Fruits Basket is an anime about a girl named Tohru Honda, an orphan living in the forest and the how she get mixed up with the mystery behind the Sohma clan.
Tohru is a classmate of Yuki, one of the Sohma’s who lived with Shigure. When they found out that Tohru was living in the forest they decided to let her live with them, in exchange she will be doing the housekeeping. Tohru found out also about their family secret. The Sohma Family are possessed by the thirteen animals of the Chinese Zodiac and cursed to turn into their animal forms when they embrace someone of the opposite sex or their bodies come under a great deal of stress.
It was believed that a long long time ago, the Lord Buddha summoned all the animals together to determine their order in the yearly cycle. When the Cat heard the news, he let his friend the Rat know about it and the two animals decided to go together the next day. However, the next day the Rat did not wake the Cat who, being a cat and loving to nap, slept through the morning. Therefore, the Cat did not make it to the assembly on time and did not get a year. This is why there is no year of the Cat and this is also why cats hate rats.”
Throughout the series Tohru met the rest of the clan… so let’s meet them once again!
Yuki, or Prince Yuki for his fans, is known as the Rat. He is good looking and very reserved guy which made him famous in their school. He is scared to be closed with anyone because when he was young his playmates found out about his true form and they shun away from him. Eventually, their memory got erased. Akito made him believe that no one would like him. But when Tohru asked him to be her friend he was touched because no one has asked him this before.
Shigure, is the Dog. He is a novelist and the caretaker of the house. He always teased his editor by hiding from her during deadlines. He is best friend with Ayame and Hitori.
Kyo, is the Cat who detest Yuki so much because of their history. He wanted very badly to defeat Yuki so he can be accepted by the clan. He is known to have short temper and not use to showing his sweet side especially with Tohru. He has another secret, he also transform into a monster when his bead bracelet is taken off. He doesn’t want this secret of him to be revealed because he fears that no one will accept him. He believes that his mother does not truly love him because she didn’t want to see his scary form and always checking if he is wearing his bracelet. When his master revealed his secret to Tohru, he ran off. But Tohru and Yuki went after him and begged him to come back home. For the first time someone accepted him for what he is.
Kagura, is the Pig. She is in love with Kyo and was very determined to become his wife someday. But at the end of the series she realized that she is powerless to help Kyo because she knows that only Tohru can help him.
Ayame, is the Snake and the brother of Yuki. He wanted very badly to get close with Yuki. He runs a shop which sells frilly dresses. He is flamboyant and self centered and only Hatori can restrain him.
Hatori, is the Dragon and the private Doctor of the Sohma clan. He is responsible for erasing memories. He was engaged before to her assistant Kana. Akito didn’t approve on their engagement and attacked him that almost left him blind. Kana blamed herself for the incident and felt so guilty about it that Hatori was forced to erase her memory of their relationship to ease her suffering. Tohru made her remember of Kana.
Momiji, is the Rabbit. Tohru thought that he was a young girl but the truth is he is a boy and only one year behind them. He goes also to the same school where Tohru and the rest were studying ang he loves to wear the girl’s uniform because he thinks he looks good on them. He is the son of the owner of the building where Tohru is working. Her mom’s memory were eraised because she cannot handle the truth about Momiji’s true identity. He is always observing her mother and sister from afar. His story touched me the most. L
Haru, is the Cow. He has a white and black hair and is always getting lost. He always wants to challenge Kyo and he doesn’t like Yuki either because of the story where the Rat tricked the Ox to become first in the zodiac. He goes to the same school where Tohru, Yuki and Kyo are studying.
Kisa, the Tiger. She ran away from home because her classmates were teasing her. Haru searched for her and bring her to Shigure’s house. There she met Tohru and began to like her and she looked up to Tohru as a big sister.
Hiro, the Ram. He is in love with Kisa but decided to stay away from her because when he told Akito about his feelings, Akito hurt Kisa. He also got jealous of Tohru because of Kisa’s closeness with her.
Ritsu, is the Monkey. He was mistaken by Tohru as a girl because he always wears girl’s clothes. He is clumsy and apologizes frantically for everything, even things that are not his fault.
Akito is the head of the Sohma Clan. Akito is not possessed by a spirit of the Chinese zodiac, but rather fulfills the role of the Jade Emperor. He is short-tempred, abusive and has physically and emotionally scarred many Sohmas. He is cursed to die and this is the reason why he is always bitter and angry which Tohru pointed out to her when she visited her.
Two Zodiac animals were not included in the tv series, the Rooster and the Horse.
I really enjoyed this anime. I don’t know why it only had 26 episodes. I was hoping Tohru to end up with Kyo and that the curse would be broken. And it has a nice theme song too… Hope it will have a second season.
