What is it: Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a manga series written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya, which has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan and many parts of the world. Originally published between 1998 and 2006 in Hana to Yume magazine, the story revolves around Tohru Honda, a young orphan who ends up getting involved with the enigmatic Sohma family. The peculiarity of this family is that its members are cursed to transform into Chinese zodiac animals when they are under great emotional stress or when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex. The plot combines elements of romance, drama and comedy, exploring deep themes such as acceptance, overcoming trauma and the importance of human connections. Fruits Basket was adapted into an anime on two occasions: the first in 2001 and the second, a more faithful adaptation to the manga, between 2019 and 2021.
The narrative of Fruits Basket is rich in symbolism and complex characters, each with their own struggles and life stories. Tohru Honda, the protagonist, is an extremely kind and altruistic young woman, who always puts the needs of others above her own. After her mother's death, she decides to live alone in a tent, until she is discovered by Yuki Sohma, one of the members of the cursed family. Yuki, known as “Prince” at school due to his impeccable appearance and behavior, is actually the Rat of the Chinese zodiac. He and other members of the Sohma family, such as Kyo (the cat) and Shigure (the dog), welcome Tohru into their home, and from then on, she begins to uncover the secrets and curses that surround this family.
The Sohma family curse is one of the central elements of Fruits Basket, and each cursed character represents an animal from the Chinese zodiac. In addition to the aforementioned Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure, other characters include Kagura (the boar), Hatsuharu (the ox), Momiji (the rabbit), Hatori (the dragon), Ayame (the snake), Kisa (the tiger), Hiro (the sheep), Ritsu (the monkey) and Kureno (the rooster). Each of them has a unique personality and faces specific challenges related to the curse. For example, Kyo the cat is excluded from the official zodiac and carries an additional stigma, which makes him a particularly complex and conflicted character. Tohru's interactions with these characters and her attempt to break the curse form the core of the narrative.
The success of Fruits Basket is not just limited to the manga and anime. The series has also spawned a variety of spin-off products, including light novels, drama CDs, games, and a wide range of merchandise such as action figures, clothing, and accessories. Furthermore, the series has received several awards and critical acclaim, being frequently cited as one of the best shoujo (manga aimed at young female audiences) stories of all time. The emotional depth of the characters and the way the story addresses universal themes of love, loss and redemption are some of the factors that contribute to its lasting popularity.
The 2019 adaptation of Fruits Basket brought the story to a new generation of fans, with more modern animation and a narrative more faithful to the original manga. Divided into three seasons, this version was well received by both old fans and new viewers. The series managed to capture the essence of the manga and further expand the universe created by Natsuki Takaya. The soundtrack, animation quality, and fidelity to the source material were widely praised, solidifying Fruits Basket as a masterpiece of the shoujo genre.
In short, Fruits Basket is a work that transcends time and cultural barriers, offering a rich and emotionally resonant story that continues to touch the hearts of many. The combination of well-developed characters, an engaging plot and universal themes makes Fruits Basket an indispensable series for any manga and anime fan. The story of Tohru Honda and the Sohma family is a testament to the power of kindness, resilience and love, and continues to be a source of inspiration and comfort for many around the world.
