Dragon Ball Kai, a dynamically remastered and recut version of the classic Dragon Ball Z anime, was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original series. Airing first on April 5, 2009, on Fuji TV as part of the “Dream 9” programming block alongside One Piece, Dragon Ball Kai aimed to deliver a more faithful adaptation of Akira Toriyama’s manga by significantly reducing filler content and enhancing the visual and auditory experience for modern audiences. Marketed as the “Akira Toriyama Original Cut Version,” particularly in its initial episodes, Dragon Ball Kai promised a tighter, more exciting narrative.
| Series Information | Phase 1: Saiyan – Cell arc | Phase 2: Majin Boo arc |
|---|---|---|
| Original Run (Japan): | 05 April 2009 – 27 March 2011 | 06 April 2014 – 28 June 2015 |
| Episodes (Japan): | 001 – 098 (97 broadcast + 1 unaired) | 099 – 159 (61 broadcast) |
| Manga Chapters Corresponding: | Chapters 195 – 420 (approx. 2.3 chapters/episode) | Chapters 421 – 519 (approx. 1.6 chapters/episode) |
| Filler Content: | Minimized, focused on manga canon | Minimized, focused on manga canon |
| Average Rating Share (Japan): | 9.4% (Max: 12.3%, Min: 6.4%) | 5.8% (Max: 7.6%, Min: 3.7%) |
| Key Staff: | Series Director: Yasuhiro Nowatari, Series Organization: Kazutaka Sado & Caramel Mama, Planning: Yōko Matsuzaki & Kōzō Morishita, Music: Kenji Yamamoto (original) / Shunsuke Kikuchi (replacement) |
Image alt text: Dream 9 Japanese TV programming block logo featuring Dragon Ball Kai and One Piece, highlighting the Sunday morning anime lineup.
Dragon Ball Kai distinguished itself through several key updates. The series featured completely re-recorded voice acting by the original cast, a brand new score (initially by Kenji Yamamoto, later replaced by Shunsuke Kikuchi’s iconic Dragon Ball Z score), refreshed sound effects, and updated digital visual effects. While much of the animation was sourced from Dragon Ball Z, the remastering process aimed to present the series in high definition for the first time, catering to the shift towards digital broadcasting in Japan. Interestingly, despite being broadcast in widescreen, the Blu-ray releases preserved the original fullscreen aspect ratio of the remastered footage.
Initially running until March 2011, concluding with the Cell arc, Dragon Ball Kai faced an unexpected hiatus, reportedly due to financial considerations. Adding to production complexities, issues of music copyright infringement arose with Kenji Yamamoto’s score. Consequently, his compositions were removed and replaced with Shunsuke Kikuchi’s original Dragon Ball Z music for the final aired episodes and all subsequent broadcasts. The broadcast schedule was also impacted by the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, causing a week’s delay for the final episode.
However, Dragon Ball Kai’s story didn’t end there. In a surprising turn, production for the Majin Boo arc commenced in November 2012, initially intended solely for international distribution. But with changes in Fuji TV’s programming needs, Dragon Ball Kai was revived for Japanese audiences in April 2014, reclaiming its original time slot and replacing the anime Toriko. This marked the return of Dragon Ball Kai with the Majin Boo arc, forming part of the newly branded “Strong 9” anime block on Sunday mornings. This final arc, known internationally as “The Final Chapters,” was quickly picked up by international distributors.
Intriguingly, the Majin Boo arc of Dragon Ball Kai saw the creation of two distinct versions: a Japanese broadcast version and an international version. The international “Final Chapters” retained the originally produced 69 episodes, while the Japanese version was condensed to fit broadcast constraints. This guide will further detail both the Japanese and international story arcs of Dragon Ball Kai, providing episode breakdowns and key information.
Japanese Series Story Arcs
Explore the detailed episode breakdowns for each story arc within the original Japanese broadcast of Dragon Ball Kai. Each arc section provides insights into the original air dates, the extent of filler content reduction, and Japanese audience rating shares. You can also delve into individual episode pages for screenshots, summaries, and credits.
Browse Episodes in: List View
Saiyan Arc (Episodes 001–016)
Image alt text: Key visual from the Saiyan Arc of Dragon Ball Kai, depicting Goku and Piccolo confronting Raditz.
The Saiyan arc kicks off Dragon Ball Kai with the dramatic arrival of Raditz, Goku’s brother, revealing Goku’s Saiyan heritage. Faced with a powerful new enemy and the threat of even stronger Saiyans on the horizon, Goku and Piccolo team up. Following Goku’s sacrifice, the Z Warriors must prepare for the impending arrival of Vegeta and Nappa, Saiyan elites intent on using the Dragon Balls for their own nefarious purposes. This arc sets the stage for the epic battles and transformations to come.
