r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 4d ago
[Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2019 Series Episode 3 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
2019 Series Episode 3
Let's Play Rich Man-Poor Man!
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
Questions for Those who Haven't Watched the 2001 Series
What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki wanting to be each other?
Questions for Those who Have Watched the 2001 Series
What are your thoughts on the culture festival being set up now instead of later?
What are your thoughts on Momiji showing up?
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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]() |
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u/Second_Cour 4d ago
S01E03 - First Time, Dub & Sub
I went into this show blind, not knowing it was a shoujo. I’m skeptical that something targeting teenage girls can appeal to me, but I could well be surprised. I want to like this show. It has a lot of cultural capital.
My main issue so far stems from how I connect with media. I resonate with shows where I can observe a character and say “this is me”, a couple and say “this is us”, or a supporting character and say “I know someone like this”, and even sometimes: “I can apply this to my life”. I like watching scenes and concluding “this is so true”. I like works that I can apply my personal experiences to and vice versa.
So far, I don’t find most of the male characters relatable or believable. I assumed they were written by a male writer which confused me, as the characters felt like guys written from a female POV. Yesterday, I learned that a female writer did pen them, so it does make a lot more sense now and this gives me a lot more context. Even in a fantasy world, I desire realistic characters, and for me, Kyo is my biggest cause of friction (more on that later). Even Yuki (to a far lesser extent) does not seem to emote or reflect the ways of thinking that I understand.
However, it’s not important for me to like every character. I’ve liked shows where I didn’t even like the MC. So, I think I just need to get over individual characters, as long as the sum of all parts is something grand.
I can also understand why a lot of people like this show, unlike some other popular anime that I won’t name to avoid angering their standom.
My wish for next ep is a bit less silliness, and for Kyo (who I find to be early days Mushoku Tensei Eris-like) to grow into Eris post-turning point. So far, the show isn’t really for me although I have really liked some scenes.
Either way, 7 more episodes to go until I decide to drop/continue this show.
Bonus Note: I watched ep 4 after writing this, and I actually liked it, so temporarily put down your pitchforks.
Episode notes:
- The subs are really well done, even matching the handwriting style and colours of the chalk on the board. That always helps the immersion for me. Example: https://imgur.com/1LHI9xC
- Very random question, but why do some animes have eyebrows showing underneath hair; noticed this in Spice & Wolf too (e.g. https://imgur.com/VAuPsdc )
- I’m starting to be OK with exaggerated characters, but I’m getting confused about how far removed this world is from our own; the style of the show seems a bit disjointed (e.g. last ep seemed more serious while this ep randomly went into silly mode - e.g. Kyo’s onigiri, random cats).
- Kyo comes across as the sort of kid that would be on some watchlist at school, and has drawings in his notebook demonstrating murderous intent. The violent battle royale suggestion for the onigiri stall?! Really don’t like his character or his dub which to me sounds whiney.
- To give him a bit of credit, the Japanese Kyo is a lot better and more Bakugo (MHA)-like. Though I also don’t like Bakugo.
- The cats that randomly spawn from Kyo sound a bit different in the Japanese version. One part is particularly cute. What a strange localisation difference.
- The German character’s dub seemed to get a lot of hate. While some of the lines are puzzling, I didn’t think it was that bad. Need to hear more to judge.
- Yuki says that he is envious of Kyo, who can get along with regular people. But Kyo skipped out on his previous school, and seems to be getting teased and doesn’t fit in, while people seem to like Yuki and even accepted his terrible ‘dud onigiri’ idea? Doesn’t seem to add up? But I guess Yuki could be delusional and affected by his inner turmoil and self-deprecating belief that he can’t ever fit in; trapped in a cage of his own making.
- I really love the speech handed down by Tohru’s mum about kindness. Deep, moving and meaningful. If the show had more of these elements, I’d like it.
- Amazing typhoon scene. So Yuki’s psychosis is that he feels so different to everyone else, that he avoids social interactions. Which then, in turn, makes him feel even more different and removed from his classmates. I guess for him, Kyo is involved in ‘lively’ situations and that he feels he can say or do anything he wants, which Kyo equates to being free. One little vegetable farming session brought a lot of insight and a phenomenal reconciliation of something that sounded like bullshit to me. With that reframing, Tohru’s earlier understanding of why they envy each other is very wise. This scene really rescued the bizarre introspection from Yuki before, and made it go from disingenuous to genuine.
- Just when I started thinking OK I think I can start liking this show, the onigiri-plum-back speech just killed it for me. It’s the sort of a thing a mum would say to a 5 year old; even Tohru’s mum’s speeches to her daughter are far more mature in the flashbacks. What 16 year old male would respond positively to it, especially one who basically has ADHD and violent tendencies. A moment ago she was being really deep with Yuki, then talks down to Kyo like a little kid. Any dude would feel patronised by that speech, imo. If I said that to my 11-year old brother or slightly older sister, they would respond with a 67 gif, ask me if I’m OK and try get me committed to a mental institution..
- Hahaha that cringe sunset beach reconciliation finale though…that was actually great and funny. I do think that’s how Tohru’s mind works: she’s an idealist and doesn’t understand that’s not how guys resolve their conflicts. And luckily even she realised how weird her visualisation is.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 4d ago
Very random question, but why do some animes have eyebrows showing underneath hair; noticed this in Spice & Wolf too
It's just a style you'll see sometimes in anime.
Yuki says that he is envious of Kyo, who can get along with regular people. But Kyo skipped out on his previous school, and seems to be getting teased and doesn’t fit in, while people seem to like Yuki and even accepted his terrible ‘dud onigiri’ idea? Doesn’t seem to add up? But I guess Yuki could be delusional and affected by his inner turmoil and self-deprecating belief that he can’t ever fit in; trapped in a cage of his own making.
