"Fruits Basket" is a Japanese manga and anime series written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya. The story revolves around Tohru Honda, an orphaned high school girl who, after meeting the mysterious Sohma family, discovers their secret: they are cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex.
Here are some interesting facts about "Fruits Basket":
Chinese Zodiac Theme: The Sohma family members are cursed by the animals of the Chinese zodiac. There are 12 members, each representing one of the zodiac animals. The curse is passed down through generations of the family.
Tohru's Tent: In the beginning, Tohru Honda lives in a tent because she doesn't want to burden her friends with her situation. She sets up her tent in the Sohma family's estate, and this becomes a significant part of the early story.
Seasonal Symbolism: The title "Fruits Basket" refers to a children's game played in the story where each participant is assigned the name of a fruit. The game is a metaphor for the characters' relationships, and the fruits represent the cycle of life.
Transformation Rules: The Sohma family members transform into their respective zodiac animals when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex. They transform back when hugged by the opposite sex again or when they are under significant stress.
Manga and Anime Adaptations: "Fruits Basket" was originally serialized in Hana to Yume magazine from 1998 to 2006. The manga was later adapted into an anime series in 2001, but it only covered a portion of the manga. In 2019, a new anime adaptation was released, covering the entire manga series and providing a complete and faithful adaptation.
Author's Zodiac Sign: Natsuki Takaya, the creator of "Fruits Basket," was born on July 7, making her a Cancer in the Western zodiac. Interestingly, the character Momiji Sohma, who represents the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac, shares the same birthday as Takaya.
Exploration of Themes: "Fruits Basket" delves into themes of family, friendship, acceptance, and overcoming the past. It addresses complex issues such as abuse, trauma, and the impact of the Sohma family curse on its members' lives.
Multiple Endings: The 2019 anime adaptation follows the complete manga storyline, providing fans with a more comprehensive and satisfying conclusion to the series compared to the 2001 anime.
These facts highlight some of the unique and compelling aspects of "Fruits Basket," making it a beloved series among fans of manga and anime.