Why Dragon Quest is One of Japan’s National Treasures

How do you create an animated hero with universal appeal? How do you craft a character that children around the world can connect with and remember? The answer isn’t complicated and doesn’t need to be filled with violence. Think back to when we were kids—what did we crave most? Warm companionship, unwavering safety, and love powerful enough to conquer anything.

Dragon Quest delivers on all these fronts. This iconic Japanese franchise is like a crystal bathed in spring water—clear, brilliant, and full of healing energy. Whether in movies, animated series, video games, or comics, the characters of Dragon Quest have always been my heroes.

The Legacy of Dragon Quest

The first Dragon Quest installment was released in 1986, telling the simple yet captivating story of a hero who defeats the demon lord to rescue a princess. It became a bestseller upon its release and has since expanded into 11 mainline installments, along with numerous adaptations in manga, anime, and films that have captured audiences worldwide. Notably, the 2019 film Dragon Quest: Your Story and the 2020 anime Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai further expanded the series' global influence.

Before Harry Potter, There Was the Magic of Dragon Quest

One of the reasons we love Harry Potter is its enchanting portrayal of magic. Who hasn’t wished for a wand to cast spells at Universal Studios and see the magic come alive? Dragon Quest boasts a comprehensive and immersive magical world that spans all its installments.

Magic embodies human desires and the longing for the unattainable. Children and adults alike are fascinated by it. In the real world, magic manifests as technological advancements that shape our material existence. But in Dragon Quest, magic remains a symbol of hope—where dreams come true, and good triumphs over evil—nurturing the inner world of its audience.

Before Pokémon, There Was a Company of Dragon Quest

Before Pokémon became a global phenomenon, Dragon Quest's monsters were already beloved companions. Take Slime, for instance—a simple, teardrop-shaped blue creature that is arguably the series’ most iconic character.

While other franchises focus on terrifying, formidable monsters, Dragon Quest takes a different approach by making them vulnerable. Slimes have only a single hit point and little offensive power, making them endearing rather than threatening. You face them with the same reluctance as playing with a puppy learning to walk. Yet, victory requires defeating one Slime after another. This clever design subtly hints at a harsh reality: the hero’s journey is fraught with moral complexity—sometimes, even the hero risks becoming the villain.

Over time, Slimes became symbols of kindness in the Dragon Quest series. In Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai, a special Slime named Gomechan becomes Dai’s steadfast companion.

As Dragon Ball took the world by storm, the heroes of Dragon Quest embarked on their own journey

Toriyama Akira, the legendary manga artist, needs no introduction. When discussing his work, Dragon Ball often comes to mind first. However, even before Dragon Ball aired, Toriyama had already lent his talents as a character designer for Dragon Quest. The Dragon Ball anime debuted on February 26, 1986, followed by the release of the first Dragon Quest game on May 27 of the same year.

Both projects marked pivotal points in Toriyama’s career and became masterpieces that carried his legacy far beyond Japan.

Thanks to Dragon Quest’s heroes, I learned the essence of right and wrong. More importantly, I discovered that beyond violence, there is magic that touches the soul, pets as loyal as Slimes to keep us company, and qualities that define a true hero beyond sheer strength.

Dragon Quest, now celebrating its 38th anniversary, is a saga where each installment is a new hero’s journey within a shared universe. It’s difficult to single out one specific hero as the most influential. To me, the entire series, along with its gentle Slimes, collectively embodies the spirit that makes Dragon Quest unforgettable and leaves me eagerly anticipating the next heroic tale.

This piece is dedicated to my eternal hero, Toriyama Akira (1955.04.05 – 2024.03.01). His unfinished work, Dragon Quest XII, stands as his final legacy.