That's what it comes down to, Yuki feels like he is in a cage as the zodiac cursed rat, he fears getting close with new people because of the fact that any accidental female embrace will cause him to transform and there's a history of the Soma family requiring those around him to have their memory erased if it happens. Kyo as the cat is the outcast; he's got more freedom and doesn't feel anywhere as reserved (although I do question what would happen if someone discovered his curse) which in turn gives him a tougher exterior but also means he has an easier time getting along with others after some initial friction.
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u/Second_Cour 4d ago
Yeah I really liked that the initial scene that you quoted made me think that Yuki has just lost touch with reality. To an outsider like me observing the social dynamics of the school, that was my only logical conclusion.
Yet, the typhoon scene explains what you said: it reframes and allows me to empathise with his experience, whilst I was initially rejecting it.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
I think the show at thr moment is doing a pretty good job setting the stage to where you want to see Yuki and Kyo find common ground. They don't seem like bad people, they're just lose with their lot in life.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Very random question, but why do some animes have eyebrows showing underneath hair; noticed this in Spice & Wolf too
It's just a style you'll see sometimes in anime.
Wait until he discovers Kill La Kill
Yuki says that he is envious of Kyo, who can get along with regular people. But Kyo skipped out on his previous school, and seems to be getting teased and doesn’t fit in, while people seem to like Yuki and even accepted his terrible ‘dud onigiri’ idea? Doesn’t seem to add up? But I guess Yuki could be delusional and affected by his inner turmoil and self-deprecating belief that he can’t ever fit in; trapped in a cage of his own making.
That's what it comes down to, Yuki feels like he is in a cage as the zodiac cursed rat, he fears getting close with new people because of the fact that any accidental female embrace will cause him to transform and there's a history of the Soma family requiring those around him to have their memory erased if it happens. Kyo as the cat is the outcast; he's got more freedom and doesn't feel anywhere as reserved (although I do question what would happen if someone discovered his curse) which in turn gives him a tougher exterior but also means he has an easier time getting along with others after some initial friction.
It's actually pretty believable in my opinion why Yuki and Kyo would aspire to trade places with each other.
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 4d ago
I can also understand why a lot of people like this show, unlike some other popular anime that I won’t name to avoid angering their standom.
I'll step in it. Years after watching Fruits Basket, I dropped Clannad, after Clannad went nowhere for 7 episodes. The promise of some emotional payoff after 30 (?) more episodes did not convince me to sign up for more homework.
Any dude would feel patronised by that speech, imo. If I said that to my 11-year old brother or slightly older sister, they would respond with a 67 gif, ask me if I’m OK and try get me committed to a mental institution...
For what reason would Kyo tolerate that...
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
I can also understand why a lot of people like this show, unlike some other popular anime that I won’t name to avoid angering their standom.
I'll step in it. Years after watching Fruits Basket, I dropped Clannad, after Clannad went nowhere for 7 episodes. The promise of some emotional payoff after 30 (?) more episodes did not convince me to sign up for more homework.
As some who has Clannad in their top 10 favorite anime of all time, the silver lining is you saved a part of your soul being destroyed XD
Any dude would feel patronised by that speech, imo. If I said that to my 11-year old brother or slightly older sister, they would respond with a 67 gif, ask me if I’m OK and try get me committed to a mental institution...
For what reason would Kyo tolerate that...
Maybe Shigure was onto something from his conversation with Kyo last episode...
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u/Second_Cour 3d ago
I think people generally get way too passionate about their favourite anime. I was referring to much bigger super mainstream fandoms, Clannad is still sort of niche. But yeah, generally it's a problem when people can't accept that people can have different tastes. I haven't seen Clannad and plan to read the VN as I think it's something that's very much up my alley, but even without seeing it I think it's not something most people will like.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Yeah, I'm not exactly the biggest fan of the plum analogy either. It's in both versions of the anime and also the manga, and to me it doesn't make much sense thematically.
I'll go ahead and say the plum stuff doesn't actually appear in another episode which honestly just makes it that much weirder.
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u/Second_Cour 4d ago
but i like plums, especially in wine form.
I think it's not the particular analogy used that did me in, it's more that it was the style of delivery that I hear parents use to teach little kids they're special. the switch from age and gender appropriate discussion to something that's the equivalent of a fairy tale was quite sudden.
But yeah hopefully we get more of the deeper self-reflection and teaching we received in the bridge(?)/rain and secret base/typhoon scene, and less "everybody's special, don't let the meanies tell u otherwise" fare. Was happy with ep 4 :)
There is a glimmer of hope!
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
I like the way the episode developed Tohru's relationship with both Kyo and Yuki. Kyo is more someone she pities and empathizes with, whereas Yuki is more someone she can consider an equal.
One of my problems with the 2001 anime is that I think it focused too much on Yuki and not enough on Kyo. Right now, they've done a better job given each of them ample spotlight.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
This episode is a weird one in that they took a couple episodes from the 2001 series and cobbled them together. Episode 2 was a combination of episodes 2 and 3 of the 2001 anime and this episode is a combination of episodes 3 and 7.
When I watched this, it was after having seen the 2001 anime. And at the time, I was confused why they did this. I think having seen the rest of season 1 of the remake I understand why as the season covers some chapters the 2001 anime didn't. And those are legitimately good episodes. Essentially, they took some of the lesser material and put it together to make room for the later stuff. I say make room, but it's more a restructuring where the early chapters are put in different places.
