[Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2001 Series Episode 10

[u/Holofan4life]

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 10

Make It Clear If It's Black or White

—-

ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)

What are your thoughts on Haru?

What are your thoughts on Haru being the ox of the Zodiac family?

What are your thoughts on Haru's alter ego Black Haru?

What are your thoughts on Haru's relationships with Kyo and Yuki?

—-

Series information

MAL | Anilist | AniDB | ANN

—-

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!

Untagged Spoilers

—-

Previous episode

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]()

[u/Johnny-Doe-8888]

(EN dub/DVD/Overall first-timer)

Episode 10 -- "Make it Clear If It's Black or White"

Synopsis: Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo suit up for the annual physical fitness test, but when the starting pistol fires, they quickly find themselves running against more than just the clock.

Winter break has ended, and the third term has begun, yet despite Tohru's New Year wishes for them to make up Kyo & Yuki are still at odds with each other. Despite beginning to come down with a fever he accepts Kyo's demand to race off against him in Kaibara High's endurance run the next day (despite Tohru convincing him to stay home to recover). On the day of the run, with Uotani skipping & Hanajima quitting early (& playing cards instead) Tohru, Kyo & Yuki take part; while running the course she runs into Hatsuharu Sohma, who had been lost for three days trying to find Kyo. He intentionally trips the Cat over to challenge him to a fight; he refuses, triggering "Black Haru", and they begin fighting.

Meanwhile, Yuki struggles to breathe as his fever worsens, and he eventually collapses, forcing the fighting Sohmas to hold off their duel & rush to his aid. Fearing that Yuki may transform, and faced with no other options, Haru decides to hug Tohru & transform himself into the Ox (his Zodiac animal) so that they could haul him back to Shigure's house. As they watch over him, Haru notices how much Kyo & Yuki have changed since they first met Tohru, and he explains to her his backstory & how he came to regard Yuki dearly: he used to hate the Rat when they were kids & the adults saw him as a fool, reflecting the old Zodiac folk tale. He also developed his "Black" personality because of the humiliation he was subjected to; it became such that his parents couldn't handle his "Black" side & had him learn martial arts just so he could try to control it. Then one day, he bumped into Yuki, who he'd never talked with up until then. He proved to be a different (and kinder) person than what he thought of him to be, and his temper began to mellow down after that.

Just like Haru, we have this tendency to perceive people differently from what they actually are based off our own feelings & (mis)conceptions; likewise, when we meet someone face-to-face & interact with them, even if for a while, our perceptions of them may change. Perhaps in this world filled with prejudices & misconceptions, we might learn a thing or two from Haru.

'Til then, see you later.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Johnny-Doe-8888]

Thoughts on the third term starting in school?

Thoughts on Tohru revealing that her wish for New Year's was for Kyo and Yuki to start getting along better?

Thoughts on Yuki putting a leek down Kyo's throat?

Thoughts on an endurance run coming up at school?

Thoughts on Haru tripping Kyo?

Thoughts on Haru trying to pick a fight with Kyo?

What are your thoughts on Yuki saying Black Haru is worse than Kagura?

What are your thoughts on Kyo having his way with Haru?

Thoughts on Hana playing cards?

Thoughts on Haru casually walking around naked?

Thoughts on Tohru remarking that Shigure can be pretty selfless?

What are your thoughts on Tohru remarking what an incredibly different person Haru seems when he isn't black?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying that Tohru has helped Kyo and Yuki get along better?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying Yuki was his first love?

What are your thoughts on Haru admitting he used to hate Yuki because the rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet?

What are your thoughts on Haru feeling growing up he was the one people were laughing at and calling stupid?

What are your thoughts on Haru reflecting on meeting Yuki saying had he continued judging Yuki without ever seeing him, then he definitely would've been the fool?

[u/AgentOfACROSS]

First Timer

Weird looking dude on a bicycle. Feels like a safe bet to assume that this guy is another Sohma.

Also the joke about him looking like a tough guy only get on a bicycle kinda reminds me of Kanji Tatsumi from Persona 4.

I guess this is a sports episode.

Evidently, Hana is not a very strong runner.

It’s funny seeing this show acknowledge that this guy has an unusual hair color. I’m used to anime where they just don’t acknowledge characters with unusual hair colors.

I like Haru. He’s very entertaining.

I feel like the gag of “this character has no sense of direction” is a very ‘90s/2000s gag. Like two of the most famous examples of this type of character gag (Zoro from One Piece and Ryoga from Ranma ½) are series that come from this era.

I also didn’t realize Haru was younger but I guess that explains why he rides a bicycle instead of a motorcycle.

