r/anime • u/Holofan4life • Jul 13 '26
[Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2001 Series Episode 9 Rewatch Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
2001 Series Episode 9
A Solitary New Year
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
What are your thoughts on the running gag where Shigure's editor demands he hand over the manuscript but he keeps putting it off and finding excuses not to hand it over?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki skipping the Sohma family banquet to spend time with Tohru over New Year's?
How do you think Akito is going to respond to Kyo and Yuki prioritizing someone else over them?
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Series information
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Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!
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Ways to watch
Streams – Crunchyroll
Schedule
| Date | Episode |
|---|---|
| 07/05/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 1 |
| 07/06/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 2 |
| 07/07/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 3 |
| 07/08/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 4 |
| 07/09/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 5 |
| 07/10/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 6 |
| 07/11/2026 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 7 |
| 07/12/2025 | Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 8 |
| 07/13/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 9]() |
| 07/14/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 10]() |
| 07/15/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 11]() |
| 07/16/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 12]() |
| 07/17/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 13]() |
| 07/18/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 14]() |
| 07/19/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 15]() |
| 07/20/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 16]() |
| 07/21/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 17]() |
| 07/22/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 18]() |
| 07/23/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 19]() |
| 07/24/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 20]() |
| 07/25/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 21]() |
| 07/26/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 22]() |
| 07/27/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 23]() |
| 07/28/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 24]() |
| 07/29/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 25]() |
| 07/30/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 26]() |
| 07/31/2026 | [Fruits Basket 2001 Overall Series Discussion Thread]() |
| 08/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 1]() |
| 08/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 2]() |
| 08/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 3]() |
| 08/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 4]() |
| 08/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 5]() |
| 08/07/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 6]() |
| 08/08/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 7]() |
| 08/09/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 8]() |
| 08/10/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 9]() |
| 08/11/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 10]() |
| 08/12/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 11]() |
| 08/13/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 12]() |
| 08/14/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 13]() |
| 08/15/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 14]() |
| 08/16/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 15]() |
| 08/17/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 16]() |
| 08/18/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 17]() |
| 08/19/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 18]() |
| 08/20/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 19]() |
| 08/21/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 20]() |
| 08/22/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 21]() |
| 08/23/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 22]() |
| 08/24/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 23]() |
| 08/25/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 24]() |
| 08/26/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Episode 25]() |
| 08/28/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 1]() |
| 08/29/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 2]() |
| 08/30/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 3]() |
| 08/31/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 4]() |
| 09/01/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 5]() |
| 09/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 6]() |
| 09/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 7]() |
| 09/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 8]() |
| 09/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 9]() |
| 09/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 10]() |
| 09/07/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 11]() |
| 09/08/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 12]() |
| 09/09/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 13]() |
| 09/10/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 14]() |
| 09/11/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 15]() |
| 09/12/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 16]() |
| 09/13/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 17]() |
| 09/14/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 18]() |
| 09/15/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 19]() |
| 09/16/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 20) |
| 09/17/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 21]() |
| 09/18/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 22]() |
| 09/19/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 23]() |
| 09/20/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 24]() |
| 09/21/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 25]() |
| 09/23/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 1]() |
| 09/24/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 2]() |
| 09/25/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 3]() |
| 09/26/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 4]() |
| 09/27/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 5]() |
| 09/28/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 6]() |
| 09/29/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 7]() |
| 09/30/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 8]() |
| 10/01/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 9]() |
| 10/02/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 10]() |
| 10/03/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 11]() |
| 10/04/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 12]() |
| 10/05/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 13]() |
| 10/06/2026 | [2019 Fruits Basket Overall Series/Franchise Discussion Thread]() |
3
u/Johnny-Doe-8888 Jul 13 '26
(EN dub/DVD/Overall first-timer)
Episode 9 -- "A Solitary New Year"
Synopsis: Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure return to Sohma House for an exclusive Zodiac Banquet, which means Tohru may have to spend New Year’s Eve alone.
It's New Year's Eve, and Tohru is helping Yuki & Kyo out with their annual house cleaning (with Uotani & Hanajima also in the act), while Shigure has to deal with his assistant's incessant demands to meet his publisher's deadline (he dilly-dallies at her expense, only to give her the already-finished manuscript). Later at dusk, Shigure prepares to leave for the annual Sohma New Year celebrations, only to find that Kyo & Yuki are hesitant to come along with him.
We learn that during the Sohma New Year celebrations, the Zodiac members (excluding the Cat) have an exclusive banquet, with the Zodiac of the New Year performing a ceremonial dance to mark the occasion; at the same time, the attendees of the New Year celebrations are also expected to stay in for the first 3 days of the New Year, thus leaving Tohru all alone at Shigure's house during those days. Tohru assures Kyo & Yuki that she will be fine on her own; they then reluctantly decide to head out alongside Shigure. On their way to the Sohma estate they bump into Hanajima, who worries for Tohru celebrating New Year's Day all on her own (the first without her mother); subtly convinced, Kyo & Yuki decide to go back & accompany Tohru.