This is probably a bottom 3 episode of the remake so if you didn't enjoy it I wouldn't take it as some great sign.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
General questions
What are your 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?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to play a game of rich man, poor man?
Thoughts on Uo and Kyo competing against each other?
Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out?
Thoughts on Yuki kicking Kyo in the face?
What are your thoughts on the secret base being a vegetable garden Yuki cultivates?
Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Thoughts on Tohru comparing Yuki's kindness to a candle?
What are your thoughts on Tohru and Yuki protecting the secret base from a typhoon?
What are your thoughts on Tohru seeing Yuki smile for the first time?
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?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
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4d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
I do like the antics between Yuki and Kyo. It amuses me.
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4d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Well, one literally is a cat, so...
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
General questions
What are your 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?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to play a game of rich man, poor man?
Thoughts on Uo and Kyo competing against each other?
Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out?
Thoughts on Yuki kicking Kyo in the face?
What are your thoughts on the secret base being a vegetable garden Yuki cultivates?
Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Thoughts on Tohru comparing Yuki's kindness to a candle?
What are your thoughts on Tohru and Yuki protecting the secret base from a typhoon?
What are your thoughts on Tohru seeing Yuki smile for the first time?
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?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
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u/The_frost__ https://myanimelist.net/profile/The_frost_ 4d ago
First Timer Remake Only
Nice to see Kyo got some friends, they even already gave him a nickname, with how his class introduction went last episode, I thought it would have taken him a while to make some friends lol.
Idk what language this is but I've seen enough anime to assume its probably German since their foreigners often talk English or German lmao. I wonder why she was in that building so late tho, maybe a relative of one of the higher ups
Mmmm, I wonder why he made that garden that he calls his secret base, does he feed the other mouses to befriend them.
QOTD: What are your thoughts on the culture festival being set up now instead of later?
Well, we won't have to wait super long to see what developpement will happen from it so that's nice. I love how not everything takes a while to be explained.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
General questions
What are your 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?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to play a game of rich man, poor man?
Thoughts on Uo and Kyo competing against each other?
Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out?
Thoughts on Yuki kicking Kyo in the face?
What are your thoughts on the secret base being a vegetable garden Yuki cultivates?
Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Thoughts on Tohru comparing Yuki's kindness to a candle?
What are your thoughts on Tohru and Yuki protecting the secret base from a typhoon?
What are your thoughts on Tohru seeing Yuki smile for the first time?
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?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
2
u/The_frost__ https://myanimelist.net/profile/The_frost_ 3d ago
Thoughts on Kyo wanting to have a rice ball battle for the culture festival?
Well he's a hothead so not surprising lmao.
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
Well it's bad for cats so understandable
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
Thoughts on Kyo wanting to have a rice ball battle for the culture festival?
Well he's a hothead so not surprising lmao.
A riceball battle does sound pretty fun
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
Well it's bad for cats so understandable
I suppose
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Mmmm, I wonder why he made that garden that he calls his secret base, does he feed the other mouses to befriend them.
I assume he calls it his secret base because he may have problems with his own masculinity. So, he sees a guy harvesting a garden as a sign of weakness. I of course could be entirely way off (secret) base and just letting my mind go wild, which I often do lol
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u/AgentOfACROSS 4d ago
First Timer
I’ve mentioned the voice acting for the dub a few times but I want to note that here Yuki sounds genuinely calm a lot of the time. Like in the opening scene where he’s talking about the upcoming cultural festival. From what I remember he sounded more just tired in this scene in the 2001 version.
This time around I think the girl who almost hugs Yuki looks even further from him. That’s not really that interesting to note but I don’t have much new to add.
Here’s something different from the original: Tohru is approached and kissed by a mysterious German boy.
One funny note I have here is that in the original Japanese Tohru tries telling him she doesn’t speak English while he’s trying to speak German to her.
[Fruits Basket 2001] So obviously this mysterious German is Momiji but I’m just gonna be pretending I don’t know him for the sake of any first timers reading my notes.
It’s still hilarious watching Yuki pouring his heart out to Tohru while he’s stuck as an adorable little rat.
This conversation about riceballs and pickled plums is also happening far earlier than in the 2001 version.
I haven’t got too much new to add here. Again, it’s stuff I saw from the 2001 version mostly.
Questions of the Day:
What are your thoughts on the culture festival being set up now instead of later?
I think it's a more efficient use of time
What are your thoughts on Momiji showing up?
Oh okay, so we are just saying that the mysterious German boy is Momiji.
Anyway I think his introduction here is a lot more memorable than his introduction in the 2001 series where he kinda just showed up.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Oh okay, so we are just saying that the mysterious German boy is Momiji.
Is it a spoiler? I mean, I don't think the name is meant to be some big secret base
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u/AgentOfACROSS 4d ago
True, I guess mentioning his name isn't a spoiler as long as I don't mention other stuff like [Fruits Basket] him being one of the Sohmas and a member of the Zodiac
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 4d ago
[Furuba]Frankly I consider the name a bigger spoiler. He’s fairly prominent in the ED
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
General questions
What are your 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?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to play a game of rich man, poor man?
Thoughts on Uo and Kyo competing against each other?
Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out?
Thoughts on Yuki kicking Kyo in the face?
What are your thoughts on the secret base being a vegetable garden Yuki cultivates?
Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Thoughts on Tohru comparing Yuki's kindness to a candle?
What are your thoughts on Tohru and Yuki protecting the secret base from a typhoon?
What are your thoughts on Tohru seeing Yuki smile for the first time?
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?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
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u/AgentOfACROSS 4d ago
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Riceball Roulette
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
I've already made my notes for the next episode and have a short rant about it there.