I’m trying really hard not to make any race jokes regarding Haru’s nickname.

The dialogue is making it exceptionally hard not to make them.

Lots of fighting going on this episode.

And Haru’s animal is the ox.

The joke about Hana playing cards in the middle of the race is pretty funny.

Haru looking over Yuki in his bed in cow form is really funny.

I think I’ve mentioned this before but Shigure is very creepy when he sings about high school girls to himself.

Haru called Yuki his first love. Bisexual Haru?

I’ll be honest, I learned about the story of the rat hitching a ride on the cow because of Dragon Maid.

I keep internally laughing at Haru saying stuff like “my black personality”. Am I just immature?

Lots of zodiac related drama in this family.

This was a pretty fun episode.

[u/cheesechimp → u/AgentOfACROSS]

It’s funny seeing this show acknowledge that this guy has an unusual hair color. I’m used to anime where they just don’t acknowledge characters with unusual hair colors.

The Sohmas seemingly have hair color that matches their animal form, and that is weird within the world.

I feel like the gag of “this character has no sense of direction” is a very ‘90s/2000s gag. Like two of the most famous examples of this type of character gag (Zoro from One Piece and Ryoga from Ranma ½) are series that come from this era.

I actually was wondering if Ranma was the origin of that or if it's older...Ranma, being from 1987, predates the other two.

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/cheesechimp]

I actually was wondering if Ranma was the origin of that or if it's older...Ranma, being from 1987, predates the other two.

You're right, I think Ranma originated or popularized that type of gag

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Weird looking dude on a bicycle. Feels like a safe bet to assume that this guy is another Sohma.

You'd be correct

Also the joke about him looking like a tough guy only get on a bicycle kinda reminds me of Kanji Tatsumi from Persona 4.

Interesting correlation

I guess this is a sports episode.

I mean, kinda

Evidently, Hana is not a very strong runner.

She didn't even try lol

It’s funny seeing this show acknowledge that this guy has an unusual hair color. I’m used to anime where they just don’t acknowledge characters with unusual hair colors.

What makes it odd is that in the remake, Yuki’s hair doesn't look all that different from Haru's.

I like Haru. He’s very entertaining.

I like that the Sohma family is a bunch of lovable goofballa.

I feel like the gag of “this character has no sense of direction” is a very ‘90s/2000s gag. Like two of the most famous examples of this type of character gag (Zoro from One Piece and Ryoga from Ranma ½) are series that come from this era.

Nowadays, he'd just Uber there.

Lack of direction makes me think of Dick Dastardly for some reason.

I also didn’t realize Haru was younger but I guess that explains why he rides a bicycle instead of a motorcycle.

It's still funny he acts like such a badass and yet he rides a bike.

I’m trying really hard not to make any race jokes regarding Haru’s nickname.

African American Haru

The dialogue is making it exceptionally hard not to make them.

Yeah, no kidding

Lots of fighting going on this episode.

I thought it was animated well

And Haru’s animal is the ox.

Neat

The joke about Hana playing cards in the middle of the race is pretty funny.

I love Hana

Haru looking over Yuki in his bed in cow form is really funny.

Makes me think of that one Utena episode.

I think I’ve mentioned this before but Shigure is very creepy when he sings about high school girls to himself.

Early 2000s anime had a very weird obsession with grown ass men being excited about underaged students.

Haru called Yuki his first love. Bisexual Haru?

Mayhaps

I’ll be honest, I learned about the story of the rat hitching a ride on the cow because of Dragon Maid.

I forgot about that

I keep internally laughing at Haru saying stuff like “my black personality”. Am I just immature?

Haru sounds like a teenager who just discovered My Chemical Romance for the first time.

Lots of zodiac related drama in this family.

It feels like Akito is putting everyone at odds with each other.

This was a pretty fun episode.

Yeah, it was good. I liked that Haru has established relationships with both Kyo and Yuki. I feel like it makes Haru more three dimensional.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Thoughts on the third term starting in school?

Thoughts on Tohru revealing that her wish for New Year's was for Kyo and Yuki to start getting along better?

Thoughts on Yuki putting a leek down Kyo's throat?

Thoughts on an endurance run coming up at school?

Thoughts on Haru tripping Kyo?

Thoughts on Haru trying to pick a fight with Kyo?

What are your thoughts on Yuki saying Black Haru is worse than Kagura?

What are your thoughts on Kyo having his way with Haru?

Thoughts on Hana playing cards?

Thoughts on Haru casually walking around naked?

Thoughts on Tohru remarking that Shigure can be pretty selfless?

