What is it: Fruits Basket
Fruits Basket is a manga series written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya, which became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and around the world. Originally published between 1998 and 2006 in the magazine Hana to Yume, the story revolves around Tohru Honda, a young orphan who becomes involved with the enigmatic Sohma family. This family's peculiarity is that its members are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they are under great emotional stress or when embraced by someone of the opposite sex. The plot combines elements of romance, drama, and comedy, exploring profound themes such as acceptance, overcoming trauma, and the importance of human connection. Fruits Basket was adapted into an anime twice: the first in 2001 and the second, a more faithful adaptation of the manga, between 2019 and 2021.
Fruits Basket's narrative is rich in symbolism and complex characters, each with their own struggles and life stories. Tohru Honda, the protagonist, is an extremely kind and selfless 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 demeanor, 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 there, she begins to unravel the secrets and curses surrounding this family.
The Sohma family curse is a central element 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, making 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.
Fruits Basket's success isn't limited to the manga and anime. The series has also spawned a variety of spin-offs, including light novels, drama CDs, games, and a wide range of merchandise, including action figures, clothing, and accessories. Furthermore, the series has received numerous awards and critical acclaim, often being cited as one of the best shoujo (manga aimed at young women) 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 contributing to its enduring 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 longtime fans and new viewers. The series successfully captured the essence of the manga and further expanded 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 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, a compelling plot, and universal themes makes Fruits Basket a must-have 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.