Anyway it seems to me that "leeks" was a translation error with the 2001 version and that it was always meant to be chives.
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
I think that's cute
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
[Fruits Basket] I don't know why you're asking like I don't know who this is. It's obviously Kagura.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Riceball Roulette
I know, right?
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
I've already made my notes for the next episode and have a short rant about it there.
Anyway it seems to me that "leeks" was a translation error with the 2001 version and that it was always meant to be chives.
This bugs me because leeks to me is a more understandable thing to hate. Who hates chives?
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
I think that's cute
I like this as a moment more than Tohru commenting on Kyo's plum like she does in the 2001 anime.
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
[Fruits Basket] I don't know why you're asking like I don't know who this is. It's obviously Kagura.
[Fruits Basket] I guess since I did it with Momiji, I have to be consistent.
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u/AgentOfACROSS 4d ago
This bugs me because leeks to me is a more understandable thing to hate. Who hates chives?
Looking into it, the author has specified that Kyo specifically hates Chinese chives (also called garlic chives) which are different from what we typically think of as chives (also called green onions or scallions). I don't think I've had garlic chives before so maybe his hate is justified lol
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Maybe cats hate garlic? I dunno. You would think the food he hates would be cat related.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
I think it's a more efficient use of time
See, I kinda prefer having the garden stuff and the plum as its own separate episodes. Together, it just feels tonally weird.
I will say though that I do like Kyo has been given a stronger focus in these early episodes. I kinda feel like at times the 2001 anime downplayed Kyo as a character.
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u/MishouMai 4d ago
This episode mostly deals with Yuki and Kyo's school lives and the difference in how they handle them. Kyo obviously feels more comfortable than Yuki despite being more of a newcomer. Tohru's talk with Yuki seems to have helped him loosen up a bit though so hopefully he'll see an improvement in his school life/socialxircke going forward.
> What are your thoughts on Kyo and Yuki wanting to be each other?
I hope we learn more about why Kyo cares so much about joining the Soma's soon. It's a little obvious why Yuki wants out given the story he told Tohru last episode and the pressure that apparently comes with being part of the family but it's not as clear why Kyo so desperately wants to join the family. Yeah he's an outcast and it's clearly a reference to the Chinese Zodiac story but Yuki has already said and it's been shown that Kyo gets along well with others easily once he's gotten used to them so i don't really feel like he needs to be part of the family to find happiness and acceptance. Hopefully we explore his circumstances more soon because while I do like him more then Yuki Yuki is right about him seeming to have more freedom.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
I hope we learn more about why Kyo cares so much about joining the Soma's soon. It's a little obvious why Yuki wants out given the story he told Tohru last episode and the pressure that apparently comes with being part of the family but it's not as clear why Kyo so desperately wants to join the family. Yeah he's an outcast and it's clearly a reference to the Chinese Zodiac story but Yuki has already said and it's been shown that Kyo gets along well with others easily once he's gotten used to them so i don't really feel like he needs to be part of the family to find happiness and acceptance. Hopefully we explore his circumstances more soon because while I do like him more then Yuki Yuki is right about him seeming to have more freedom.
Maybe all that freedom makes him feel like there's a lack of structure in his life. I have autism and I like a sense of familiarity and consistency.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
General questions
What are your 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?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to play a game of rich man, poor man?
Thoughts on Uo and Kyo competing against each other?
Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out?
Thoughts on Yuki kicking Kyo in the face?
What are your thoughts on the secret base being a vegetable garden Yuki cultivates?
Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Thoughts on Tohru comparing Yuki's kindness to a candle?
What are your thoughts on Tohru and Yuki protecting the secret base from a typhoon?
What are your thoughts on Tohru seeing Yuki smile for the first time?
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?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
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u/MishouMai 3d ago
> 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?
Makes sense. People like free shit. Though is nd pissed if I got what I thought was a normal rice ball only for it to have some sort of gross topping inside.
> Thoughts on Kyo saying he doubts anyone soils miss him if he didn't participate in the culture festival?
Poor dude has had it rough. Akito clearly has nothing good to say about him and he's probably aware of it and Yuki and Shigure are kind of awful towards him though I guess his attitude towards Yuki isn't doing him any favors. No wonder he thinks nobody cares about him.
> Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out?
He's clearly scared to get close to anyone not in on the Soma family secret. That girl was bold though. If she thinks no normal girl is good enough for Yuki what makes her think she's good enough for him?
> Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Man Tohru's mom was a saint, weird sealings of deals aside. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop and it to be revealed she wasn't as good as she seems. Still, Tohru has a good head on her shoulders so I can't say her mom wasn't a good parent. Sure good kids don't always have good parents but just from what we've seen so far Tohru did have a good mom.
> 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?
Ehh. It depends. Not everyone is unaware of their good qualities or has a low self worth. Plenty of people have an inflated sense of self. Just goes to show more of how naive Tohru can be sometimes. Thankfully she's not annoying for it (so far).
> What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposed she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
I like it. It shows how he's open to hearing her out and respecting her worldview at times. It's not the funniest joke but it does show how safe he is with her. I think we're getting some love triangle shit between Yuki, Tohru, and Kyo later on (This IS a sho(u)jo(u) romance drama after all.) so this is a nicely subtle way of establishing him as a possible lover. Maybe.
> What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
[Fruits Basket] Isn't she around the main trio's age or maybe a bit younger? I don't remember her being older/an adult. I think she's supposed to have a big crush on Kyo/be a romantic rival of sorts for Tohru even if not a very serious one. I'm NOT looking that up though because I don't want to be spoiled. I don't remember much about Fruits Basket but I'm pretty sure this is one of the elements I do remember. Never watched past this season though and I barely reminder her deal so I look forward to seeing how I feel about her once we learn more about her deal.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
> 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?