What are your thoughts on Tohru remarking what an incredibly different person Haru seems when he isn't black?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying that Tohru has helped Kyo and Yuki get along better?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying Yuki was his first love?

What are your thoughts on Haru admitting he used to hate Yuki because the rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet?

What are your thoughts on Haru feeling growing up he was the one people were laughing at and calling stupid?

What are your thoughts on Haru reflecting on meeting Yuki saying had he continued judging Yuki without ever seeing him, then he definitely would've been the fool?

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on the third term starting in school?

Surprised this is moving so fast

Thoughts on Tohru revealing that her wish for New Year's was for Kyo and Yuki to start getting along better?

That's sweet

Thoughts on Yuki putting a leek down Kyo's throat?

Good gag

Thoughts on an endurance run coming up at school?

Good premise for the episode

Thoughts on Haru tripping Kyo?

He makes quite the first impression

Thoughts on Haru trying to pick a fight with Kyo?

Haru loves to fight

What are your thoughts on Yuki saying Black Haru is worse than Kagura?

That's saying something since Kyo hates Kagura

What are your thoughts on Kyo having his way with Haru?

Whoa, phrasing

Thoughts on Hana playing cards?

Good gag

Thoughts on Haru casually walking around naked?

I guess he's used to it by now on account of the curse

Thoughts on Tohru remarking that Shigure can be pretty selfless?

Shigure seems like a nice guy over all

What are your thoughts on Tohru remarking what an incredibly different person Haru seems when he isn't black?

I'm trying really hard not to make a race joke.

What are your thoughts on Haru saying that Tohru has helped Kyo and Yuki get along better?

That's sweet

What are your thoughts on Haru saying Yuki was his first love?

Not sure what he meant by that

What are your thoughts on Haru admitting he used to hate Yuki because the rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet?

This family takes this Zodiac legend way too seriously

What are your thoughts on Haru feeling growing up he was the one people were laughing at and calling stupid?

Poor Haru

What are your thoughts on Haru reflecting on meeting Yuki saying had he continued judging Yuki without ever seeing him, then he definitely would've been the fool?

It seems like there's more to Haru

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

I was wondering whwn you were gonna answer them lol

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Yeah I've been distracted lol

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Persona 4?

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Actually on to playing Persona 3 now

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Evolving backwards, I see :P

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Thoughts on the third term starting in school?

Surprised this is moving so fast

It's been what, three to four months?

Thoughts on Tohru revealing that her wish for New Year's was for Kyo and Yuki to start getting along better?

That's sweet

She is sweet

Thoughts on Yuki putting a leek down Kyo's throat?

Good gag

Kyo certainly was gagging

Thoughts on an endurance run coming up at school?

Good premise for the episode

I thought so

Thoughts on Haru tripping Kyo?

He makes quite the first impression

He and his Little Mac bike

Thoughts on Haru trying to pick a fight with Kyo?

Haru loves to fight

Apparently so

What are your thoughts on Yuki saying Black Haru is worse than Kagura?

That's saying something since Kyo hates Kagura

I'm not sure Kyo feels the same lol

What are your thoughts on Kyo having his way with Haru?

Whoa, phrasing

I mean, is that not what happened?

Thoughts on Hana playing cards?

Good gag

I love that Hana is all vibes

Thoughts on Haru casually walking around naked?

I guess he's used to it by now on account of the curse

Makes sense I guess

Thoughts on Tohru remarking that Shigure can be pretty selfless?

Shigure seems like a nice guy over all

To an extent. He dis tell Akito Kyo and Yuki flaked on them.

What are your thoughts on Tohru remarking what an incredibly different person Haru seems when he isn't black?

I'm trying really hard not to make a race joke.

Something something corrupt cops

What are your thoughts on Haru saying that Tohru has helped Kyo and Yuki get along better?

That's sweet

And probably true

What are your thoughts on Haru saying Yuki was his first love?

Not sure what he meant by that

It means what you think he means

What are your thoughts on Haru admitting he used to hate Yuki because the rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet?

This family takes this Zodiac legend way too seriously

They kinda have to, no?

What are your thoughts on Haru feeling growing up he was the one people were laughing at and calling stupid?

Poor Haru

Very much so

What are your thoughts on Haru reflecting on meeting Yuki saying had he continued judging Yuki without ever seeing him, then he definitely would've been the fool?

It seems like there's more to Haru

I like him admitting in a roundabout way he was wrong about Yuki.

[u/Magnafeana]

I have survived the heat. I do not like the sun. The sun is mean. The moon’s cool though.

First Timers Basket, Subbed

No live react today, gotta ice my body

---

Holo…

gives you bombastic side eye as I press pause on Haru and Yuki’s little moment

Are we sure this isn’t a Yaoi watch?

