It is based on the ancient Chinese story "Journey to the West." The story is about a monk named Xuanzang who travels to Tenjiku in search of Buddhist scriptures accompanied by his companions, the monkey Goku, the pig Hakkai, and the kappa Sha Gojyo. Akira Toriyama's "Dragon Ball" originates from Journey to the West. In plays and movies, Xuanzang is often played by an actress.