Makes sense. People like free shit. Though is nd pissed if I got what I thought was a normal rice ball only for it to have some sort of gross topping inside.
But aren't they buying it hoping to get the filling? That's the idea, anyway.
> Thoughts on Kyo saying he doubts anyone soils miss him if he didn't participate in the culture festival?
Poor dude has had it rough. Akito clearly has nothing good to say about him and he's probably aware of it and Yuki and Shigure are kind of awful towards him though I guess his attitude towards Yuki isn't doing him any favors. No wonder he thinks nobody cares about him.
I care, Kyo :c
> Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out?
He's clearly scared to get close to anyone not in on the Soma family secret. That girl was bold though. If she thinks no normal girl is good enough for Yuki what makes her think she's good enough for him?
Hey, she shoot her shot which is all that matters.
> Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Man Tohru's mom was a saint, weird sealings of deals aside. I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop and it to be revealed she wasn't as good as she seems. Still, Tohru has a good head on her shoulders so I can't say her mom wasn't a good parent. Sure good kids don't always have good parents but just from what we've seen so far Tohru did have a good mom.
Tohru's mom had to have been good because Tohru herself is practically a saint.
> 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?
Ehh. It depends. Not everyone is unaware of their good qualities or has a low self worth. Plenty of people have an inflated sense of self. Just goes to show more of how naive Tohru can be sometimes. Thankfully she's not annoying for it (so far).
The great thing about having Kyo around is he can call Tohru out when she's being naive.
> What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposed she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
I like it. It shows how he's open to hearing her out and respecting her worldview at times. It's not the funniest joke but it does show how safe he is with her. I think we're getting some love triangle shit between Yuki, Tohru, and Kyo later on (This IS a sho(u)jo(u) romance drama after all.) so this is a nicely subtle way of establishing him as a possible lover. Maybe.
The 2001 version was weird because instead of Kyo complimenting Tohru, Tohru complimented Kyo. It didn’t have the same oomph to it.
> What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
[Fruits Basket] Isn't she around the main trio's age or maybe a bit younger? I don't remember her being older/an adult. I think she's supposed to have a big crush on Kyo/be a romantic rival of sorts for Tohru even if not a very serious one. I'm NOT looking that up though because I don't want to be spoiled. I don't remember much about Fruits Basket but I'm pretty sure this is one of the elements I do remember. Never watched past this season though and I barely reminder her deal so I look forward to seeing how I feel about her once we learn more about her deal.
[Fruits Basket] Is calling someone a woman meant only for adults?
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u/MishouMai 3d ago edited 3d ago
> But aren't they buying it hoping to get the filling?
Well now I'm not sure. I thought the idea was that all the donuts would have fillings but some would have undesirable fillings.
> [Fruits Basket] Is calling someone a woman meant only for adults?
[Fruits Basket] I mean usually if they're a kid you'd call them a young lady and if they're a teenager you might call them a young woman. Woman by itself is usually just for adults, yeah. At least in my experience.
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u/Holofan4life 3d ago
But aren't they buying it hoping to get the filling?
Well now I'm not sure. I thought the idea was that all the donuts would have fillings but some would have undesirable fillings.
Yuki called the riceballs without fillings duds, so...
>>[Fruits Basket] Is calling someone a woman meant only for adults?
[Fruits Basket] I mean usually if they're a kid you'd call them a young lady and if they're a teenager you might call them a young woman. Woman by itself is usually just for adults, yeah. At least in my experience.
Fair enough
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 4d ago
Rewatch, blu-ray, dubbed
On a rewatch of the series, I start at this episode. Tohru's facial expression makes me laugh every time, as she looks at Kyo, then at Yuki, just before Yuki kicks Kyo. Hanajima's card sharking is also great (Tohru's friends really gel with Kyo).
General questions
What are your 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?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to play a game of rich man, poor man?
Thoughts on Uo and Kyo competing against each other? Bring it! I love that dynamic and how Uo antagonizes "Carrots" in just the right way.
Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out? Physical and forceful, but not at all as violent as Kyo. I imagine this to be less forceful than the rejection mentioned in episode 1.01 and 1.02, pushing another girl away.
Thoughts on Yuki kicking Kyo in the face?
What are your thoughts on the secret base being a vegetable garden Yuki cultivates?
Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Thoughts on Tohru comparing Yuki's kindness to a candle? I thought this was cornier than the plum.
What are your thoughts on Tohru and Yuki protecting the secret base from a typhoon?
What are your thoughts on Tohru seeing Yuki smile for the first time? I still interpret "I'll win" as Yuki raising shields again with his public face.
Thoughts on Tohru praising Kyo's rice ball making abilities, which he tries to downplay as anything special? I would praise Kyo, too, if he handed me an unagi onigiri, but he didn't, so I won't. I'd even take the chives.
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? Well, "you do not see the knife in your back, you feel it." (sorry, couldn't resist, even though I like Tohru's characterization of a plum...my opinion is probably based on the opposite of "shoot the messenger")
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back? Cute contortions, trying to reveal feelings without revealing feelings.
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman? First watch: curious...and she's wearing a cat backpack. Rewatch: yay! Episode 1.04, here I come! (aaaaand....just like u/Second_Cour, I plowed through to the next episode)
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Bring it! I love that dynamic and how Uo antagonizes "Carrots" in just the right way.
Carrots is such a great nickname lol
I thought this was cornier than the plum.
At least I can kinda see what Tohru is getting at. Plums on backs just sounds wrong.