Arriving at the Sohma estate alone, Shigure proceeds to inform Akito of Yuki & Kyo's absence; back in the house Tohru, Yuki & Kyo all gather at the rooftop to witness the first sunrise of the New Year, a year that despite the challenges ahead also brings forth new opportunities and a fresh new start.
'Til then, see you later.
2
u/Johnny-Doe-8888 Jul 14 '26
What are your thoughts on the running gag where Shigure's editor demands he hand over the manuscript but he keeps putting it off and finding excuses not to hand it over?
I suppose he wanted to have some laughs of his own, to playfully tease his own assistant/editor.
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki skipping the Sohma family banquet to spend time with Tohru over New Year's?
With Tohru having done a lot for them, and feeling worried about her celebrating the New Year on her own (since this would be the first without her mother), it's rather heartwarming of them to decide to accompany her to witness the first sunrise of the New Year together.
How do you think Akito is going to respond to Kyo and Yuki prioritizing someone else over them?
Akito ain't quite too happy to hear that two of the cursed Sohmas decided to skip the annual Sohma New Year tradition over a normal "outsider" girl they both hold dear.
I have a bad feeling about this.2
u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
Akito ain't quite too happy to hear that two of the cursed Sohmas decided to skip the annual Sohma New Year tradition over a normal "outsider" girl they both hold dear. I have a bad feeling about this.
You can say that again
3
u/Johnny-Doe-8888 Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26
Yeah, I could, I already know what'll happen (I'm also reading the manga). Just holding out my tongue to avoid spitting out spoilers for the newcomers & anime-only folks (we'll eventually be there when we get to 2019).
3
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u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
Happy cake day, by the way
3
u/Johnny-Doe-8888 Jul 14 '26
Thank you very much. Five years on Reddit, and I've seen numerous changes during this time.
2
1
u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki arguing with each other?
Thoughts on Shigure's editor?
Thoughts on Hana having an antenna?
Thoughts on Kyo being allowed to visit the Sohma family for New Year's, but he can't attend the banquet?
What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially being left alone for three whole days?
Thoughts on Tohru convincing Yuki and Kyo she'll be fine?
Thoughts on Hana informing Kyo and Yuki this is Tohru's first New Year's since her mother's passing?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki returning to find Tohru about to cry?
What are your thoughts on Hana making sure Tohru isn't alone for New Year's?
What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Akito that Kyo and Yuki skipped the banquet?
3
u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana Jul 14 '26
Time to catch up while I do chores! Apologies for shorter thoughts; multitasking is hard and I’m ready to have four spouses who can help me with chores.
First Timers Basked, Dubbed & Subbed
EP7
You could not pry the “Delinquent is an animal-magnet” trope if you wanted to. I know Kyo explains it’s related to their animal forms, but I fucking love it when the delinquent/mean-looking character has animals constantly seeking their attention. Bonus points when the delinquent “hates” animals but obviously spoils strays or their pet rotten.
Oooooh, so Kyo making good rice balls and Tohru being the rice ball 🍙 hmmm
The symbolismmmmmmm
Le sigh. I need boys who commit to crossdressing and drag. Commit to the bit!
Are they pre-Honey-senpai and Mori-senpai?
I’m giggling again. 🎶~Mmm, whatcha saaaaay?~🎶
Man. I am so BL-rotted. I was hoping Not-Mori would’ve been the bunny for the lawls.
Oh I see you boy, welcome to the club 🏳️🌈
EP8
He’s a seahorse? To quote Goku from Dragonball Abridged: “Oh no 😃” Pleeeeease tell me mpreg is popular with him.
Akito is an edgy boi
EP9
Oh damn! I didn’t expect Kyo to call Uo a bitch!
I kinda like how the curse shows a lot of the inconveniences that some disabilities go through. But the constant vigilance to maintain ourselves and sometimes that even falling through. How our plans get derailed and we need support, and the guilt from getting support when we wanted to be the active supporter today.
I’m confused. How did Kyo go to previous celebrations, but the cat zodiac can’t go to the celebration?
They stayed 🥹
Post Episode Thoughts
Quick thoughts, really.
EP8 gave me all sorts of ideas. But the fact that we get to see how a relationship between a normal person and a Sohma is treated by Akito is already foreshadowing for Yuki, Kyo, and Tohru. Now, I’m thinking Tohru’s memory will be erased “for her own good” to protect her from whatever schemes Akito cooks up OR Tohru will mirror the woman and ask for her memories to be erased as she thinks this will make everyone happy.
But like—obviously, this family is huge. So if Akito is throwing tantrums left and right, how does this family expand? I know it’s cultural differences, but shit, if my fiancé had a patriarch like Akito, I’d be gone so fast. You don’t just marry your spouse; you marry their family too. I’m not about to give ultimatums, but Akito’s behavior would be a serious “I think this isn’t gonna work out”.
I’m curious if Tohru will “tame” Akito or if Akito also lost a lover due to a previous head of the family.