Air Dates (Japan): 05 April 2009 — 26 July 2009 (17 weeks)
Namek Arc (Episodes 017–030)
Image alt text: Dragon Ball Kai Namek Arc visual, showcasing the Namekian Dragon Balls and the alien landscape of Planet Namek.
Driven by the desire to revive fallen comrades, the Z Warriors journey to Planet Namek, Piccolo’s home world, in search of Namekian Dragon Balls. However, their quest puts them directly in the path of Frieza, the tyrannical emperor of the universe, who also seeks the Dragon Balls for immortality. An uneasy alliance forms between the Z Warriors and Vegeta as they confront Frieza’s forces, leading to intense confrontations on the alien planet.
Air Dates (Japan): 02 August 2009 — 01 November 2009 (14 weeks)
Frieza Arc (Episodes 031–054)
Image alt text: Iconic Super Saiyan transformation scene of Goku from the Frieza Arc of Dragon Ball Kai.
The Frieza arc reaches its climax on Namek. After overcoming the Ginyu Force, the Z Warriors must face Frieza himself. Outmatched and pushed to their limits, Goku witnesses the death of Krillin, triggering a surge of rage and unlocking the legendary Super Saiyan transformation. This arc culminates in the earth-shattering battle between Super Saiyan Goku and Frieza, a pivotal moment in Dragon Ball history.
Air Dates (Japan): 08 November 2009 — 25 April 2010 (25 weeks)
Artificial Human Arc (Episodes 055–067)
Image alt text: Key art for the Artificial Human Arc of Dragon Ball Kai, featuring Androids 16, 17, and 18.
Trunks, a mysterious warrior from the future, arrives with a dire warning: Dr. Gero and the Red Ribbon Army have created powerful Artificial Humans (Androids) with the primary objective of eliminating Goku. The Z Warriors prepare for this new threat, but the Androids prove to be unlike anything they have faced before, ushering in a new era of challenges.
Air Dates (Japan): 02 May 2010 — 08 August 2010 (15 weeks)
Cell Arc (Episodes 068–098)
Image alt text: Perfect Cell menacingly featured in the Cell Arc visual for Dragon Ball Kai.
The Cell arc introduces the bio-android Cell, an even more formidable creation of Dr. Gero. Cell’s goal is to achieve his “perfect form” by absorbing Androids 17 and 18. After reaching perfection, Cell organizes the Cell Games, a martial arts tournament to test his power against Earth’s strongest fighters. This arc sees the Z Warriors push beyond Super Saiyan, culminating in Goku’s sacrifice and Gohan’s ascension to Super Saiyan 2.
Air Dates (Japan): 15 August 2010 — 27 March 2011 (33 weeks)
Majin Boo Arc (Episodes 099–159)
Image alt text: Majin Boo, the central antagonist of the Majin Boo Arc in Dragon Ball Kai, depicted in a powerful stance.
The Majin Boo arc, set years after the Cell Games, introduces Majin Boo, a being of immense power unleashed by Babidi, son of the evil wizard Bibbidi. Majin Boo’s chaotic nature threatens the entire universe, forcing Goku, Vegeta, and the Z Warriors to confront this unpredictable foe. Fusion becomes a key element in this arc as heroes seek new ways to combat the seemingly unstoppable Majin Boo.
Air Dates (Japan): 06 April 2014 — 28 June 2015 (64 weeks)
International Story Arcs: Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters
For international audiences, Dragon Ball Kai was rebranded as Dragon Ball Z Kai to leverage the global recognition of Dragon Ball Z. The international distribution initially mirrored the Japanese broadcast. However, after the Cell arc concluded in 2011, international demand led to the production of a continuation focusing on the Majin Boo arc, titled “The Final Chapters.” This arc was initially intended exclusively for international release, featuring 69 episodes with a complete Japanese voice track and original score.
Image alt text: Title card for the international version of Dragon Ball Z Kai Majin Boo arc, titled “The Final Chapters”.
When Fuji TV requested a replacement for Toriko, Toei Animation offered the already produced Majin Boo arc of Dragon Ball Kai. This led to the creation of two distinct versions of the Majin Boo arc: the 69-episode international “Final Chapters” and a condensed Japanese broadcast version. “The Final Chapters” began international distribution in June 2014, shortly after the Japanese broadcast commenced. The international version offers a longer, potentially more detailed narrative of the Majin Boo saga compared to the Japanese broadcast version.
Dragon Ball Z Kai: The Final Chapters (Episodes 01–69)
The “Final Chapters” arc covers the Majin Boo saga, mirroring the narrative of the Japanese Majin Boo arc but in a 69-episode format. It details the battles against Babidi and Majin Boo, the introduction of new transformations and fusion techniques, and the ultimate fight to save the universe from Majin Boo’s destructive power.
North American Air Dates: 07 January 2017 — 23 June 2018
Previous Episode Guide Section | Complete Episode Guide Index | Next Episode Guide Section