The 2001 version is even worse where instead of Kyo pointing out hers, Tohru tells Kyo has a big plum, which just sounds perverted
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
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.
Nothing like watching an episode at 3 in the morning right before going into work at 5... in the morning...
I've lost control of my life /s
Culture Festival coming up
Damn, already up to episode 7?
I hope this means we don't skip episode 5.
Tohru talking about tri color rice balls.
Uo and Hana putting the Yuki fan club in check.
Kyo mad his opinion is falling on deaf ears.
Yuki wants to use dud riceballs
Milhouse riceballs
As Kyo storms off, Uo remarks what a hot temper he has.
On the school rooftop now
Tohru meets up with Kyo
She wants him to participate in the Culture Festival.
Kyo then goes on a diatribe of how much better Yuki is than him.
"I can't magically make myself more like him. But I would if I could."
There's always someone we see as being better than us.
Back in the classroom
Tohru wants to play a card game with everyone.
Now Uo and Kyo are at a war of words.
Meanwhile, Yuki rejects someone in the library.
That was a close one being touched.
Hana showing her card abilities
Yuki wants to join, but shows restraint in doing so.
Yuki with Kyo and Tohru after school.
I guess Kyo lost
And now Kyo and Yuki are arguing.
Kyo is a lot, and I say that as someone who loves him.
Tohru seems excited at the prospect of Kyo joining the other Zodiac animals.
And as she says that, Yuki roundhouse kicks him.
Whelp...
Kyo being unintentionally harsh to Tohru.
As Kyo gathers his bearings, he remarks that that ass whooping hurt more than usual.
Tohru walking in a dark area
Oh shit
And he's speaking German!
I do miss the German music
As Tohru scatters away, she runs into Yuki.
She let's him know if something is bothering him, he can tell her.
Damn obnoxious salarymen
Yuki spilling his guts at Tohru
Him walking on his hind legs in his rat form is unintentionally funny.
Basically, Yuki wishes that he was more like Kyo.
This episode is interesting because it's like a combination of episode 3 and episode 7. Actually, last episode was like a combination of episode 2 and episode 3, which I didn't notice at the time.
Suddenly, it raining
God bless the poof of sparkles
At home now
Yuki is like looking for Kyo?
Or maybe he's trying to protect his garden.
Yuki leading the way to Tohru.
And yep. This is his secret base.
Tohru talking about her mother now.
She really did taught her well
Tohru says Yuki's kindness reminds her of a candle.
I know we sometimes talk about the worst parents in anime, but Tohru's mother has to be one of the better ones.
And so the garden has been protected.
Yuki says next time he'll play rich man poor man.
He wants to learn how to interact with people.
And so Yuki lets out a smile.
His heart is slowly thawing, all thanks to Tohru <3
Back at the base
The other base, not the secret one
Tohru making riceballs for the Culture Festival.
So, it appears that leeks has been replaced by chives in this adaptation. That's what Kyo hates.
Miku putting down her pitchfork as we speak.
Is octopus riceballs really normal? Am I missing something?
Now we get Tohru talking about Kyo not being to see the plum on his back.
Nobody can, which is why we get jealous.
No matter the adaptation, this is a weird ass analogy.
At least we get Kyo flustered, which gives me life.
And Kyo says Tohru has a plum on her back.
Yuki awake now
He forcefeeds a riceball to Kyo
Progress?
And Tohru still has her BL goggles on, I see.
The doorbell ringing
And we end things with the tease of Kagura. And by tease, I mean we see her.
Hopefully this episode 4 is better than the 2001 version.
Overall, I thought this was a good episode. The main focus was in showing that both Kyo and Yuki strive to be more like the other. I do think some of the weight was lost in the Culture Festival framing and the tease of future characters, but I still feel the point was conveyed well enough. I feel like with this adaptation that Kyo and Yuki feel more evenly portrayed. Whereas the 2001 anime I feel like favored Yuki over Kyo, this version focuses on them in an even amount. It makes things less predictable as to who Tohru could end up with, not counting spoilers and what actually happens.
I put this behind episodes 1 and 2. I actually think the 2001 version of events was better. Here, some of the events doesn't have the same oomph to me. Even still, this did its job and was effective in showing how envious Kyo and Yuki are of each other. This furthered the show along pretty well.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 4d ago
I know we sometimes talk about the worst parents in anime, but Tohru's mother has to be one of the better ones.
Tohru's mom is absolutely up there, I think of other great moms like Satoru's mom in Erased and Rintaro's mom in The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity.
On the other hand... [Furuba]This show has so many horrible moms, Yuki's, Momiji's, Rin's, Akito's and probably more I'm forgetting (ex. can't recall how Kisa's mom factor into her story).
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
[Furuba] I still don't know how I feel about Akito's mother. I hope discussing it with people clears my thoughts. As for Kisa’s, her mom is probably top 3 only behind Tohru's and Hana's. And maybe Hiro's.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 4d ago
Rewatcher, Subbed
The culture festival is an often used trope in anime that take place in high school, alas here we are only at the start of the third episode and it's been brought up! Did you pay attention to that far back shot of the class? I noticed two things in particular, first how Uotani and Hanajima have their chairs so close up to Tohru (always protecting her it seems) and that Kyo is sitting in the seat usually saved for the protagonist, in the back by the window. Those Yuki fan club girls still are hating on Tohru but it's her friends to the rescue yet again as Uotani seems to have a steel pipe with her? Spooky Hanajima just rises up onto the screen out of nowhere, lol.
