Watch Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket is a beloved anime series that aired on TV Tokyo in 2001. The show was based on the manga of the same name by Natsuki Takaya and quickly became a fan favorite due to its unique storytelling, lovable characters, and gorgeous animation. The story follows a young girl named Tohru Honda, who, after the death of her mother, begins living in a tent in the woods. While on her way to school, she stumbles upon the home of the Sohma family, who takes her in after discovering her living situation. Tohru quickly learns that the Sohmas are cursed and turn into animals from the Chinese Zodiac when they are under stress or hugged by someone of the opposite sex.

As Tohru begins to uncover the truth about the Sohma family and their curse, she becomes entangled in their lives and forms deep connections with many of the members. The cast of Fruits Basket is extensive, and each character has their own complex backstory and personality, ranging from the warm and caring Momiji to the enigmatic and moody Akito.

The lead character, Tohru Honda, is a kind and compassionate girl who values friendship and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her optimism and positivity are a refreshing change from some of the darker themes presented throughout the show. Yui Horie's performance as Tohru is exceptional, showcasing a range of emotions that perfectly capture the character's infectious spirit.

Kotono Mitsuishi gives a standout performance as Shigure Sohma, the laid-back, charming cousin of the Sohma family who often serves as a mediator between the different members. Aya Hisakawa also delivers an excellent performance as Yuki Sohma, the soft-spoken, reserved member of the Sohma family who struggles to connect with others due to his past traumas.

Tomokazu Seki brings a depth to the character of Kyo Sohma, the fiery and hot-headed member of the Sohma family who harbors a deep-seated anger and resentment towards the rest of his family. Nazuka Kaori is also brilliant as Tohru's best friend Arisa Uotani, a tough girl with a heart of gold.

The animation in Fruits Basket is beautiful, perfectly capturing the emotions and movements of the characters. The colors are vibrant and eye-catching, and the backgrounds and setting are detailed and immersive. The music by Masaya Matsutake is also a standout, adding to the emotional depth of the show with its melancholic and uplifting themes.

Fruits Basket explores themes of friendship, family, trauma, and self-acceptance, and it handles these topics with a sensitivity and nuance that makes the show feel both raw and gentle. The dialogue is well-written, and the characters all feel like fully-realized individuals with their own hopes, fears, and motivations.

Overall, Fruits Basket is a beautiful and emotionally resonant anime that has stood the test of time. Its lovable characters, gorgeous animation, and engaging storytelling have made it a classic, and it remains beloved by fans around the world.

Fruits Basket is a series that is currently running and has 5 seasons (83 episodes). The series first aired on July 5, 2001.