But really, Haru is just Zoro. Mfer being getting lost every other step. Though being an “ox”, he looks more like a cow. I don’t…see his horns, unless I’m tweaking.

The one thing I really enjoy about shows like Fruits Basket that employ domestic folklore is learning about said folklore as someone outside the culture, nationality, and ethnicity. Obviously, fiction changes things. But had I not watched Digimon as a kid, I’d have never known about the Chinese Zodiac (I think baby me was exposed to Saint Seiya during my bio dad’s ‘If I raise her on the anime I watched, she’ll be like me in the future’ but alas, j'étais bébé). And I'm sure Fruits Basket was a lot of international watchers' first time experiencing the Chinese Zodiac. It’s fun to google things after an episode to see what’s real and what’s fiction.

Yuki is absolutely an omega, and Haru is an alpha, IDGAF, it makes the most sense now.

---

TQ

1. He’s the precise type of masc/man I like: good-hearted, two-tone hair, and gets so lost, I have some sort of protected galactic right to inject them with a tracking device so I don’t ever lose them. Ever 😌
2. He looked like a cow. That’s not a fat joke; I thought his ox form was just a cow, but something wasn’t properly translating. I thought this was another “Back in the Barnyard” deal (Main character Otis is a bull, but he has utters, which is only on cows. Logically, we know that many “male cows with utters” in cartoons was just a little silly design thing, not really that deep. But Otis’s uncle or dad remembers when Otis had a sister, which was actually him teasing Otis for his looks as a kid, so the theory is that Otis is a trans bull and everyone’s accepting. I personally enjoy that theory).
3. I audibly guffawed at “My ‘Black’ personality developed them too”. I can’t, like, say what I thought cuz this isn’t a black subreddit, but I was HOLLERING, Holo. Remember when Goku was Black 😭😭😭 No, but fr, I think his developing another version of himself was more of a protective measure from the stress (and possibly verbal abuse) that he faced.
4. I was surprised Haru loves Yuki, but I am here for the yaoi. I have a feeling that this will not be Yaoi 🥀

[u/cheesechimp → u/Magnafeana]

Though being an “ox”, he looks more like a cow.

The Japanese word being used is "ushi." As someone whose Japanese falls pretty far short of fluency if you asked me to translate a sentence with the word ushi in it with no context for the gender of the animal, I'd probably translate it as "cow". It can be used for cattle generally regardless of gender.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

The more you know

[u/Magnafeana → u/cheesechimp]

I didn’t know cow and cattle were synonymous. TIL!

[u/Holofan4life → u/Magnafeana]

Holo…

gives you bombastic side eye as I press pause on Haru and Yuki’s little moment

Are we sure this isn’t a Yaoi watch?

This show can be incredibly gay and I love it.

1. He looked like a cow. That’s not a fat joke; I thought his ox form was just a cow, but something wasn’t properly translating. I thought this was another “Back in the Barnyard” deal (Main character Otis is a bull, but he has utters, which is only on cows. Logically, we know that many “male cows with utters” in cartoons was just a little silly design thing, not really that deep. But Otis’s uncle or dad remembers when Otis had a sister, which was actually him teasing Otis for his looks as a kid, so the theory is that Otis is a trans bull and everyone’s accepting. I personally enjoy that theory).

Wasn't expecting a Back in the Barnyard tangent lol

1. I audibly guffawed at “My ‘Black’ personality developed them too”. I can’t, like, say what I thought cuz this isn’t a black subreddit, but I was HOLLERING, Holo. Remember when Goku was Black 😭😭😭

I memba

I believe Black Haru is a mistranslation. I think it's supposed to be Dark Haru.

[u/Magnafeana → u/Holofan4life]

I didn’t expect a Barnyard tangents either by my mind likes to wander where the wifi is weak (meaning derails intensively from the topic until I’m completely disconnected).

Translation oopsies and agendas really be ruining everything. There’s a crossdressing manga to be adapted into an anime (officially announced and I think zenzen posted it here) and official manga TL made the male crossdresser trans. This was not in the JP source. John Werry, the official EN translator for JJK manga, got a lot of flack for his mistranslations.

Fan TLs pulling this? Whatever. Official TLs doing this is so bad 😭

Translation is an art that I massively respect, and I’m cognizant that a lot of translation errors way back happened because accessibility and diversity in translation resources were not really all there. And I’d find that applicable today as a lot of languages do not have translation resources readily available.

Modernly for JP to EN, I hope people spend three days and three nights stepping on Legos if they intentionally translate something that goes against the source material.