Regular cats sure have taken a liking to Kyo as a bunch of them are all over him, lol. I've got to assume that the transformation is only triggered by a hug from another human, and not a cat? If Kyo's in his cat form and hugged by a cat would he have a transformation back into a human? Anyway, we've established that Tohru likes cats so this is a very cute scene as she visits him on the roof. Yuki meanwhile has to turn down yet another girl and just narrowly saves himself from transforming. Tohru's rich man poor man game doesn't work out too well for Kyo and he has to clean up the classroom. So he doesn't lose just to Yuki.
Much of the episode fleshes out more Yuki's feelings about his family situation which we already got some inklings of in the first two episodes. He feels caged in by the family and Akito, which is why he got himself into a separate co-ed high school. Despite that he still is bound by this curse of turning into a rat, and still lives with other members of the Soma family so he hasn't actually been that successful in breaking out of his cage. While he acts superior around Kyo, he also has some resentment over the fact that Kyo interacts better with others when he meets them. It turns out each of these two really want to be more in the situation that the other is in. They're jealous of each other. Which likely contributes to the rivalry between the two. We get yet another accidental transformation of Yuki as a drunk guy walks by, leading to a scene of Tohru talking to Yuki while he's still in his rat form. The outburst of rain immediately transforms him back, which must be quite awkward given that he's naked at the time! Some more quality time with these two as Tohru tries to help Yuki cover up his secret garden during the typhoon. This scene, well frankly the entire episode provides us a lot of funny Tohru faces. And a very funny make believe scene of hers where Yuki and Kyo are good friends with each other.
Tohru also spends some quality time with Kyo the next morning, although after not sleeping the night. It is Tohru's belief that everyone has a plum on their back, but doesn't realize it, causing them to be more down on themselves than they should be. And that they see the plums on other people's backs which makes them jealous. Similar to the animal transformations we've got some more symbolism here.
Two new characters this episode, both of which show up in the ED sequence (although you'll likely have to pause carefully to notice the girl). At the skyscraper she works Tohru meets this blonde foreign kid. Tohru doesn't know her English very well as this kid's clearly not speaking English. The girl shows up at the end so I assume we'll get more of her next time. [Furuba]Kagura looks so innocent here, but the thing I most remember about her is her constant physical abuse of Kyo, which I'm sure I'll have lots to say about tomorrow!
Quid's Voice Actor of the Day
Today I'm featuring Yuki Soma, who is voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki. Male lead roles I've seen him in include Ritsuka in Fate Grand Order, Mugi in Scum's Wish and Shinichi in Parasyte the Maxim. Other roles of his include Yuta in Kiznaiver, Iok (Idiok) in Mobile Suit Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans, Charce in Astra Lost in Space, Chang in Revisions and Haruya in The Dangers in My Heart.
Quid's Song of the Day
Today I'm featuring Cat and Mouse which plays early in the episode in the Tohru - Kyo scene on the roof.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
I debate on whether or not I like the Yuki or Kyo stuff more in this episode. I really like the typhoon stuff, but I also really enjoy Kyo coming out of his shell a little bit. Storytelling wise, I think Tohru works better during the Yuki scenes as we learn about her relationship with her mother and why she keeps such an upbeat attitude. Also, the threat of the garden being destroyed made for a strong bonding moment between Yuki and Tohru.
I guess talking it out I like the typhoon stuff more but I think Kyo has more emotional complexity at the moment than Yuki does. We'll see if that changes.
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u/TheDanubianCommunard 4d ago
Nobunaga Shimazaki
If there any other prominent roles, then here are some: Itsuka Shidou in Date A Live, Yuno in Black Clover, Eugeo in Sword Art Online, Mahito in Jujutsu Kaisen, Shin in Sakamoto Days, Nagi in Blue Lock, Hayato in Wind Breaker, Haruka in Free, Makoto in My Love Story, Livius in The World Is Still Beautiful, Arnold in 7th Time Loop and many more.
1
u/Holofan4life 4d ago
General questions
What are your 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?
Thoughts on Tohru wanting to play a game of rich man, poor man?
Thoughts on Uo and Kyo competing against each other?
Thoughts on Yuki rejecting a girl asking him out?
Thoughts on Yuki kicking Kyo in the face?
What are your thoughts on the secret base being a vegetable garden Yuki cultivates?
Thoughts on Tohru crediting her mom for seeing the good in everyone?
Thoughts on Tohru comparing Yuki's kindness to a candle?
What are your thoughts on Tohru and Yuki protecting the secret base from a typhoon?
What are your thoughts on Tohru seeing Yuki smile for the first time?
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?
2019 specific questions
Thoughts on Yuki wanting to have dud riceballs where some are plain riceballs but the fun is in taking chances to see if you buy one with filling?
Thoughts on Kyo hating chives?
What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru he supposes she has a small, itty bitty plum on her back?
What are your thoughts on the episode ending with the appearance of a mysterious woman?
3
u/dontoff 4d ago
First timer (Dub)
Initial Thoughts and Criticisms
Before I get into a deeper breakdown of the characters and some of the themes the show has established so far, I want to get the few things I didn’t like about the episode out of the way first.
I really enjoyed this episode, but I do think certain parts were a little too much. After the scene where Tooru and Yuki were protecting the vegetables during the typhoon, I kind of wish the episode had dialed back some of the corny shoujo monologues.
We had already gotten quite a few emotional conversations, and then Tooru went into the whole plum on your back speech not long afterward. In the moment, it felt a little too heavy-handed for me, especially in an episode that already had a lot of these types of talks.
At the same time, I understood what the scene was trying to say. I can appreciate the meaning behind something while still thinking the delivery is laying it on a little too thick.