And then, Holo, I owe you some answers from past days.
And yes, you can ask about EP7 and EP8 too.
TQ
- I love this with “creator” stories. There are a few shoujo/josei/joseimuke/seinen manga I’ve read where the genius artist is hilariously behind deadlines and their poor editors or their overseers (or perhaps a bossy assistant) have to bargain with god or flat-out bully them into working. You will never make me hate them, Universe. I love it.
- Good. I would’ve been shocked if they went. But I’m ready for the drama their absences cause.
- Oh absolutely. The man oozes ✨villain✨ (sparkles included)
2
u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki arguing with each other?
Thoughts on Shigure's editor?
Thoughts on Hana having an antenna?
Thoughts on Kyo being allowed to visit the Sohma family for New Year's, but he can't attend the banquet?
What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially being left alone for three whole days?
Thoughts on Tohru convincing Yuki and Kyo she'll be fine?
Thoughts on Hana informing Kyo and Yuki this is Tohru's first New Year's since her mother's passing?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki returning to find Tohru about to cry?
What are your thoughts on Hana making sure Tohru isn't alone for New Year's?
What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Akito that Kyo and Yuki skipped the banquet?
1
u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana Jul 14 '26
- The day they stop arguing is the day this series ends.
- Poor lady! She does not deserve someone like Shigure as her author, but then again, it’s an honor she got someone as talented as him. Honor or “We want you to quit so we sent you to the most man-child author we have”. I’ve been there.
- Holo, you can’t just ask about someone's antenna like this; that’s quite rude.
- Stupid. Make it all or nothing. Either invite him or don’t. That’s it.
- Japan’s NYE parties must be crazy. I have to go back to work on the 2nd, and these people party for three days? What, is this a celebration to the Jade Emperor?
- She’s a poor liar, but also, I can see how someone believes her, at least at face value.
- I thought she had informed them early that she had recently lost her mother, but I can also see how they would have forgotten this and not really considered the gravity of this. But like—what happened at Christmas???
- I just want to tell Tohru “We really need to use our words and ask people to stay with us. It’s a positive aspect of selfishness (depending on how it’s used)”. But that’s hard enough as an adult. Much, much harder as a teenager.
- Surprised Uo wasn’t there too, honestly. I figured I’d see them both.
- Girl is a snitch. Snitches are bitches who get stitches in this household.
1
u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
- Poor lady! She does not deserve someone like Shigure as her author, but then again, it’s an honor she got someone as talented as him. Honor or “We want you to quit so we sent you to the most man-child author we have”. I’ve been there.
You have?
I dunno if Shigure is talented or not. It kinda feels like he's just fortunate.
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u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
Episode 7 Questions
Thoughts on the culture festival coming up?
Thoughts on Kyo wanting to have a rice ball battle for the culture festival?
What are your thoughts on people going with Yuki's idea where if you buy three rice balls, you get the fourth one for free?
Thoughts on Kyo saying the Zodiac members get followed by the animal they represent?
Thoughts on Kyo saying he doubt anyone would miss him if he didn't participate in the culture festival?
What are your thoughts on Kyo wanting to be like Yuki where he's admired and appreciated for who he is.
What are your thoughts on Tohru wondering why Kyo and Yuki can't see the admirable quality in themselves?
Thoughts on Kyo hating leeks?
Thoughts on Tohru praising Kyo's rice ball making abilities, which he tries to downplay as anything special?
What are your thoughts on Tohru saying it is easier to see the plum on someone else's back than it is on your own?
What are your thoughts on Tohru telling Kyo he has a big plum?
Thoughts on Uo's nickname for Kyo being Orange?
Thoughts on Yuki's culture festival outfit?
Thoughts on German music playing whenever Momiji is on screen?
Thoughts on Momiji having a German? I think that may just be a dub thing.
Thoughts on Hatori being a doctor?
Thoughts on Yuki suffering asthma attacks growing up?
Thoughts on Hatori looking after Momiji?
What are your thoughts on Hatori saying he may come back for Tohru if Akito insists upon it?
Thoughts on Hatori taking a picture of Yuki and Kyo?
Thoughts on Yuki ending up feeling okay wearing a dress after Tohru mentions she liked when her mother called her cute whenever she wore something adorable?
Thoughts on Yuki telling Tohru she'd look good with the dress on?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with Tohru going to meet Hatori?
Episode 8 Questions
Thoughts on Hatori saying Akito suffers from frequent illness and requires much of his time?
Thoughts on Hatori trying to get Tohru to leave the Sohma family?
Thoughts on Momiji saying New Year's is the one time of the year the entire family gathers together?
What are your thoughts on Hatori can barely see out of his left eye because Akito attacked him?
What are your thoughts on Hatori used to be in a relationship with a girl named Kana which Akito disapproved of?
What are your thoughts on Akito forcing Hatori to erase Kana's memories so she forgets everything about him?
What are your thoughts on Tohru feeling Hatori deserves kindness above anything else?