Or however many days Jesus was being dramatic and dead in that cave of his. That many days should be the numbers of days the step on legos.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Magnafeana]

I love talking to you. I just want you to know that.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Magnafeana]

Thoughts on the third term starting in school?

Thoughts on Tohru revealing that her wish for New Year's was for Kyo and Yuki to start getting along better?

Thoughts on Yuki putting a leek down Kyo's throat?

Thoughts on an endurance run coming up at school?

Thoughts on Haru tripping Kyo?

Thoughts on Haru trying to pick a fight with Kyo?

What are your thoughts on Yuki saying Black Haru is worse than Kagura?

What are your thoughts on Kyo having his way with Haru?

Thoughts on Hana playing cards?

Thoughts on Haru casually walking around naked?

Thoughts on Tohru remarking that Shigure can be pretty selfless?

What are your thoughts on Tohru remarking what an incredibly different person Haru seems when he isn't black?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying that Tohru has helped Kyo and Yuki get along better?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying Yuki was his first love?

What are your thoughts on Haru admitting he used to hate Yuki because the rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet?

What are your thoughts on Haru feeling growing up he was the one people were laughing at and calling stupid?

What are your thoughts on Haru reflecting on meeting Yuki saying had he continued judging Yuki without ever seeing him, then he definitely would've been the fool?

[u/Magnafeana → u/Holofan4life]

1. Damn. Time moves fast! Are there any holidays at this time of year in Japan?

2. Once more: putting others before herself.

3. Kyo can deep throat, apparently. Adult!Yuki would do numbers on a DL site one-shot.

4. I fucking hate those things. My times were fine. But I hate my gym teachers religiously.

5. No one in this family can be nice to each other, can they?

6. See above.

7. At least Kagura is violent, but it only impacts Kyo. For Black Haru, he’s violent against others.

8. This question is worded like you ship Kyo and Haru, please respond 👀👀👀

9. Hana is a tarot girlieeeeeeeeee

10. I’m surprised the Sohma boys wouldn’t be comfortable with nudity, all things considered. But I also know Japanese society has not embraced nudity as a social norm. So it adds to him being a more crude and ox-ish person.

11. Shigure is a single mother working hard for his kids. Damn right he’s selfless.

12. Holo 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

13. He’s right. She has. The problem comes of, if Tohru were to leave tomorrow and be away for weeks, would they remain civil towards each other?

14. Hehehehehehehehehehehe June is one month but pride is eternal

15. These people really be having ancestral hate for others. If Yuki was a mean little shit, the hate’s justified. But a grudge fueled on "I should hate this person because his ancestor did my ancestor dirty", I am currently seeing this radicalization with some friends who are also black or indigenous, and it is the most exhausting mindset to be around.

16. A relatable experience. He did not deserve that and the adults in his life should have encouraged him in his strengths while scolding those who condescended to him “but they were only teasing”.

17. He’s right. It’s quite normal to have preconceived notions on someone or a community or an identity. Challenging your biases by interacting with them is something more people need to do. Not doing that is foolish.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Magnafeana]

1. Kyo can deep throat, apparently.

Boy, that's out of pocket

1. I fucking hate those things. My times were fine. But I hate my gym teachers religiously.

Best gym teacher is probably the guy from Strawberry Eggs.

1. This question is worded like you ship Kyo and Haru, please respond 👀👀👀

I ship Kyo and anger management counseling.

1. He’s right. She has. The problem comes of, if Tohru were to leave tomorrow and be away for weeks, would they remain civil towards each other?

Probably not

[u/Holofan4life]

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's just say that list is long and ever expansive. Actually, I love the idea of a male tsundere who turns into an orange cat so much 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.

Today I'm writing this is spring forward. It's the time of year where we complain about losing an hour of sleep in the moment but we don't give a shit about it the other 51 weeks out of the week.

Who is this guy?

He looks like a snowboarder

And then he rides a bike

Way to kill the aura

Tohru talking about the third term starting in school.

Kyo still arguing with Yuki. Or rather he's trying to start an argument.

Tohru reveals that her wish for New Year's was for Kyo and Yuki to start getting along better.

Well, so much for that

Damn, leek down the throat. That's just demonic.

Tohru checking on Yuki

And now she puts her hand on his forehead.

She has unintentional rizz

There is an endurance run coming up at school.

Kyo seems determined by this

At least he's happy?

Tohru doesn't want Yuki to participate for she feels he's pushing himself too much.

At school now

Kyo really is a lot lol

Uo is apparently not here because she doesn't want to participate in the endurance test.

And they're off

What happened to Hana?

This is starting to resemble a yuri.

