The Origin of Dragon Ball Names: A Vegetal Connection
We can take the examples of the names “Kakarot” (Goku) and “Raditz.” Imagine how amusing it is to think about the fun interactions between these characters, especially considering how they are both named after vegetables.
The decision by creator Akira Toriyama to utilize such names has led to a humorous twist in the series. When learning the reason behind the naming of Saiyan characters in Dragon Ball based on vegetables, it certainly adds a layer of amusement.
According to Akira Toriyama, when he created Frieza, he envisioned a cold-themed character (the term “Frieza” sounds like “freezer”). Based on this idea, Toriyama decided that all of Frieza’s underlings would have names inspired by items found in a refrigerator.
And then Toriyama thought of vegetables and began to compile a list of names for his characters. In Japanese, “saiya” was formed by rearranging the sounds of the word “yasai,” which means “vegetable.” Let’s take a look at the names of some Saiyan characters and their vegetable-related translations:
- Saiyan = Yasai (Vegetable)
- Kakarot (Goku) = Carrot
- Vegeta + brother Tarble = Vegetable
- Raditz = Radish
- Nappa = Napa (Cabbage)
- Bardock = Burdock (a type of root vegetable)
- Gine = Onion
- Broly = Broccoli
- Paragus = Asparagus
- Cabba = Cauliflower
- Caulifa = Soup
- Kale = Kale
If you think only Saiyan characters have names based on vegetables, you might be mistaken. After all, Frieza has many other subordinates. For example, the Ginyu Force has unique names as well. Let’s take a look below:
