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The Kamehameha (かめはめ 波 は , Kamehameha) is the first energy attack shown in the Dragon Ball series. The Kamehameha is the most widely used finishing attack in the Dragon Ball series, and is Goku's signature technique. It is also a signature attack of the students of the Turtle School.

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Development

Akira Toriyama actually tried a number of poses when he was alone in order to decide the best pose for the Kamehameha. After much contemplation, he could not decide on a name for his "Kame" attack, so he asked his wife (Nachi Mikami), who came up with the name.[7] She told Akira that it would be easy to remember the name of the attack if he used the name of the cultural Hawaiian king named (lit. "the very lonely one" or "the one set apart" in Hawaiian language).

Overview

The Kamehameha is formed when cupped hands are drawn to the user's side and ki is concentrated into a single point (between their cupped hands). The hands are then thrust forward to shoot out a streaming, powerful beam of energy. The blast can also be used, generally under extenuating circumstances, with just one arm or even the feet. In most variants, the user utters the word "Ka-me-ha-me-HA!!!" as he/she charges and releases the attack. Master Roshi's Kamehameha is called the Original Kamehameha in the Budokai Tenkaichi series, and requires some time to charge.

Usage

The Kamehameha was invented by Master Roshi by practicing for fifty years spanning pre-Dragon Ball. By drawing his latent ki into the palms of his hands, Roshi is able to expel an explosive beam of ki energy. Goku learns it after witnessing Master Roshi unleashing the blast to extinguish the flames at Ox-King's home on Fire Mountain. To Roshi's surprise, Goku successfully performs the technique on his first attempt, although it is only strong enough to destroy the car that Yamcha gave to Bulma earlier. It was also learned by Krillin and Yamcha, who use it during the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament against Chiaotzu and Tien Shinhan respectively. Tien Shinhan also easily copied it during the tournament. After the Turtle School students learn the attack, they teach it to others, and the attack becomes a very popular one to use during battle. Cell is also capable of using it due to the cells of Kamehameha users within his design. Majin Buu learns the technique after seeing Goku perform it during the Majin Buu Saga.

Appearance and personalization

The Kamehameha has several different colors in the anime, movies, video games, and manga. The power and concentration of the different types of Kamehameha also vary greatly. Whitish-blue is its standard and original color. In some episodes of Dragon Ball Z and some video games, the color of Goku's Kamehameha color is yellow instead of the primary blue color and Gohan's Electric Kamehameha in his ultimate form is also yellow. When Goku is in his Super Saiyan 4 form, his 10x Kamehameha is red-colored. Majuub's Chocolate Kamehameha has a pink color (but is blue in its debut). Majin Buu's various forms can also use the Super Kamehameha, which also has a pink color or the original blue color.

Because the Kamehameha has expanded to the arsenal of heroes, allies, and even villains, it has been personalized by few; something mostly done by characters who did not graduate Roshi's Turtle School (like Tien Shinhan for example). In their battle against Bio-Broly, both Trunks and Goten use the attack; however, Trunks extends both arms to sides and begins charging the attack, and after saying the incantation, he throws his hands forth and fires a blue energy blast with Goten's Kamehameha. During the Namek Saga, Krillin also uses a different stance on different occasions, normally alongside Gohan's Masenko; with one hand behind the other, Krillin says the incantation and unleashes the Kamehameha Wave. Based on these personalized variations and others, it is possible that the incantation is the only preparation required to produce the wave.

Dragonball Evolution

In the live-action film adaptation Dragonball Evolution, the technique is quite similar to the Kamehameha used in the anime and manga, however with very few differences depending on the user: Roshi has to channel ki from his chest to his arms before he releases it through his hands while Goku has to channel ki outside of him forming an aura as he crosses his arms in an X shape while the rest of the technique is similar to how Goku usually uses it. Also, unlike the anime, it has more uses than the typical Kamehameha, it can light torches as well as be used as a defibrillator (the latter demonstrated by Roshi saving Goku from near death after Mai shoots him). The more concentration put into it will make the Kamehameha stronger (such as when Goku combines his normal form with Oozaru form into the attack and forms the Kamehameha into a traditional beam rather than a small flow of energy).

Goku also uses the Kamehameha as his Ultimate Attack in the video game based on the movie.

Variations

The Kamehameha has many variations:

The Original Kamehameha : The first Kamehameha used in the series and the original technique developed and honed by Master Roshi. It involves the user performing wide sweeping arm movements before cupping their hands together.

: The first Kamehameha used in the series and the original technique developed and honed by Master Roshi. It involves the user performing wide sweeping arm movements before cupping their hands together. MAX Power Kamehameha : The Kamehameha Wave released at full-blast by Master Roshi in his MAX Power state. Moon-Destroying Kamehameha [8]

: The Kamehameha Wave released at full-blast by Master Roshi in his MAX Power state. Kamehameha Return : A technique where a Kamehameha is fired in order to stop a foe's Kamehameha. Used by Goku during his match with Roshi (disguised as Jackie Chun). [9]

: A technique where a Kamehameha is fired in order to stop a foe's Kamehameha. Used by Goku during his match with Roshi (disguised as Jackie Chun). Kamehameha Deflection : A technique where the user judges the timing of a foe's Kamehameha in order to use a kiai to reflect it back at the opponent. Used by Tien against Yamcha. [9]

: A technique where the user judges the timing of a foe's Kamehameha in order to use a kiai to reflect it back at the opponent. Used by Tien against Yamcha. Reverse Kamehameha: The user fires a Kamehameha directly at the ground, propelling them up through the air in a jet-like manner. The technique is mainly used as a way to change directions quickly, remain airborne longer, or to fly through the air quickly, all of which apply for non-fliers.

Bending Kamehameha : A version of the Kamehameha that the user can change the direction that the blast is being fired at. Kamehameha Barrage : A Energy Barrage version of the Bending Kamehameha where the user fires several waves simultaneously which can also change direction like the Bending Kamehameha. Used by Goku to attack himself during his gravity training and as a Super Attack in Dragon Ball Z: Dokkan Battle .

: A version of the Kamehameha that the user can change the direction that the blast is being fired at. One-Handed Kamehameha: A Kamehameha fired with one hand. Often used if one of the user's arms are injured or lost.

10x Kamehameha : The name given to the amplified, red-colored Super Kamehameha used by Goku while in his Super Saiyan 4 form. Along with its astounding destructive power, the attack has a delayed effect if the initial blast should fail, wherein the target will be blasted by residual effects left over by the beam. While not as overwhelming as the initial blast, the after-effect can catch foes off guard. 10x Kamehameha Ball - A reflection technique where Rage Shenron holds the 10x Kamehameha with his electric slime body, converts it into a ball, then shoots it back. Instant Transmission 10x Kamehameha - Xeno Goku's version of the attack used with Instant Transmission.

: The name given to the amplified, red-colored Super Kamehameha used by Goku while in his Super Saiyan 4 form. Along with its astounding destructive power, the attack has a delayed effect if the initial blast should fail, wherein the target will be blasted by residual effects left over by the beam. While not as overwhelming as the initial blast, the after-effect can catch foes off guard. Dragon Hammer : A combination of the 10x Kamehameha and the Dragon Fist used by Goku in his Super Saiyan 4 form.

: A combination of the 10x Kamehameha and the Dragon Fist used by Goku in his Super Saiyan 4 form. Chocolate Kamehameha : This attack combines the power of the Transfiguration Beam and Kamehameha Wave.

: This attack combines the power of the Transfiguration Beam and Kamehameha Wave. Dragon Kamehameha : A large version of the Kamehameha used by Naturon Shenron after absorbing Pan.

: A large version of the Kamehameha used by Naturon Shenron after absorbing Pan. Bluff Kamehameha: In this variation, the user fires confetti and streamers instead of an energy blast.

Concentrated Kamehameha : A skill part of the Martial Artist skill tree in Dragon Ball Online , learned at level 10. Because the class is close-ranged and primarily physical (reminiscent to Goku and Yamcha from the early Dragon Ball arcs), the technique has a short distance of precisely 6 meters. However, while the skill lacks range, it attacks within a 3x4 meter radius of the user. The beam is pronounced with width. Focused Kamehameha : An upgraded Concentrated Kamehameha . The Focused Kamehameha is a part of the Sword Master skill tree, and is learned at level 40. While it does not the 3x4 meter radius effect, it is more powerful and capable of reaching an opponent within 16 meters. Compared to the Concentrated Kamehameha, the beam's energy is more pronounced.

: A skill part of the Martial Artist skill tree in , learned at level 10. Because the class is close-ranged and primarily physical (reminiscent to Goku and Yamcha from the early arcs), the technique has a short distance of precisely 6 meters. However, while the skill lacks range, it attacks within a 3x4 meter radius of the user. The beam is pronounced with width. Scattering Bullet: A Kamehameha version used by Krillin which is combined to his Double Tsuihikidan.

Imitation Kamehameha : A skill part of the Wonder Majin skill tree in Dragon Ball Online , learned at level 16. Its area of effect is listed as "3x8 meter radius in front of and including single target". The beam is depicted as a thinner wave and has the distance of 18 meters. Its name is probably based off Majin Buu's knowledge of the technique.

: A skill part of the Wonder Majin skill tree in , learned at level 16. Its area of effect is listed as "3x8 meter radius in front of and including single target". The beam is depicted as a thinner wave and has the distance of 18 meters. Its name is probably based off Majin Buu's knowledge of the technique. Giant Kamehameha : A skill part of the Turtle Hermit skill tree in Dragon Ball Online , learned at level 48. Its area of effect is listed as "15 meter radius around a single target". The beam is depicted as a giant wave similar to the MAX Power Kamehameha and does massive damage.

: A skill part of the Turtle Hermit skill tree in , learned at level 48. Its area of effect is listed as "15 meter radius around a single target". The beam is depicted as a giant wave similar to the MAX Power Kamehameha and does massive damage. Dark Kamehameha : A dark version of Kamehameha used by Mira in Dragon Ball Heroes .

: A dark version of Kamehameha used by Mira in . Black Kamehameha : Goku Black's version of the Kamehameha technique. Super Black Kamehameha : It's an enhanced version of the Black Kamehameha used by Goku Black. Binding Black Kamehameha : A team attack where Future Zamsu grabs the opponent and Black hits them with a Super Black Kamehameha. Super Black Kamehameha Rosé : It is an attack used by Goku Black in his Super Saiyan Rosé form. It is obtainable as a skill in Xenoverse 2 .

: Goku Black's version of the Kamehameha technique. Instinctive Reprisal : A Kamehameha performed with much more energy output and force than even a God Kamehameha. Much like its original version, it can be manipulated to the user's advantage. Divine Kamehameha: A variation to Instinctive Reprisal used by Autonomous Ultra Instinct Goku in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2. Supreme Kamehameha : A more powerful version of the Instinctive Reprisal. Ultimate Instinct Kamehameha - A powerful variation of the Kamehameha.

: A Kamehameha performed with much more energy output and force than even a God Kamehameha. Much like its original version, it can be manipulated to the user's advantage. Atomic Kamehameha : A combination of the Double Atomic Flash and Kamehameha used by Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta: Xeno in Super Dragon Ball Heroes .

: A combination of the Double Atomic Flash and Kamehameha used by Super Saiyan 4 Gogeta: Xeno in . Kamehameha Blaster : A Kamehameha, follow by energy spheres.

: A Kamehameha, follow by energy spheres. Beerus Ball : In the anime, the Beerus Ball is the result of a Kamehameha clashing with a Cataclysmic Orb.

: In the anime, the Beerus Ball is the result of a Kamehameha clashing with a Cataclysmic Orb. Kamehameha Mode - A type of CAA Special Ability that appears in Dragon Ball Heroes , Ultimate Mission X , and World Mission that allows the user to enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' attack phases when the user(s) are an Attacker from a certain round and onwards. If both teams enter Kamehameha Mode on the same turn it results in a Kamehameha Clash. Like most CAA Special Abilities, there are different versions of this type of ability which differ primarily in name and additional effects if their Card Action is Aced. x10 Kamehameha (Kamehameha Mode) - The Kamehameha Mode variant of the 10x Kamehameha. When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace to permanently decrease own CI (Charge Impact) speed. Kamehameha of Courage - A version used by SSGSS Goku, SSJ GT Goku, GT Pan, Adult Gohan (Base/SSJ/Potential Unleashed), and Krillin (Teen/Adult). When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace for a permanent +2000 to GRD. Kamehameha of Might - A version used by Master Roshi, Krillin, SSJ Goku, Gotan, SSJ Teen Gohan, and Adult Gohan (SSJ/SSJ3). When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace to permanently cancel enemy DMG reduction. Master Roshi's Kamehameha - Master Roshi's version. When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace for a permanent +2000 to Power LV. Goku's Kamehameha - Goku's version. When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace for a permanent +3000 to PWR. Turtle School Kamehameha - The Turtle School version used by Goku and Krillin. When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace for a permanent 2x DMG dealt. Evil Kamehameha - A version used by evil characters such as Cell (Imperfect/Super Perfect) and Mira (Base/Rampaging). When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace to permanently increase STA DMG. Fusion Warrior's Kamehameha - A version used by SSJ Xeno Gotenks and Vegito Blue. When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace to recover 50% STA. Miracle Kamehameha - A version used by SSGSS Goku, SSJ Adult Gohan, GT Pan, Goten, and Xeno Goten. When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace to permanently increase chance of a Miracle Perfect. Unknown Kamehameha - A version used by SSJ4 Xeno Goku. When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace for a permanent 2.5x DMG dealt. Ultimate Kamehameha (Kamehameha Mode) - A version used by SSJ4 Xeno Goku. When an Attacker from R2 onward, enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' Attack Phases. Successfully perform action to unleash a Kamehameha & deal massive DMG. Ace for +2 Hero Energy to own team.

- A type of CAA Special Ability that appears in , , and that allows the user to enter Kamehameha Mode after both teams' attack phases when the user(s) are an Attacker from a certain round and onwards. If both teams enter Kamehameha Mode on the same turn it results in a Kamehameha Clash. Like most CAA Special Abilities, there are different versions of this type of ability which differ primarily in name and additional effects if their Card Action is Aced.

Video Game Appearances

The Kamehameha virtually appears in every licensed Dragon Ball video games up to date being it is the signature technique of the main protagonist, Goku, and also appears in several other crossover video games that features Goku and various other Dragon Ball characters.

Trivia

The name "Kamehame" which is written as, かめはめ, has no meaning in Japanese. It serves as a pun based off of the name of the Hawaiian King , coupled with the Japanese word for "turtle" kame ( 亀 , kame ) , due to Master Roshi also being known as the Turtle Hermit, and ha ( 波 , ha ) , meaning "wave".

, due to Master Roshi also being known as the Turtle Hermit, and , meaning "wave". In the infamous AB Groupe dub, widely known as the Big Green Dub, several attacks and abilities are incorrectly referred to as "Kamehameha". [10] The most frequent cases are for Kaio-ken, the Spirit Bomb, and even transforming into a Super Saiyan. The former is an ironic case of its own, since the Kamehameha Wave is incorrectly referred to as "Kaio-ken" at one point in the original Saban dub. The most absurd instance of the latter occurs when Vegeta shouts "Kamehameha!" while transforming into a Super Saiyan in The Return of Cooler , despite the fact he has never used the Kamehameha wave in barely any official Dragon Ball media. The Swedish dub also has this.

The most frequent cases are for Kaio-ken, the Spirit Bomb, and even transforming into a Super Saiyan. The former is an ironic case of its own, since the Kamehameha Wave is incorrectly referred to as "Kaio-ken" at one point in the original Saban dub. The most absurd instance of the latter occurs when shouts "Kamehameha!" while transforming into a Super Saiyan in , despite the fact he has never used the Kamehameha wave in barely any official Dragon Ball media. When referred to as the "Kamehameha Wave" in most English dubbed media, the "wave" part of the attack is technically repeated twice if one translates the attack literally, making it "Kamehame Wave Wave". However, it should be noted that the Funimation dub used the Hawaiian pronunciation of "Kamehameha" whenever it is referred to as the "Kamehameha Wave".

In 's , the charged beam blast from the laser pistol appears similar to the Kamehameha, which appears to be influenced from the Dragon Ball manga books he was reading during breaks.

, the charged beam blast from the laser pistol appears similar to the Kamehameha, which appears to be influenced from the manga books he was reading during breaks. The main character of , Gintoki Sakata, can sometimes be seen practicing Kamehameha. This also carries over into his appearance in J-Stars Victory Vs. , where Gintoki himself is able to use a Kamehameha that has a chance of failure (where it will fire a black wind instead).

, where Gintoki himself is able to use a Kamehameha that has a chance of failure (where it will fire a black wind instead). Kiyotaka Ishimaru from referenced the Kamehameha in a joke.

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