Dragon Ball is known for its legendary battles and epic transformations. From the very beginning, the series has captured the hearts of fans with its fun, adventurous storyline, which takes viewers along for intergalactic battles and tense martial arts tournaments. However, what truly allows the series to shine is its unique and unforgettable cast. Each has their own unique personalities and dynamics in the storyline, yet there’s one central figure who has faded into the background, and it's high time Dragon Ball recognizes her.

Chi-Chi is one of the strongest humans and was renowned for her skill as a martial artist and the strength of her personality. While some fans roll their eyes at her intensity and despite Akira Toriyama's lack of fondness for her, Chi-Chi played an important role in the series and has remained a constant in Goku’s life. She’s far more crucial than some give her credit for.

Akira Toriyama’s Feelings on Chi-Chi Don’t Reflect Her Importance

Chi-Chi Has a Lot More To Offer the Series Than Fans May Realize

Even though Chi-Chi is an important figure in Goku’s life, she was never a favorite of Toriyama’s. In an interview, he made candid remarks about her that revealed a detachment from her character, despite her relationships in the series. He saw her more as a personal inconvenience rather than a narrative necessity or a critical part of Dragon Ball. His creative frustration regarding Chi-Chi ultimately ended up shaping her role for the rest of the franchise, effectively sidelining her.

"To be honest, I’m really not fond of Chi-Chi as a character. (laughs) In the middle of the comic, I started to think, “I don’t want to draw her anymore,” and, sort of as a way of spiting myself, I decided, "you’ll have to draw her if she gets married to Goku, so marry them off!" So, I drew her as a kind of punishment."

Toriyama’s words show that he didn’t really see Chi-Chi and Goku’s marriage as a heartfelt reunion, but instead as a creative burden, referring to her as self-punishment. Yet, the union between Chi-Chi and Goku offered a great deal to the series and her family. Her presence provided substance beyond just battles and power levels. It raised the stakes, whether intentionally or not, grounded the characters, and even helped shape them.

Chi-Chi Only Wants the Best for Her Loved Ones

She May Come Across Too Strong, but Her Heart Is in the Right Place

Chi-Chi’s stern attitude often masks the depth of love and care she offers her family. Her insistence on education and stability may come across as overly strict and controlling, but it was ultimately out of necessity to prepare her children for the real world beyond the battles they faced. She always understood that Goku would never stop fighting, but she wanted a different path for her sons, and her scolding came from a place of protection. She never sought to stop her family from being themselves; rather, she aimed to keep them whole and ready for life beyond the battles.

Whenever she lets Goku leave to fight or train, while it may appear like an act of indifference or tolerance, it actually comes from acceptance. Chi-Chi has a deep understanding of Goku and knows who he is at his core, and her love isn’t conditional on changing him. She knew who he was from the beginning and that she would never truly be able to prevent him from fighting.

Dragon Ball Lost Out on Something Special by Sidelining Chi-Chi

Chi-Chi Deserves To Have a Stronger Role Going Forward

In the original Dragon Ball, Chi-Chi had a significant role in the series. Her early appearances proved she was as pure-hearted as Goku and capable of holding her own. When she returned for the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament, she showed audiences that she had drive, spirit, and a powerful presence. Chi-Chi has always been strong-willed and multi-talented; however, after the original series concluded, her character was pushed further into the margins.

Chi-Chi has depth and is extremely spirited, yet she was denied a more substantial role among the cast.

In Dragon Ball Z and Super, her presence diminished as the narrative evolved. Once a proud martial artist, she became portrayed as an overprotective and scolding mother. While there is nothing inherently wrong with her choice to step back from fighting, the series took it a step further by reducing her to a one-dimensional character. Chi-Chi has depth and is extremely spirited, yet she was denied a more substantial role among the cast.

While she may not be a fighter any longer, she has much to contribute to the series beyond fitting into a specific archetype. While Toriyama may not have favored her, her role in the story is essential and deserves more recognition. Without Chi-Chi, the main cast of Dragon Ball could have been entirely different.

Source: Kanzenshuu.com