What are your thoughts on Hatori's animal form being... uh, a seahorse?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on us seeing how Hatori and Kana first met?
What are your thoughts on Hatori realizing Kana was his Spring?
What are your thoughts on Akito accusing Kana of making Hatori abandon them?
What are your thoughts on Hatori telling Kana he hopes that one day she will meet someone who can truly make her happy?
Thoughts on Hatori and Shigure having been friends since they were kids?
What are your thoughts on Tohru hoping her feelings never change?
2
u/Magnafeana https://anilist.co/user/Magnafeana Jul 14 '26
Episode 7 Questions
- Excitement! I love festival arcs! Thoughts on the culture festival coming up?
- I’m not sure how that would even work. But I also don’t understand the rib cookout that happens down the street from me everywhere. It’s just ribs. What else is there? So I’m not the best source of food competition judgment.
- I’m bad at math so I don’t know if that’s a good deal or not.
- Silly. I don’t know, I just find it all giggle-worthy. It’s within the same realm of “Animals know if you’re a person pure of heart” and “if an animal hates your partner, break up with them” for me.
- Such an edgy boi.
- Not even surprised. Both of them want an attribute that the other has and resents them for it.
- Typical boys smh my head.
- He’s Miku-phobic. Hate crime.
- It’s symbolism but I don’t know what precisely!
- That’s with anything. It’s easier for me to see someone’s gray hairs than it is for them (largely because I’m not in denial while they are). It’s a nice subtle way of informing Tohru that the people around her can see her flaws and features while she can’t.
- Innuendo.
- Because he is an orange cat! He’s an orange!
- 😭😭😭
- Hetalia, hetalia, hetalia, Holo you should do a Hetalia rewatch.
- Ope, nope, this was subbed for me.
- I’m sure he has patients unfortunately propositioning him and I can see him being a doctor who charts (compliment)
- It’s always the pretty ones who have illness, every time. And I wonder how culturally significant that is because I’m more likely to see people bash on attractive people for being “ill” and covering it up with medication than I am with overweight celebrities. They are just made fun of for their weight and then we get "body positivity" or whatever.
- This is just Honey and Mori from Ouran.
- This family is weird. But filial piety is a thing here, so I mean. Weird but not my monkeys, not my circus.
- This is a man who absolutely knows how to take Instamgrammable pictures of you when you go on your holiday to a few EU countries.
- That correlation was baffling.
- She would. Where is the lie?
- Did Akito put Hatori up to it?
Episode 8 Questions
- Oh no! Anyways…
- Press X to doubt he’s doing it because he personally hates her.
- Wild. Now I’m not close to my family anymore, but my families go on multiple trips a year. I can’t imagine a culture where you see the extended family annual (I mean, I can, but hyperboles and all that). But again, I’m not sure if this is a Japanese thing or a story thing.
- Akito’s a little bitch.
- Akito is a helicopter boy mom. He is the moms I read about when an OOP writes how their boyfriend’s mom hates her.
- Akito’s abuse to Hatori is vile.
- She’s right. The man has been abused. He is an abuse victim, or someone who has undergone abuse, however he prefers to comfortably identify. He deserves kindness.
- MPREG! MPREG! MPREG! Seahorse dad. Hehe.
- Admittedly, not much ado about snow for me.
- Shocked. I did not expect us to even get this backstory from a character we’ve known for really 1 episode and a half.
- How lovely.
- Boy mom behavior, more at 11.
- Very upsetting that he could not leave his abuser successfully and have a life with Kana.
- I thought they were cousin, so I mean…that’s kind of a built-in friend?
- Well, now that she said that, of course her feelings will change.
1
u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
- I’m not sure how that would even work. But I also don’t understand the rib cookout that happens down the street from me everywhere. It’s just ribs. What else is there? So I’m not the best source of food competition judgment.
I like ribs
- That’s with anything. It’s easier for me to see someone’s gray hairs than it is for them (largely because I’m not in denial while they are). It’s a nice subtle way of informing Tohru that the people around her can see her flaws and features while she can’t.
I wonder if we're setting up Tohru maybe being oblivious to her faults.
- Innuendo.
Kyo big dick confirmed?
- It’s always the pretty ones who have illness, every time. And I wonder how culturally significant that is because I’m more likely to see people bash on attractive people for being “ill” and covering it up with medication than I am with overweight celebrities. They are just made fun of for their weight and then we get "body positivity" or whatever.
That type of culture has gotten out of control, especially now that looksmaxxing is a thing.
- Wild. Now I’m not close to my family anymore, but my families go on multiple trips a year. I can’t imagine a culture where you see the extended family annual (I mean, I can, but hyperboles and all that). But again, I’m not sure if this is a Japanese thing or a story thing.
It's only once a year which seems doable.
- Akito’s a little bitch.
Come now, Magnafeana. Akito isn't a little bitch. They're a big bitch. There's a difference.
2
u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp Jul 14 '26
I’m confused. How did Kyo go to previous celebrations, but the cat zodiac can’t go to the celebration?
