Introduction of “Fruits Basket”
Fruits Basket, which Natsuki Takaya created, stands as a beloved Japanese manga series that has moved readers and viewers across the globe. The manga magazine Hana to Yume published it from 1998 to 2006 ending with 23 volumes. The manga’s success led to an anime version that aired in 2001. A reboot followed starting in 2019 and ending in 2021, which covered the whole story.
Fruits Basket tells the story of Tohru Honda, a high school student who ends up living with the Soma family after her mom dies. As Tohru gets to know her new housemates better, she finds out about a curse on the Soma family: they turn into animals from the Chinese zodiac when someone of the opposite sex hugs them or when they’re under stress. This cool idea sets the stage for a story that’s full of feelings and has a big impact on the characters.
At its heart, Fruits Basket tells a story about healing, acceptance, and how human connections can change us. The series has an influence on themes of personal growth, trauma, and the search for happiness through its well-developed characters and their interactions. The intricate relationships between the characters, along with the show’s mix of drama, romance, and humor, result in a gripping story that speaks to people of all ages.
Fans and critics alike praised the new anime version for staying true to the original manga and capturing the emotional depth and character growth the story provides. With its well-crafted storytelling and lovable characters, Fruits Basket stands as a cherished series that keeps enchanting and inspiring viewers.
Story of “Fruits Basket”
Fruits Basket starts with Tohru Honda, a nice and tough high school student who has no home after her mom dies. While she lives in a tent in the woods, Tohru finds the Soma family’s house and they ask her to stay with them. She then learns that the Soma family has a strange curse: when someone of the other sex hugs them or when they feel stressed, they turn into animals from the Chinese zodiac.
The show explores the Soma family’s lives and their curse-related challenges. Important characters are Yuki Soma, who changes into a rat; Kyo Soma, who becomes a cat; and Shigure Soma, who transforms into a dog. As Tohru gets to know them better, she discovers their histories and the emotional weight they bear.
Tohru’s presence has an influence on the Somas bringing them warmth and hope. She challenges them to face their fears and doubts. As the story unfolds, Tohru grows , and this growth links to the Somas’ efforts to break their curse and find joy. The story blends themes of love, loss, and acceptance ending in a touching and satisfying way.
Main Characters
- Tohru Honda: The main character, Tohru is a kind and hopeful high school girl who brings about change in the Soma family. Her gentle nature and toughness help her connect with the cursed Soma family members.
- Yuki Soma: The Rat of the zodiac, Yuki is a well-liked and charming high school student who deals with his own doubts and his family’s expectations.
- Kyo Soma: The Cat of the zodiac, Kyo seems angry and aggressive at first. His rocky relationship with his family and the curse hangs over him, but he warms up to Tohru’s kindness.
- Shigure Soma: The Dog of the zodiac, Shigure plays and puzzles people. He often jokes to hide his deeper feelings. He plays a big part in the Soma family’s work to end the curse.
- Akito Soma: The leader of the Soma family and the one who keeps the curse going. Akito’s mixed-up personality and rocky past cause a lot of the trouble and solutions in the story.
Background Information of “Fruits Basket”
Creator and Studio:
- Creator: Natsuki Takaya
- Anime Studio: TMS Entertainment (2001 adaptation), TMS Entertainment and Studio Deen (2019-2021 adaptation)
Source Material:
- The manga written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya serves as the basis for the series.
Release Dates:
- The first Fruits Basket anime ran from 2001 to 2002.
- The new version of Fruits Basket anime aired from 2019 to 2021.
Episodes:
- The original Fruits Basket anime runs for 26 episodes.
- The rebooted Fruits Basket anime contains 63 episodes telling the complete manga story.
Genre:
- Fruits Basket belongs to the romance, drama, and fantasy categories, including aspects of everyday life and concepts.
Visuals and Animation of “Fruits Basket”
Animation Quality:
- The first anime version of Fruits Basket has a look typical of early 2000s shows. People liked it back then, but it looks dated now. The 2019 remake has new animation that looks more like the manga’s art. This helps viewers feel the story’s emotions more .
Character Design:
- Natsuki Takaya creates characters that are cute and show a lot of feeling. You can tell what kind of person each character is just by looking at them. The remake keeps what made the original designs special while making everything look cleaner and adding more details.
Setting and Atmosphere:
- The show creates a warm and welcoming feel showing the Soma family’s old-style Japanese house and beautiful countryside views. These visuals match the show’s emotional themes and underlying messages.
Sound and Music of “Fruits Basket”
Opening and Ending Themes:
- The first version of the anime has catchy opening and ending songs. “For Fruits Basket” by Ritsuko Okazaki and “Every Heart” by BoA stand out. The new version also has touching themes. Songs like “Chime” and “Home” by Aimer add to the show’s emotional impact.
Background Music:
- The background music in the original and rebooted series has a positive effect on the mood and atmosphere. The scores mix traditional Japanese instruments with modern compositions to highlight important moments in the story.
Voice Acting:
- People praise the voice acting in Fruits Basket, with the cast giving strong performances in both the original and rebooted series. The voice actors add depth and subtlety to their characters, which plays a big part in the emotional impact of the series.
Review
Fruits Basket tugs at your heartstrings and shows real craftsmanship in how it deals with love, acceptance, and growing as a person. The way it mixes drama, romance, and fantasy creates a story that hits home for people watching. The characters drive the plot, and when you add in how deep it gets and all those moments that make you feel something, Fruits Basket stands out from the crowd. It’s no wonder it keeps drawing people in.
The 2019 remake stands out because it stays true to Natsuki Takaya’s manga and introduces the story to new fans. The show dives into complex feelings and relationships, features memorable characters, and boasts eye-catching animation. These elements cement Fruits Basket as a treasured and long-lasting classic in anime and manga circles.
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