigsy and Sandy have grown weary of the prolonged quest and abandon Tripitaka, leaving the priest to continue alone toward India. Pigsy returns to China, where he undergoes a transformation that alters his appearance, while Monkey encounters another exiled spirit: a celestial horse capable of assuming human form when frightened. Ultimately, the four companions reunite and resolve to resume their journey with Tripitaka as she continues her mission to obtain the scriptures.
Cast
Monkey MASAAKI SAKAI, Tripitaka MASAKO NATSUME, Sandy SHIRO KISHIBE, Pigsy TOSHIYWKI NISHIDA (1), Pigsy TONPEI HIDARI (2), Horse/Yu-Lung SHUNJI FUJIMURA (2).
aka: Saiyūki
Tags: Fantasy, Japan, 1979, Japanese
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