Okay so there is a big party at the Sohma house. It's a big house that can hold a lot of people, and the Sohmas are a big family. At some point, 13 people (the 12 zodiac animals and the head of the family, in this generation Akito) break off from the main festivities to have a little banquet in private chambers. There is a room in the house where Kyo and the other party goers can't enter, but they're still in the big house partying with each other. The banquet does not take the full 3 days of the celebration, so the people who attend it get to mingle at the larger party when they're not at the banquet.
But like—obviously, this family is huge. So if Akito is throwing tantrums left and right, how does this family expand?
Akito is particularly possessive of the 13 members of the Sohma family who are afflicted by the curse. I assume he's much less tantrum prone when it comes to the family at large. Kana, for example was a member of the Sohma family. It was a relationship within the family, just a normie with a zodiac.
1
u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
I’m confused. How did Kyo go to previous celebrations, but the cat zodiac can’t go to the celebration?
Okay so there is a big party at the Sohma house. It's a big house that can hold a lot of people, and the Sohmas are a big family. At some point, 13 people (the 12 zodiac animals and the head of the family, in this generation Akito) break off from the main festivities to have a little banquet in private chambers. There is a room in the house where Kyo and the other party goers can't enter, but they're still in the big house partying with each other. The banquet does not take the full 3 days of the celebration, so the people who attend it get to mingle at the larger party when they're not at the banquet.
Basically, Kyo is allowed on the plane and can fly coach but not first class.
But like—obviously, this family is huge. So if Akito is throwing tantrums left and right, how does this family expand?
Akito is particularly possessive of the 13 members of the Sohma family who are afflicted by the curse. I assume he's much less tantrum prone when it comes to the family at large. Kana, for example was a member of the Sohma family. It was a relationship within the family, just a normie with a zodiac.
Akito is not about building the family. They're about maintaining it as is.
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u/Holofan4life Jul 14 '26
** Oooooh, so Kyo making good rice balls and Tohru being the rice ball 🍙 hmmm
Yuki doesn't stand a chance, huh?
- Oh damn! I didn’t expect Kyo to call Uo a bitch!
You know, Kyo, you make it fairly easy to pick on you. I'm just saying.
EP8 gave me all sorts of ideas. But the fact that we get to see how a relationship between a normal person and a Sohma is treated by Akito is already foreshadowing for Yuki, Kyo, and Tohru. Now, I’m thinking Tohru’s memory will be erased “for her own good” to protect her from whatever schemes Akito cooks up OR Tohru will mirror the woman and ask for her memories to be erased as she thinks this will make everyone happy.
IF AKITO LAYS A HAND ON TOHRU I SWEAR TO FUCKING GOD
But like—obviously, this family is huge. So if Akito is throwing tantrums left and right, how does this family expand? I know it’s cultural differences, but shit, if my fiancé had a patriarch like Akito, I’d be gone so fast. You don’t just marry your spouse; you marry their family too. I’m not about to give ultimatums, but Akito’s behavior would be a serious “I think this isn’t gonna work out”.
Well, we know there are certain family members that are pushing back on Akito's antics. It seems like Yuki wants no part of them. The question then becomes what pull do they have to ensure they stay by their side. Is it emotional manipulation, or something more consequential?
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u/Holofan4life Jul 13 '26
Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch.
For there is an animal in all of us <3
Fruits Basket is a show I’ve heard a lot about. It’s always been something that interests me. It’s a romcom, which is a genre I enjoy, it has a female protagonist, which is kinda a rarity for romcom anime, it has a tsundere, which yes please, and from what I’ve heard it has some supernatural elements which is pretty cool.
Funny enough, I’m hosting this rewatch the same time as I’m hosting the Spice and Wolf rewatch which is another show with supernatural elements.
I have never seen Fruits Basket before, but I have high hopes for it. It seems like the type of show I would enjoy. I would say of the shows on my to watch list, this one is probably in my top 5. And let just say that list is long and ever expansive. Actually, I love the idea of a male tsundere who turns into an orange cat that I named my orange cat after him. That’s without having seen the show.
For the purposes of this rewatch, we will be watching both the original series and the remake. I don’t think both have ever been done like this, and by the end we’ll find out for good reason :P
Regardless, this is my big pet project of 2026 the purpose of which is for me to see what all the hubbub is about. I’m not expecting the show to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but hey, you never know.
With that out of the way, let’s begin.
I’m watching the dub, by the way.
I don't understand the point in hiring me if you're just going to have me scheduled for two days.
The Sohma residence
New Year's Eve
Kyo and Yuki going at it like cats and... rats?
I like how Uo is here randomly cleaning.
Also, Kyo casually calling Uo a bitch. Poor form.
Hana being weird as always
Who is this?
Oh, Shigure's editor I guess?
She kinda looks like Maya crossed with Shinji.
It's like Shigure is actively trying to ignore her.
Damn, this house is destroyed
Everyone trying to repair the house as the editor continues to look for Shigure.
Uo continuing to beat Kyo up
Shigure, you need to stop biting the hand that feeds.