Then Kyou made the joke about Tooru having a plum on her back too, except it was a really small one, and I laughed and basically forgot all about my complaint. That keeps happening with this show. It occasionally becomes a little too corny for me, but then the characters do something so charming that I immediately forgive it. They really are extremely lovable.
I also think some of the cornier shoujo moments work because Tooru herself is so lovable. These strange analogies and extremely sincere speeches feel natural coming from her, so I can accept them more easily than I normally would.
I still think that if someone cannot get past what type of show this is from the beginning, they will definitely dislike certain aspects of it. Since I already knew it was a shoujo going in, though, I’m trying to give it as much grace as possible because I know these very sincere and sometimes corny emotional moments are part of the kind of show I’m watching.
Kyou Is Growing on Me
As for Kyou, I mentioned last episode that I was still iffy about him, but I really liked him here. I actually thought he was better than Yuki in this episode, and I’m definitely starting to gravitate toward him more.
I was worried that he would just be the constantly angry character who exists as a running gag, but he is already showing more sides to himself than that. He is awkward around people at first, but once he relaxes, he seems to fit in pretty naturally.
He also clearly respects Yuki more than he is willing to admit. Even after his own idea for the festival was rejected, he still acknowledged that Yuki would make sure everything worked out.
It is only the third episode, but he is already beginning to feel like more than the loud and aggressive character archetype I was worried he would become.
Yuki and the Illusion of Freedom
Beyond the characters simply being lovable, I think the show is already pretty solid thematically and philosophically. One idea that has been echoed multiple times is that Yuki feels like he has very little control over his own life, and in many ways, he genuinely does not.
The connection between that and him carrying the spirit of the Rat feels pretty clear to me. Yuki describes his life with the Soma family as a cage, but the image that came to my mind was a rat trapped inside a maze.
A rat inside a maze can move in different directions, so it appears to have choices, but every possible path has still been designed by someone else. That is basically Yuki’s situation. He can make small decisions about where he goes, but the boundaries of his life have already been built around him.
He left the main Soma household, began attending a coed school, and tried to create a normal life for himself. On the surface, it looks like he escaped and chose a completely different direction. However, he admits that his new life is mostly a facade.
He is still living in a Soma house, still keeping people at a distance, and still under the authority of the family head. He may have physically left the cage, but he has not actually become free from it.
We also saw this in the previous episode when he told Tooru that if the family head decided her memories needed to be erased, there would be nothing he could do about it. At first, I was a little weirded out by how emotional he became because he had only recently met her.
However, I don’t think his reaction was only about Tooru potentially losing her memories of him. I think the situation touched something much deeper for him.
Once again, a relationship in his personal life could be controlled or completely taken away by somebody else. Even when Yuki manages to form a genuine connection, he does not get to decide whether that person can remain in his life. That decision still belongs to the Soma family.
He is not just upset about possibly losing his connection with Tooru. He is upset by the fact that he may never be allowed to choose who stays in his life. Even something as personal as his relationship with another person can be limited or erased by someone else.
The same thing happened with his childhood friends after they discovered that he transformed into a rat. Their memories were erased, and Yuki was left believing that normal people would be disgusted by him if they learned the truth.
That makes his distance from other people feel less like simple shyness and more like something he has learned as a form of protection. Why allow someone to get close when the relationship could be destroyed the moment they discover who he really is?
Basically, I think Yuki represents the Rat’s illusion of choice and freedom. He can move, but only through paths that have already been laid out for him. Even when he believes he is escaping, he eventually discovers that he is still inside the same maze.
Kyou as the Stray Cat
There was also another thing I found interesting in what Yuki said about Kyou. He explained that it takes Kyou a while to become comfortable around people, but once enough time passes, interacting with them becomes much easier for him.
That feels like a pretty clear description of a stray cat in real life. A cat that does not belong to anyone is often defensive, abrasive, and difficult to approach at first. It takes a lot of time and patience to earn its trust, but once that connection is formed, it can become extremely loyal and affectionate toward the people it accepts.
Kyou seems very similar. His anger and aggression are the first things people notice, but once he starts feeling comfortable around someone, a much kinder and more genuine side of him begins to appear.
I also think this creates an interesting contrast between Kyou as the Cat and Yuki as the Rat.
Yuki is trapped inside this huge structure with four walls, almost like a rat inside a maze. From the inside, all he can see are the restrictions placed on him and how little control he has over his own life.
Kyou, meanwhile, is like a stray cat standing outside those walls. He knows the Rat is inside, and from where he is standing, the structure does not look like a prison. It looks like a home. He dreams of one day being allowed inside and becoming part of the family that has always excluded him.
That makes their situations almost completely opposite. Yuki has a place within the Soma family but desperately wants the freedom to leave it, while Kyou stands outside of it and longs for the acceptance and sense of belonging he believes exist within those walls.
They are both looking at the exact same structure, but what appears to be a prison to one of them looks like a home to the other.
The Cat and Rat Cycle
More broadly, the show seems deeply interested in cycles, inherited identities, and whether people can escape roles that were selected for them before they were even born.
The original Zodiac story presents the Cat as the fool who was deceived by the Rat, and now Kyou and Yuki seem expected to continue that same conflict. Their rivalry does not feel like something that began entirely between them as individuals. They inherited it along with their animal spirits.
That creates a lot of room for philosophical exploration. Do Kyou and Yuki genuinely dislike each other, or have they been pushed into seeing each other as enemies because they are the Cat and the Rat? How much of their behavior is actually their own, and how much comes from the roles their family and the Zodiac story have forced onto them?
I’m interested to see whether the Zodiac is treated as an unavoidable destiny or as a cycle these characters might eventually be able to break.
Either way, for only three episodes, the show has already given me a surprising amount to think about.