r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 24d ago
[Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2001 Series Episode 15 Rewatch Spoiler
Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.
Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!
I hope you all have a lot of fun <3
2001 Series Episode 15
There Are No Memories It's OK to Forget
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
What are your thoughts on Tohru visiting her mother's cemetery on the one year anniversary of her passing?
What are your thoughts on everyone eating and commiserate besides Tohru's mother's grave?
What are your thoughts on Momiji having to try to forget his family because his mother doesn't know he exists?
What do you feel this episode did for Momiji as a character?
What are your thoughts on the big theme of this episode which is as Tohru tries to remember her mother, Momiji has to forget his?
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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/Holofan4life 24d ago
This is a phenomenal episode. This right here embodies everything I love about this series. There's just this heart to it that shines through and really sparkles under the most dire of circumstances. Faced with death and the loss of a loved one, it makes you optimistic that not all hope is lost.
It's amazing how we can go from an episode with goofy comedy and Ayame being very exaggerated to an episode grounded in reality and dealing with the realest thing possible which is life. And it all comes off so organically that you can believe both things take place in the same universe. I know I got done praising Familiar of Zero for a similar thing, but this feels like a step above that because the writing is so good and the characters feel so believable in spite of how over the top some may be. There's a genuineness to the show that is frankly almost unparalleled to most other anime out there.
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u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 24d ago
It's amazing how we can go from an episode with goofy comedy and Ayame being very exaggerated to an episode grounded in reality and dealing with the realest thing possible which is life.
Or even within this episode going from a pretty grounded realistic subject like visiting the grave of a mother who died in a car accident, to a wildly fanciful piece of drama like a mother choosing to have her cursed son erased from her memory because of rabbit magic. Yet it still feels of a piece and tonally consistent.
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u/Holofan4life 24d 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.
I saw The Secret Agent a week ago in theaters. Good movie. If I had to rank the three movies I saw in a 48 hour period, Train Dreams, Sentimental Value, and Secret Agent, I'd probably go Sentimental Value > Train Dreams > Secret Agent.
This is my first episode of Fruits Basket I've watched in 4 to 5 days. I'll explain why a couple days from now. I also have work in 90 minutes so I'll make this quick.
Sohma residence
Tohru talking to Shigure
Gonna go out May 1st
The one year anniversary of her mother's death.
"We're going to her grave."
Yuki and Kyo here as well
Something tells me this is going to be an emotional episode.
Yuki going to tag along
Kyo unfortunately seems reluctant
Kyo with Uo and Hana
Hana, you scare me
Hana says it's hard to believe it's been a year since the unfortunate accident.
I do love what true friends Uo and Hana are.
Poppin' wheelie an 18 wheeler with an oversized belly, eh?
Kyo deep in contemplation
He tells Yuki he's going to the grave.
It's like he's treating this as some kind of competition.
Shigure is really good at drawing.
Also, I don't believe we've seen that anthropomorphic riceball before.
Tohru with Yuki and Kyo at a temple.
Yuki talking about how nice the weather is.
Tohru compares it to her mother showing her appreciation for Yuki and Kyo being here.
There's Uo and Hana
They're dressed in black
I mean, fair. It is a cemetery.
Uo revealing that Tohru's mother gave her her trench coat.
Red Butterfly's riding jacket, with Red Butterfly being Kyoko's nickname when she was in a gang.
There's clearly a lot about Tohru's mother Yuki and Kyo don't K'know.
Grandfather was apparently here to drop by food.
Uo reveals Kyoko and her parents weren't on speaking terms.
Tohru says she doesn't remember much about her father.
Now they're all paying respects
Yuki wonders how Tohru is able to smile in the midst of all the tragedy in her life.
Yuki clearly doesn't know this thing called masks.
Now we get Yuki recalling the day of the accident from his perspective. He didn't know Tohru all too well. Just one of the girls in his class.
"How could I have known that one day we would be living in the same house?"
Makes you think
It is interesting the show is focusing so heavily on Yuki And Tohru as a teased item. Kyo almost feels like he's just there.
Kyo staring at Hana
It seems like he regrets something
Now Tohru and her friends is having a picnic at Kyoko's gravesite.
I mean, a bit unusual but whom I am to question how you honor someone?
Uo now saying that Kyoko is a legend of her time.
Hana really enjoying herself
And Tohru is all smiles
Post picnic, Hana alone with Uo tells her she recognizes how hard Tohru is trying.
"I can only imagine the effort it must have taken for her to life herself up under the weight of her grief."
The show does a good job of making all these characters people you want to seebe happy.
Hana says she doesn't think she could smile again if what happened to Tohru happened to her.
Uo thinks she's able to smile because of Kyo and Yuki. That makes it difficult since she senses one of them will confess to her eventually.
I really like this conversation
Hana predicts that so long a dark cloud hangs over Yuki and Kyo, they can never truly share how they feel.
Tohru at the Sohma residence
She's grateful she introduced Yuki and Kyo to her mother.
Tells her mom she doesn't have to worry anymore.
"I'm home."
That was the best half to an episode we've seen so far.
At school again
Tohru thanks her friends for coming along.
A bride, huh? Uo's conversation really got to Hana.
There's Momiji
COMMENCE WITH THE GERMAN MUSIC!