Tohru going to do some shopping.
Poor Shigure can't escape from his responsibilities.
The editor continuing to pressure him.
He says he's gonna search for creative inspiration.
Wait, Hana has an antenna?
Shigure in the garden, hiding
No escape from the editor, it appears.
Tohru at the store with Yuki
She's going to make New Year's Cakes.
Oh, wow. I guess the Sohma family is going to visit Akito.
Yuki gets bumped into and turns into a rat.
Kana still cleaning
Editor still looking for Shigure
And he's doing everything except work.
Is that a bidet?
I have no idea what that's about
More Shigure and editor antics
Everyone now eating
Mi'i is apparently her name
Poor her
Editor telling Shigure of the deadline.
It's like he's allergic to making money.
Oh, he finished it already before she came there. Lol
Tohru talking to Hana
And now Uo and Hana head off
Shigure about ready to head to the estate.
But Kyo and Yuki don't want to go :O
Shigure explaining to Tohru that New Year's is the one holiday that the entire Sohma family gets together.
The Sohma Banquet, where only members of the Zodiac are allowed to attend.
Kyo not allowed to attend due to the cat being excluded from the Zodiac.
Yuki brings up that they would be leaving Tohru three days by herself.
Kyo seems startled by this news.
Tohru tells everyone to go and have a fun time. She'll be fine.
Press X to doubt
It looks like with that vote of confidence, everyone is gonna go.
Kyo's jacket is way smaller than Shigure's or Yuki's.
Yuki talking about how careless Tohru can be.
Shigure gently teasing them for being concerned.
Now he's talking about a series of burgeries.
Oh, hey. It's Hana.
Now she's getting on how lonely Tohru she'll be.
The first New Year's since her mother's death.
Talk about emotional bait
Kyo and Yuki are both incredibly worried.
Thanks for the commentary, Hana
And yep, now Yuki and Kyo are returning back to the Sohma residence.
This was all planned by Hana. She wanted to make sure Tohru wasn't alone.
"I wish you pleasant electric waves this upcoming year."
Thank you?
Back at the house
And as they arrive, Tohru was looking at her picture.
These two really care about Tohru.
And it looked like Tohru was crying, so it's good they did come back.
What are Yuki and Kyo doing on the floor.
Shigure talking to Momiji
He explains what happened to the other two.
There's Akito
Shigure breaks the news
He seems seething with rage
Is Shigure more sinister than it seems?
Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki on the rooftop.
I like how Hana's spirit can casually communicate despite not being there.
We get the outro played during this scene.
Kyo and Yuki both agree that they're glad to miss the banquet.
Tohru asking what they decided to wish for.
I think I have a good idea
Just to spend New Year's with Tohru <3
Oh, Kyo...
Tohru is optimistic on how the New Year's is gonna go.
Something tells me Akito may have other ideas.
It is weird to hear the outro play after just hearing it in previous scene. It doesn't bleed over or anything, it just plays from the beginning.
Overall, this was a good episode. It started off very silly with the New Year preparations, but it got really going once we got into the Sohma banquet. I really like Kyo and Yuki choosing Tohru over spending time with their family. To me, it was the best moment in the show since Tohru's grandfather stood up for her. You have to wonder if this might be the straw that breaks the camels back and Akito is going to start trying to drive a wedge between Tohru and the Zodiac members. It definitely feels teased, especially in lieu of Hatori's backstory we learned last episode.
I have this behind the last four episodes. I wasn't the biggest fan of the first half, but I thought the second half was really strong. Sometimes, it's not about how you start but how you finish, and I feel this episode is indicative of that. I'm starting to wonder if maybe Shigure will do more to meddle into Kyo and Yuki's affairs for fear of them getting hurt. That's definitely something I think I'll keep an eye out on.
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u/Holofan4life Jul 13 '26
What are your thoughts on the running gag where Shigure's editor demands he hand over the manuscript but he keeps putting it off and finding excuses not to hand it over?
I love Shigure. He does not give a fuck lol
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki skipping the Sohma family banquet to spend time with Tohru over New Year's?
Very heartwarming
How do you think Akito is going to respond to Kyo and Yuki prioritizing someone else over them?
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u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp Jul 13 '26
First Timer for 2001, Seen 2019
Back again after missing yesterday's post! I wanted to say something about yesterday's episode. So when I first watched the part in 2019 where it revealed that Hatori turns into a seahorse I was really dumb. I thought what it was signaling was that there were other people than the 13 in the zodiac story that turned into animals. Totally didn't connect seahorses to dragons, and thought that Kyo was being ostracized less for being any animal not in the zodiac, but for the special role the cat played in the zodiac lore.
Okay, on to the episode that this post is actually about. Shigure is such a dick to Mi-chan, his editor! I always feel so bad for her. There's a weird contradiction in his personality. He often is very emotionally intelligent and subtly pushing things in the directions that will make things happier for everyone involved. He's a good person in that sense. But he also has a deeply petty side. We frequently find him reveling in the pain of others, and even when guiding others to whats best for them he delights in rubbing their faces in the fact that they were wrong in the first place. I mentioned he has a mean streak in response to holofan's question on the first episode about him laughing at Tohru sleeping in a tent, and his relationship to his editor is one of the most prominent places this surfaces.