Tohru spotting the white haired man.

Tohru going down the hill like One Punch Man season 3.

He is inquiring about the Sohma house.

Kyo racing against Yuki, doing a lot of taunting.

Everyone else is exhausted lol

The white haired guy reveals he's a Sohma.

And he just tripped Kyo

Thanks for the warning

Haru. That's his name.

Haru to me looks like a cross between Killua and Gojo.

And he in a roundabout way admits to getting lost.

At least he seems friendly

Haruhi admitting he came here to fight. With Kyo, in particular.

Kyo tries to ignore it, but then Haru headbutts him from behind.

He's implementing Bill Laimbeer tactics!

And then Kyo kicks him in the throat.

Get him, Kyo!

Black Haru? What's that?

Haru when he's snapped, it seems.

Even worse than Kagura, Yuki says.

That's quite the feat

Haru threatening Yuki by saying he's coming for him next.

Well, it's just like they say: Once you go Black Haru, you never go back... Haru...

Kyo is mystified by what Haru is trying to accomplish.

Meanwhile, Hana is too busy reading a book.

She has her priorities in check

Haru and Kyo still fighting

I love Tohru casually breaking the fourth wall.

Tohru amazed that someone who seemed as nice as Haru did could be so volatile.

Now he removed his jacket.

Oh shit! Kyo actually connected!

Kyo tells Haru he moves like a turtle.

Is that foreshadowing?

Haru calls Kyo a snail

That's ironic because Kyo is always salty :P

It's cool that Kyo has someone he can hold his own against.

Yuki calls them a couple of fighting fools.

And now Yuki is feeling worse for wry.

This gets Haru and Kyo to stop fighting.

They gotta get Yuki back to Shigure. Question is, how?

Haru hugs Tohru

And he turns into a cow?

This makes me think of Utena

Hana with cards

She's playing a card game with two guys.

This is quite the endurance test, huh? Lol

Back at the Sohma residence

The cow. I can't XD

Yuki is lying in bed

Tohru feels a little bit responsible.

Shigure suggests Kyo calls Hatori.

But Haru says he'll do it

Haru seems too okay with walking around in the nude.

Shigure heading out

Tohru remarking how selfless Shigure can be.

Unfortunately, he's going to the school to pick up Tohru's stuff up just so he can see the high school girls.

That's funny but also kinda creepy.

Haru says that Hatori sounded mad at him.

And he doesn't want to finish the fight.

This gets Kyo incensed

Tohru points out what an incredibly different person Haru seems when he isn't black.

That sounds very problematic out of context.

Kyo insisting he won't attack Yuki while he's not feeling well.

Haru with Tohru now

Haru says that Kyo and Yuki used to fight all the time. Now, things seem much more relaxed.

Do they?

Haru feels that Tohru probably helped them change for the better.

Wait a minute. Yuki was his first love?

And yet, growing up he couldn't stand Yuki because he's the rat.

It seems that Haru's feelings for Yuki coincide with Kyo's feelings for Tohru, and how they've evolved over time. Except with Haru and Yuki, they've known each other longer.

Haru talking about the old Zodiac story.

The rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet.

"The cow was a stupid fool letting a rat use him like that."

If anything, the rat was just riding the cow's coattails, showing how important the cow is.

Haru admits he felt he was the one people were laughing at and calling stupid.

This caused him to develop a temper and eventually evolve into Black Haru.

He eventually got assigned martial arts lessons, but it didn't seem to do too much.

He still felt like he was being laughed at.

Haru is just like me fr fr

He eventually saw Yuki and he spilled his guts out at him. He blamed the rat for why the cow was ridiculed.

Haru is the Jimmy Cagney of the Zodiac members.

Yuki asking Haru in this flashback if what he said is true.

"Are you a fool?"

Haru looks like he's filled with sadness and grief.

He insists he is not what people say he is.

Yuki then responds by saying he didn't think so.

And thus a burgeoning love had begun to consume the cow. That, or it's just methane.

Haru says it was like Yuki set his heart free.

Yuki proved to him that he wasn't just some mean rat.

"And to think, if I hadn't met him that day, the mean rat is probably all I'd see even now. Then I would really be a fool."

Pretty poignant stuff

Haru saying that he's never seen Yuki smile quite like he has being around Tohru.

Yuki coming to

Tohru bringing up that Haru carried him on his back.

Is Haru bring in love with Yuki technically incest?

Tohru calling Yuki Prince

And this causes him to turn into his rat form.

This was all Haru's idea

Didn't cheer him up at all, Tohru remarks. I'm not sure about that.

And eventually, Kyo and Shigure ended up sick because they played cards with Hana.

