Is the Saiyuki Anime Really Finished?#
If you are looking for a definitive ending through the anime alone, you may find yourself wanting more. While there are several anime adaptations covering various parts of the story—including the most recent Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN- in 2022—the source material is still evolving.
The Saiyuki Reload manga is listed as ongoing, and recent news from August 2024 confirms that the Saiyuki Reload Blast manga is returning on September 28 after a five-year hiatus. Because the manga continues to expand the narrative, anime-only viewers will likely need to dive into the printed volumes to get the full, satisfying conclusion to the journey of Sanzo and his companions.
Ready to start the journey? Buy the Saiyuki manga to stay up to date with the latest developments.
What is Saiyuki All About?#
Saiyuki is a high-energy adventure set on a present-day Earth where the bond between humans and youkai (demons) has been shattered. The plot follows Genjo Sanzo, a foul-mouthed Buddhist monk, who is tasked with delivering the sacred Maten Scripture to India to stop the evil demon Gyumao. Gyumao is blending human science with youkai magic, driving demons into a frenzy.
Sanzo isn’t traveling alone; he is joined by a chaotic group of companions: Son Goku (a 500-year-old demon), Sha Gojyo (a red-eyed half-demon), and Cho Hakkai (a former teacher turned demon). This dynamic ensemble brings a blend of historical themes and supernatural action, making it a perfect fit for fans who enjoy character-driven adventures and battle-heavy plots.
If you’re a fan of the aesthetic, you can find great Saiyuki merchandise to celebrate your favorite characters.
Recommended Watch Orders#
Navigating the Saiyuki franchise can be tricky because of the multiple retellings and sequels. For a detailed breakdown of how these series connect, we highly recommend checking out the relationship tree provided on this page.
The Release Order#
If you want to experience the franchise as it was originally released to the public, follow this path:
- Saiyuki (1999)
- Saiyuki (2000 alternate retelling)
- Saiyuki: Requiem
- Gensomaden Saiyuki: Kibou no zaika
- Saiyuki Reload
- Saiyuki Gunlock
- Saiyuki Reload: Burial (OVA)
- Saiyuki Reload Blast
- Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN-
- Saiyuki Gaiden (2011)
The Completionist Order#
For those who want every bit of lore in a logical sequence, start with the prequels and move through the evolutionary tracks of the story:
- The Prequel: Begin with the Saiyuki Gaiden anime.
- The Original Track: Watch the 1999 Saiyuki series, followed by the 2000 retelling and its sequels, Requiem and Kibou no zaika.
- The Reload Track: Move into Saiyuki Reload, then Gunlock, the Burial OVA, Reload Blast, and finally ZEROIN.
The “Fast Track” (For Manga Readers)#
If you don’t mind switching to the source material for the ending, we suggest watching the 1999 Saiyuki series to get a feel for the characters, then jumping into the Saiyuki Reload anime series. From there, transition to the manga to experience the ongoing story in its most complete form.
You can watch the anime on Prime Video to get started quickly.
Useful Tips for New Fans#
- Streaming Availability: Depending on your region, keep an eye on platforms like HIDIVE, RetroCrush, and Muse (Asia/India) as they have historically hosted various entries of the Saiyuki series.
- Physical Media: Discotek Media has licensed titles like Saiyuki Reload: Burial and Saiyuki Gunlock for those who prefer owning their collection.
If you find this guide helpful in planning your anime binge, consider supporting our site on Ko-fi to help us keep investigating more series!
Saiyuki • manga • 1997-02-18 to 2002-01-18 (serialized in <i>Monthly G Fantasy</i>)
└─(prequel)→ Saiyuki Gaiden • manga • 1999 (Began Serialization)
└─(adaptation)→ Saiyuki Gaiden • anime • 2011-03-25
└─(sequel)→ Saiyuki Reload • manga • 2002 (ongoing)
└─(adaptation)→ Saiyuki Reload • anime • 2003-10-02 to 2004-03-25
└─(sequel)→ Saiyuki Gunlock • anime • 2004-04-01 to 2004-09-23
└─(sequel)→ Saiyuki Reload Blast • anime • 2017-07-05
└─(sequel)→ Saiyuki Reload -ZEROIN- • anime • 2022-01-06
└─(prequel)→ Saiyuki Reload: Burial • anime • 2007-04-27 to 2007-12-28
└─(sequel)→ Saiyuki Reload Blast • manga • 2009 (serialized in Comic Zero-Sum)
└─(adaptation)→ Saiyuki • anime • 1999-04-23
└─(alternate retelling)→ Saiyuki • anime • 2000-04-04 to 2001-03-27
└─(sequel)→ Saiyuki: Requiem • anime • 2001-08-18
└─(sequel)→ Gensomaden Saiyuki: Kibou no zaika • anime • 2002
└─(prequel)→ Saiyuki Ibun • manga • 2009-09-16 (serialized in Zero Sum Ward)