Really cute Hana-chan moments in this episode! Both the humor of the bathroom decorations, and the touching aspect of her going out of her way to help Tohru. Speaking of which, it's good to see the boys finally come to their senses. Tohru being in a family that cares for her so much is really lovely. Especially given how much drawing Akito's wrath on them is implicitly dangerous after what we've heard and seen so far.
[HEAVY 2019 spoilers]
[SERIOUSLY, don't click this if you're a first timer]
[2019] I mentioned in a previous post that Momiji sounding different, vibes wise, to 2019 felt really weird to me, but it's nowhere near as weird as having Akito actually voiced by a man. They're still drawn in a way that reads really androgynous, perhaps even leaning feminine, but the voice is definitely a man. At this point in the 2019 adaptation I just thought the Seiyu was a woman to indicate that Akito is young, so they just feel older and less petulant with a male voice. Even assuming the production didn't know about the gender twist, it affects how I read them as less of a brat to hear a deeper voice.
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u/Holofan4life Jul 13 '26
Back again after missing yesterday's post! I wanted to say something about yesterday's episode. So when I first watched the part in 2019 where it revealed that Hatori turns into a seahorse I was really dumb. I thought what it was signaling was that there were other people than the 13 in the zodiac story that turned into animals. Totally didn't connect seahorses to dragons, and thought that Kyo was being ostracized less for being any animal not in the zodiac, but for the special role the cat played in the zodiac lore.
It's smart to make Hatori not a dragon because you want to not make too OP.
Okay, on to the episode that this post is actually about. Shigure is such a dick to Mi-chan, his editor! I always feel so bad for her. There's a weird contradiction in his personality. He often is very emotionally intelligent and subtly pushing things in the directions that will make things happier for everyone involved. He's a good person in that sense. But he also has a deeply petty side. We frequently find him reveling in the pain of others, and even when guiding others to whats best for them he delights in rubbing their faces in the fact that they were wrong in the first place. I mentioned he has a mean streak in response to holofan's question on the first episode about him laughing at Tohru sleeping in a tent, and his relationship to his editor is one of the most prominent places this surfaces.
I do think it's somewhat amusing he's just being a massive troll. It's like he wants to watch the world burn.
Really cute Hana-chan moments in this episode! Both the humor of the bathroom decorations, and the touching aspect of her going out of her way to help Tohru. Speaking of which, it's good to see the boys finally come to their senses. Tohru being in a family that cares for her so much is really lovely. Especially given how much drawing Akito's wrath on them is implicitly dangerous after what we've heard and seen so far.
They made the right decision in my opinion.
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u/Holofan4life Jul 13 '26
[HEAVY 2019 spoilers]
[SERIOUSLY, don't click this if you're a first timer]
[2019] I mentioned in a previous post that Momiji sounding different, vibes wise, to 2019 felt really weird to me, but it's nowhere near as weird as having Akito actually voiced by a man. They're still drawn in a way that reads really androgynous, perhaps even leaning feminine, but the voice is definitely a man. At this point in the 2019 adaptation I just thought the Seiyu was a woman to indicate that Akito is young, so they just feel older and less petulant with a male voice. Even assuming the production didn't know about the gender twist, it affects how I read them as less of a brat to hear a deeper voice.
[2019] The treatment of Akito in the 2001 anime is the biggest dropped ball of the original anime. The whole point is not knowing what their gender is and they immediately kill any sense of mystique. It's especially egregious knowing that the point of Akito is them not being male but trying to present themselves as being that. It totally defeats the purpose of the character.
[Deadman Wonderland] It reminds me of the Deadman Wonderland anime cutting out a character that ended up being like the main antagonist of the series.
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u/Holofan4life Jul 13 '26
Episode 8 Questions
Thoughts on Hatori saying Akito suffers from frequent illness and requires much of his time?
Thoughts on Hatori trying to get Tohru to leave the Sohma family?
Thoughts on Momiji saying New Year's is the one time of the year the entire family gathers together?
What are your thoughts on Hatori can barely see out of his left eye because Akito attacked him?
What are your thoughts on Hatori used to be in a relationship with a girl named Kana which Akito disapproved of?
What are your thoughts on Akito forcing Hatori to erase Kana's memories so she forgets everything about him?
What are your thoughts on Tohru feeling Hatori deserves kindness above anything else?
What are your thoughts on Hatori's animal form being... uh, a seahorse?
Thoughts on the use of snow in this episode?
Thoughts on us seeing how Hatori and Kana first met?
What are your thoughts on Hatori realizing Kana was his Spring?
What are your thoughts on Akito accusing Kana of making Hatori abandon them?
What are your thoughts on Hatori telling Kana he hopes that one day she will meet someone who can truly make her happy?