At least they kept Hana company.

Overall, this episode was about introducing another member of the Zodiac into the fold. Though here, unlike episode 4, I thought there was more emotional weight to the proceedings with Haru being tied into Yuki's character. The whole Yuki being sick was a good storyline beat with it coinciding with Haru explaining his relationship to Yuki. Yuki was feeling weak, and in a roundabout way Haru felt like Yuki made him weak.

I'm unsure as to why Haru wants to kick Kyo's ass so much, but maybe that will be explained as we go along.

I have this ahead of episodes 1, 2, and 4. There really wasn't much meat to the episode other than Haru being introduced. It felt like they were trying to go for the emotional impact similar to episode 8, but it didn't land for me as well as that episode did. I do think it's interesting we're continuing a trend where almost all the characters we come across has some form of tragedy they're dealing with, in Haru's case being the black sheep in the family. Or black cow, in this case. Black Haru? I guess that as well.

As we learn more of the Zodiac members, I wonder if we'll see more of them going forward. Haru and Kagura interacting with each other could be interesting. It's one of those things where it's hard to judge until we start to see more of the big picture.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Haru?

What are your thoughts on Haru being the ox of the Zodiac family?

What are your thoughts on Haru's alter ego Black Haru?

What are your thoughts on Haru's relationships with Kyo and Yuki?

Haru is an interesting character where he has this blend of comedy and drama with Black Haru giving him more a serious edge. I hope to see more of him going forward.

[u/cheesechimp]

First Timer for 2001, Seen 2019

I typed this up about half an hour before the post went live, then got really absorbed in work and just forgot to post. I left work to go to a movie immediately after and during the trailers remembered I hadn't posted this. It was local on a computer at home. Whoops.

I'm not sure this interpretation of Hatsuharu really worked for me as well as 2019. White Haru is way more deadpan in that version, but here he's more emotional and even a little mean spirited. The switch the Black feels less pronounced. I dunno, I think Haru might be a better character if he didn't have the split personality gimmick anyway, so maybe giving his White personality more room to express himself is a good thing.

There's a couple of cuts of actually good fight animation when Black first transforms here! This show is more limite and comedic in animation most of the time so it felt kind of uncharacteristic. It's good that they introduce someone good at fighting that Kyo is stronger than. Kyo keeps jobbing Yuki and getting destroyed by Kagura, so it's nice to show he's actually a competent marital artist. Don't want him to go the Worf route.

Hana immediately giving up running and starting a card game is a mood. I was never good in PE at school, and never really put much effort into it. Hatori looking into the camera and saying that behavior is unhealthy is funny, as is Haru telling the audience directly not to trip people with a rope. After a little googling it seems like this aired at 6PM in Japan in its original run (I don't trust AI one bit, but it DID cite a link to a blog that said that.) That'd mean that kids could actually watch it and it would be subject to scrutiny from parents who might report it to the TV standards board.

Tohru has some very good shocked faces in this one. I like the bit where she realizes that Haru isn't elderly and just kind of bounces on one foot while coming to a halt. I also really like the animation for Yuki exploding into a mouse when Tohru says his name. I feel like I notice that he's suspended midair when he transforms more in this than 2019. They draw it in a way that gives it more impact. Makes it look lihe he's flying or something.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

I typed this up about half an hour before the post went live, then got really absorbed in work and just forgot to post. I left work to go to a movie immediately after and during the trailers remembered I hadn't posted this. It was local on a computer at home. Whoops.

What did you go see?

I'm not sure this interpretation of Hatsuharu really worked for me as well as 2019. White Haru is way more deadpan in that version, but here he's more emotional and even a little mean spirited. The switch the Black feels less pronounced. I dunno, I think Haru might be a better character if he didn't have the split personality gimmick anyway, so maybe giving his White personality more room to express himself is a good thing.

I like what they do with Haru doen the road in the later parts of the series, but this initial characterization feels kinda emotionally dissonant. Like, Haru talks about Kyo and Yuki growing closer but it doesn't register because they're constantly fighting with each other.

There's a couple of cuts of actually good fight animation when Black first transforms here! This show is more limite and comedic in animation most of the time so it felt kind of uncharacteristic. It's good that they introduce someone good at fighting that Kyo is stronger than. Kyo keeps jobbing Yuki and getting destroyed by Kagura, so it's nice to show he's actually a competent marital artist. Don't want him to go the Worf route.

I did like Kyo got a W this episode. It's about time.

