Genjo Sanzo (Saiyuki)
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Genjō-Sanzō, or Genjyō-Sanzō (玄奘三蔵法師 Genjō-Sanzō-hōshi, Pinyin: Xuánzàng-Sānzàng-fǎshī) is one of the four main characters in the manga and anime series Saiyūki (Known as Gensōmaden Saiyūki in Japan). His name is spelled Genjō-Sanzō in the English anime and the Singapore English manga, while in the North American English manga it is Genjyō-Sanzō (the -jō is spelt in hiragana as ji-(yo)-u, with a small yo to indicate a glide rather than separate syllables). In the anime, he is voiced by Seki Toshihiko.
The title Sanzō, meaning "three baskets" (Tripitaka in Sanskrit), is the formal term for a Buddhist canon of scriptures, as well as the title of a high-ranking Buddhist monk. Hence, Genjō-Sanzō (even though he doesn't seem like one) is also a high ranking monk.
His character is loosely based on that of the monk Xuánzàng-Sānzàng, from the Chinese novel Journey to the West upon which the manga is based. In the manga, Sanzō is featured with blond hair and purple eyes. Having lost his father-figure (Koumyou Sanzo) to demons (yōkai), he is a brutal, worldly priest, who carries a gun (Smith and Wesson), excessively smokes (Marlboros), drinks (anything alcoholic), often abusing his traveling companions, except Cho Hakkai, verbally and physically. When others ask who his travelling companions are, his common response is, "They are not my disciples. They are my servants."
Sanzō's chosen weapons are the magical Maten Sutra which holds great power, even subduing Son Gokū when his power limiter came off and went berserk; a handgun as previously mentioned (although it shoots a seemingly endless supply of special spiritual anti-demon bullets instead of regular rounds); and a paper fan (harisen) for idiots (Gojyō and Gokū included). His favorite phrases, incidentally, are "Die!", "I'll kill you!" and "Shut up!" (used when Gokū and Gojyō argue, the last phrase is used rarely to silence Hakkai).
Sanzō is egotistical, haughty, and sometimes cruel, but he also has calm judgement, unwavering intensity, and surprising charisma.
Sanzō's parentage is unknown, as he was found floating down the Yangtze river as a baby, and was raised under the name Kōryū ("river-flow") by his teacher, Kōmyo-Sanzō. Kōmyo-Sanzō once told him that he had called out to him inside his mind.
Kōryū was promoted to his rank as Sanzō when he was only 13, given the title by his teacher. He left his monastery in which he was raised to search for the Seitan Sutra that was stolen the night his teacher was killed. He carries the scars of his childhood because his teacher was killed trying to protect him (whenever it rains, he grows moody, often reflecting on his past). This is karmically ironic, as he is sent on a mission to stop the very people who were responsible for the murder of his master some ten years after that event.
Sanzō found Gokū one day while walking through the mountains because a voice kept calling out for him. When Sanzō could not take it anymore, he went to search for the source of the voice, to hit the person and tell them to shut up. He finally came to a cave on the top of a mountain that resembled a jail and sitting inside was Gokū. Sanzō remembered his teacher's words about being the sun of someone else's life and that moved him to take in Gokū at the temple where he lived. Though he acts like he doesn't care, he is extremely attached to the little monkey and gets angry when Gokū is in danger. The same goes for Gokū, who almost worships Sanzō for rescuing him. In the original story, Gokū was supposed to be Sanzō's errant, loyal disciple, albeit a hot-headed one.
Genjō-Sanzō's Personal Information:
- Height: 5'10" (177 cm)
- Weight: 141 lbs (64 kg)
- Age: 23
- Birthdate: November 29
- Blood Type: A
- Dexterity: Ambidextrous, he is often shown using either hand to shoot, write, eat, and so on.
[edit] Trivia
- The 5th manga volume of Saiyuki Reload revealed that Sanzo apparently has low blood pressure- when Hakkai greets him in the morning, there is a long pause before the monk asks "Wha?". Ironic, since he seems to be the only member of the group who appears angry most of the time, and thus would give the impression of having high blood pressure.
- Episode 7 of Saiyuki Reload reveals that Sanzo both hates cats and is allergic to them.
- Sanzo has peculiar tastes with certain foods- he puts mayonnaise on sashimi and in ramen (which he likes luke warm/stale) and honey on umeboshi (pickled plums).
- Goku gets confused with Sanzo's formal name during their first meeting- he mistakes the 'zo' in 'Sanzo' for the word 'elephant'.
- Sayuki Reload manga volume 3 features an anniversary special celebrating 1 year that the group has been together on their journey (it had been 6 since Saiyuki had been originally first published). During the meal, the boys reflect on the year, foods and even the cast of a show. However, after 4 hours of enjoying themselves, Sanzo discovers that his infamous gold credit card has gone missing- in the last panel, Kougaiji is holding it and wonders what it is, while Dokugakuji suggests that they should just throw it out, as it seems unimportant.
- He is often shown reading newspapers. Although it is unknown exactly what news he is reading or who publishes it.
- He likes dungaree jeans, and wears them quite often.
[edit] See also
- Xuanzang - Where Genjo Sanzo gets his roots
| Series |
|---|
| Saiyuki · Saiyuki Gaiden · Saiyuki Reload · Saiyuki Gunlock |
| Characters |
| Sanzo Party: Genjo Sanzo/Koumyou Sanzo · Son Goku · Sha Gojyo · Cho Hakkai · Hakuryu |
| Kougaiji's Group: Kougaiji · Lirin · Dokugakuji · Yaone |
| Gyumaoh's Revival Group: Gyokumen Koushou · Dr. Ni Jianyi/Ukoku Sanzo |
| Others: War Prince Nataku · Gyumaoh · Kanan · |
