Why a 1970s Japanese fantasy show became a global cult television phenomenon
In short: Based on a 16th-century Chinese novel, the Japanese series Saiyūki—known to Western audiences as Monkey—blended Buddhist philosophy with riotous action. Featuring a stone-born king, a lustful pig, and a cross-dressing monk, this surreal production became an unlikely cult classic, defined by its iconic theme music and eccentric English dubbing.
Produced by Nippon Television and International Television Films, the series aired in Japan from 1978 to 1980. It follows the journey of the monk Tripitaka, who is tasked by the Boddhisatva Guanyin to travel from China to India to retrieve holy scriptures. Along the way, he is protected by three supernatural outcasts: Monkey, a brash immortal born from a stone egg; Pigsy, a gluttonous pig monster; and Sandy, a former water monster. The group faces various demons and moral dilemmas, often resolved through lessons rooted in Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucianist thought.
The show’s Western popularity was driven by a distinct English-language dub produced by the BBC, which featured over-the-top accents and a unique, humorous tone. While the original Japanese version spanned 52 episodes, the BBC initially dubbed only 39. It was not until 2004 that Fabulous Films Ltd completed the set, though critics noted the later episodes lacked the wit of the original effort and included out-of-place profanity. Despite these inconsistencies, the series left a lasting impression on viewers, serving as many Westerners' first introduction to Asian-style fantasy action.
Music played a central role in the show's identity, particularly the soundtrack composed by the Japanese band Godiego. Their album Magic Monkey topped the Oricon charts for eight weeks in 1979. The opening theme, 'Monkey Magic,' and the ending theme, 'Gandhara,' became synonymous with the series. The show’s influence extended well beyond its original broadcast, inspiring everything from indie-pop band names to frequent television reruns in Australia and the UK. Even today, the series remains a touchstone of 1970s television, remembered for its surreal charm and the fact that the male priest Tripitaka was portrayed by a female actress.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Monkey (TV series)
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-monkey-tv-series.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in TV series · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