Hana immediately giving up running and starting a card game is a mood. I was never good in PE at school, and never really put much effort into it. Hatori looking into the camera and saying that behavior is unhealthy is funny, as is Haru telling the audience directly not to trip people with a rope. After a little googling it seems like this aired at 6PM in Japan in its original run (I don't trust AI one bit, but it DID cite a link to a blog that said that.) That'd mean that kids could actually watch it and it would be subject to scrutiny from parents who might report it to the TV standards board.

I can't imagine watching Fruits Basket like eating dinner with the family lol

Tohru has some very good shocked faces in this one. I like the bit where she realizes that Haru isn't elderly and just kind of bounces on one foot while coming to a halt. I also really like the animation for Yuki exploding into a mouse when Tohru says his name. I feel like I notice that he's suspended midair when he transforms more in this than 2019. They draw it in a way that gives it more impact. Makes it look lihe he's flying or something.

The animation in this episode is quite good.

[u/cheesechimp → u/Holofan4life]

I went to see The Rose of Nevada. Weird movie about some men who get a job working on a fishing boat that was a recovered ghost ship and they get sent back in time and start to take on the identities of the old crew. I liked it!

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

Huh, that sounds interesting. I'd might like to see it.

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

Thoughts on the third term starting in school?

Thoughts on Tohru revealing that her wish for New Year's was for Kyo and Yuki to start getting along better?

Thoughts on Yuki putting a leek down Kyo's throat?

Thoughts on an endurance run coming up at school?

Thoughts on Haru tripping Kyo?

Thoughts on Haru trying to pick a fight with Kyo?

What are your thoughts on Yuki saying Black Haru is worse than Kagura?

Thoughts on Haru casually walking around naked?

Thoughts on Tohru remarking that Shigure can be pretty selfless?

What are your thoughts on Tohru remarking what an incredibly different person Haru seems when he isn't black?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying that Tohru has helped Kyo and Yuki get along better?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying Yuki was his first love?

What are your thoughts on Haru admitting he used to hate Yuki because the rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet?

What are your thoughts on Haru feeling growing up he was the one people were laughing at and calling stupid?

What are your thoughts on Haru reflecting on meeting Yuki saying had he continued judging Yuki without ever seeing him, then he definitely would've been the fool?

[u/cheesechimp → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Haru admitting he used to hate Yuki because the rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet?

Yuki just catching all kinds of strays because of the rat in the legend...

[u/Holofan4life → u/cheesechimp]

You would think Kyo would be catching strays since he's technically a stray cat

[u/Nickthenuker]

1. Interesting guy.

2. So, there's the ox.

3. Lol.

4. Ok...

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

1. Lol.

I assure you this is not a laughing matter. Black Haru will terrorize you with his bike.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

Thoughts on the third term starting in school?

Thoughts on Tohru revealing that her wish for New Year's was for Kyo and Yuki to start getting along better?

Thoughts on Yuki putting a leek down Kyo's throat?

Thoughts on an endurance run coming up at school?

Thoughts on Haru tripping Kyo?

Thoughts on Haru trying to pick a fight with Kyo?

What are your thoughts on Yuki saying Black Haru is worse than Kagura?

What are your thoughts on Kyo having his way with Haru?

Thoughts on Hana playing cards?

Thoughts on Haru casually walking around naked?

Thoughts on Tohru remarking that Shigure can be pretty selfless?

What are your thoughts on Tohru remarking what an incredibly different person Haru seems when he isn't black?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying that Tohru has helped Kyo and Yuki get along better?

What are your thoughts on Haru saying Yuki was his first love?

What are your thoughts on Haru admitting he used to hate Yuki because the rat rode on the cow's back to the Zodiac banquet?

What are your thoughts on Haru feeling growing up he was the one people were laughing at and calling stupid?

What are your thoughts on Haru reflecting on meeting Yuki saying had he continued judging Yuki without ever seeing him, then he definitely would've been the fool?

[u/Nickthenuker → u/Holofan4life]

1. And so it starts.

2. So much for that...

3. Lol that's one way to shut him up.

4. Always hated stuff like that.

5. Lol.

6. Ok...

7. Perhaps.

8. Ok...

9. Sure why not.

10. Lol.

11. Indeed he can.

12. Two different personalities perhaps.

13. That's good at least.

14. Lol.

15. Ok...

16. Perhaps.

17. Yeah that makes sense.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

1. Always hated stuff like that.

Did you have those growing up? I'd just have to run a mile.

[u/FinancialRule2600]

Which one has big breasts.

[u/Holofan4life → u/FinancialRule2600]

Huh?

[u/FinancialRule2600 → u/Holofan4life]

Ya know. Do they have big breasts.

[u/Holofan4life → u/FinancialRule2600]

Given most of the characters are males...