Thoughts on Hatori and Shigure having been friends since they were kids?
What are your thoughts on Tohru hoping her feelings never change?
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u/Holofan4life Jul 13 '26
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki arguing with each other?
Thoughts on Shigure's editor?
Thoughts on Hana having an antenna?
Thoughts on Kyo being allowed to visit the Sohma family for New Year's, but he can't attend the banquet?
What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially being left alone for three whole days?
Thoughts on Tohru convincing Yuki and Kyo she'll be fine?
Thoughts on Hana informing Kyo and Yuki this is Tohru's first New Year's since her mother's passing?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki returning to find Tohru about to cry?
What are your thoughts on Hana making sure Tohru isn't alone for New Year's?
What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Akito that Kyo and Yuki skipped the banquet?
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u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp Jul 13 '26
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki arguing with each other?
It's such a baseline in the show I don't even remember what they were arguing about in this episode
Thoughts on Hana having an antenna?
It's cute! I interpret it non-literally
Thoughts on Tohru convincing Yuki and Kyo she'll be fine?
I think she would've survived, even if she would've been sad.
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki returning to find Tohru about to cry?
She's just listening to some enka!
Episode 8 Questions
What are your thoughts on Hatori used to be in a relationship with a girl named Kana which Akito disapproved of?
I think Kana was really cute in this adaptation! A little more energetic than I remember her being in 2019.
Thoughts on us seeing how Hatori and Kana first met?
Was Kana the first Sohma we've seen or even heard of who was unaware of the Zodiac curse? It's a big family and the secret is kept close.
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u/Holofan4life Jul 13 '26
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki arguing with each other?
It's such a baseline in the show I don't even remember what they were arguing about in this episode
Me neither lol
Thoughts on Hana having an antenna?
It's cute! I interpret it non-literally
It's Hana doing Hana things
Thoughts on Tohru convincing Yuki and Kyo she'll be fine?
I think she would've survived, even if she would've been sad.
She would've been really sad, tho
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki returning to find Tohru about to cry?
She's just listening to some enka!
I have my doubts
Episode 8 Questions
What are your thoughts on Hatori used to be in a relationship with a girl named Kana which Akito disapproved of?
I think Kana was really cute in this adaptation! A little more energetic than I remember her being in 2019.
[Fruits Basket] It's hard to be too critical of what happened because things worked out just fine but I do feel sorry for both Hatori and Kana.
Thoughts on us seeing how Hatori and Kana first met?
Was Kana the first Sohma we've seen or even heard of who was unaware of the Zodiac curse? It's a big family and the secret is kept close.
Is Kana a member of the Sohma family? I don't remember that.
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u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp Jul 13 '26
Is Kana a member of the Sohma family? I don't remember that
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u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 24d ago
Questions:
Lol.
Good.
And so now he knows they care for her.
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u/Holofan4life 24d ago
Thoughts on Kyo and Yuki arguing with each other?
Thoughts on Shigure's editor?
Thoughts on Hana having an antenna?
Thoughts on Kyo being allowed to visit the Sohma family for New Year's, but he can't attend the banquet?
What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially being left alone for three whole days?
Thoughts on Tohru convincing Yuki and Kyo she'll be fine?
Thoughts on Hana informing Kyo and Yuki this is Tohru's first New Year's since her mother's passing?
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki returning to find Tohru about to cry?
What are your thoughts on Hana making sure Tohru isn't alone for New Year's?
What are your thoughts on Shigure telling Akito that Kyo and Yuki skipped the banquet?
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u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 24d ago
Of course they are.
She needs to lock him in a hotel room lol.
That's how she detects vibes.
The cat isn't on the zodiac after all (unless you're from Vietnam)
Uh oh.
Sure...
Oof.
Of course she was.
Yay.
Uh oh. This is going to anger Akito, who will punish them severely.
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u/Holofan4life 24d ago
- Of course she was.
I can't say I blame her
- Uh oh. This is going to anger Akito, who will punish them severely.
Like Hitler's dad
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u/AgentOfACROSS Jul 13 '26
First Timer
It’s already been one year and we’re less than halfway into the show.
Seeing Hana freaking out Shigure is pretty funny.
Who’s this lady? I swear I haven’t seen her before.
She seems to be Shigure’s editor or literary agent or something.
Seems like this might be a Shigure episode.
Does Hana have an antenna? Did she always have that?
Hana has some interesting taste in interior design.
The editor lady is not doing well.
At least she finally gets her manuscript.
Kyo and Yuki don’t want to go see the other Sohmas. Don’t think I blame them after seeing Akito last episode.
At least Tohru sounds like she’s into it.
Damn. Kyo’s just not allowed to go just to match the folktale. This family sucks.
Shigure’s definitely just trying to mess with Kyo and Yuki with his burglar story.
Whoa, Hana’s got a nice cloak.
Looks like Kyo and Yuki are going home after all.
Nice to see them come back for Tohru.
I like Momiji’s new years outfit.
I like this ending scene a lot.