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Theme Guide

1st “Dragon Ball Kai” Opening Theme

ドラゴン・ソウル

Doragon Sōru

Dragon Soul

Theme Information

Usage: Dragon Ball Kai Opening (Episodes 1-98)
Animations: First TV Series Animation (Episodes 1-29)
Second TV Series Animation (Episodes 30-54)
Third TV Series Animation (Episodes 55-68)
Fourth TV Series Animation (Episodes 69-98)

Availability: “Dragon Ball Kai” Opening Theme – Dragon Soul (CDJapan)

Animations

First TV Series Animation

Usage: Dragon Ball Kai Episodes 001-029
The first of the series’ opening animations draws its inspiration from the beginning of the series, specifically of the Saiyan’s invasion of Earth. The animation provides some foreshadowing of Freeza’s appearance on Planet Namek, but largely focuses on Goku’s battle with Vegeta, along with showcasing the remainder of main cast. This first opening animation would go on to be the basis for every other “Dragon Soul” based opening animation used during the first 98 episodes of the TV series.

Second TV Series Animation

Usage: Dragon Ball Kai Episodes 030-054
The second opening animation used for the TV series is a modified version of the first TV series animation. While the beginning remains unchanged, the latter portion of the opening, following Gohan slicing the screen in half, contains almost entirely new animation highlighting Goku and Freeza’s battle on Planet Namek. It also showcases all of Freeza’s transformations, as well as Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation, well before their appearance in the series proper. This new opening animation coincides with Goku’s arrival on Planet Namek as Vegeta faces off against Recoom.

Third TV Series Animation

Usage: Dragon Ball Kai Episodes 055-068
The third opening animation used for the TV series is a modified version of the first TV series animation. While the beginning remains unchanged, the latter portion of the opening, following Tenshinhan attacking a Saibaiman, contains almost entirely new animation highlighting the arrival of artificial humans and Trunks. It also showcases the numerous Super Saiyans by this point in the series and foreshadows Gohan’s significance in the story arc. This new opening animation coincides with Trunks’ mysterious appearance on Earth to stop Freeza’s counterattack.

Fourth TV Series Animation

Usage: Dragon Ball Kai Episodes 069-098
The fourth opening animation used for the TV series is a slightly modified version of the third TV series animation. The significant changes include the addition of Cell, showcasing all three of his forms and his battle with Goku at the Cell Games. This new opening animation coincides with Trunks’ mysterious appearance on Earth to stop Freeza’s counterattack.

Theme Credits

「Dragon Soul」

“Dragon Soul”

作詞

Lyrics

作曲

Composition

編曲

Arrangement

Vocals

吉元由美

Yumi Yoshimoto

岩崎貴文

Takafumi Iwasaki

京田誠一

Sei’ichi Kyōda

谷本貴義 (Dragon Soul)

Takayoshi Tanimoto (Dragon Soul)

(コロムビアミュージックエンタテインメント)

(Columbia Music Entertainment)