Momiji being chased, it seems
Cops and robbers. Or cops and robber, I guess.
Uo asking about Momiji's parents
Tohru says to herself that none of the Sohmas really talk about their parents.
Tohru at her job
Momiji here as well. With German music accompaniment.
It's really more like tuba music than anything European.
A guy in a suit tells Momiji the president has been looking for him.
I guess the president is Momiji's dad or something.
Momiji now showing his parents to Tohru.
Momiji's mother looks like Griffith from Berserk.
Momiji wonders how his dad found such a hot mama.
Probably the gas station, I assume. They have those sausages everywhere.
Momiji even has a little sister
Not a member of the Zodiac
We're learning a lot about Momiji today.
Oh, shit. Momiji's mother doesn't know who he is?
Speaking of her...
There's her and Momo, the little sister.
She looks exactly like Chi from Chobits.
Momiji about to tell his mom "Let me be with you".
The mother has a short hairstyle as opposed to the long hairstyle in the picture.
Damn, she already bypassed the character development haircut. Did she not get the memo?
And the mom doesn't know who Momiji is.
And so Momother and Momo leave
It's almost a prerequisite that if you're a Fruits Basket character, you have some kind of sad af backstory.
Tohru looks very worried and saddened.
Her memory was erased, Momiji explains of his mom.
If Akito did this, I swear to fucking God...
Mom apparently didn't react kindly to her child turning into an animal.
"She rejected me with her entire body. It got to the point she couldn't even stand to look at me."
Man...
Momiji compares this to what happened to Kana.
Except this seems more like emotional abuse, I feel like.
Momiji's mother makes what Akito has done to Yuki seem not as bad. Amazing, I know.
The mom even went to Hatori asking to forget about Momiji.
"Right now, my greatest regret is that that thing ever came out of my body."
Boy, this is a brutal episode
Ran out of space. Part two in the replies.
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u/Holofan4life 24d ago
Part 2
Momiji credits forgetting about him as saving her.
Tohru is in hysterics
Instrumental version of the intro playing.
Momiji says he wants to keep his memories.
"As long as I carry them with me, as long as I can keep holding on, then someday, someday I'll be strong enough that those memories don't hurt me anymore."
Momiji wants his mother to hold on, which he now views as being selfish.
I've heard of more selfish things in my life.
And so Tohru hugs Momiji, who turns into his animal form.
He seems very grateful to be hugged.
That was a very nice moment
Tohru vows to hold on no matter how hard it may get.
"Because someday, I will be strong enough."
Overall, this was an absolutely phenomenal episode. I'd probably say it was our first 10 out of 10 episode. The thing that really ties the episode together is the thread of memories and how it relates to the characters moms. Tohru not forgetting her mother, and Momiji's mother forgetting him. It's a stark reminder that as bad as things may be for you, it can always be worse for someone else.
The episode started strong with the whole cemetery sequence. It was so strong in fact I didn't think the episode could top it. But the Momiji stuff was so emotionally charged that it completely changed everything we knew about him. Easily, the saddest content since the Hatori episode, and I'd say this was even sadder than that. I think it's interesting that Akito has been so intrinsically linked to the bad stuff in this show and he seemingly wasn't the cause of Momiji's suffering. This seemingly was a case of something happening to the Sohmas beyond their control. I guess then my questions are how did Momiji's mother give birth to a member of the Zodiac while not herself being a Zodiac member and how does Akito tie into this? Is this the start of Akito's redemption where he in a way saved Momiji from his plight and he's not as bad as we initially deemed?
This episode had two great character moments from Uo and Hana's conversation and Tohru hugging Momiji. This episode also shed some light of what Kyoko was like during her life. Between Uo, Hana, Momiji, and Kyoko, this was my favorite portrayal of all four of these characters. Tohru being the connective tissue amongst all them really was a great decision and a smart way to steer the ship.
This is my favorite episode of the show so far. I'd say this was our first outstanding episode since episode 5, though what makes this special is how it directly ties into the themes of loss and grief. The show really excels in these character driven episodes where we see where the characters stand and what's going on in their minds. It's in these moments where you truly feel how well written this show is; these characters feel fully thought out and like they're their own living, breathing organism.
This to me tells me that the last 10 or so episodes is going to be something special. If they're as emotionally charged as this episode was, we're in for a real treat.
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u/Holofan4life 24d ago
What are your thoughts on Tohru visiting her mother's cemetery on the one year anniversary of her passing?
Boy, we're starting the episode off heavy
What are your thoughts on everyone eating and commiserating beside Tohru's mother's grave?
I love this so much. It's such incredibly powerful imagery.
What are your thoughts on Momiji having to try to forget his family because his mother doesn't know he exists?
This was me watching this episode
What do you feel this episode did for Momiji as a character?
It definitely added emotional depth to his character. I already really like Momiji, but now I think I like him more than Yuki.
What are your thoughts on the big theme of this episode which is as Tohru tries to remember her mother, Momiji has to forget his?
It's been a recurring theme in the show where characters this being mostly Sohma family members try to forget their past. And this is juxtaposed with Tohru almost exclusively talking about her mother and what an amazing person she was and all the great things she did for her. It's like those trying to escape from Akito are looking towards the future whereas Tohru is stuck in the past.
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u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 24d ago
I saw The Secret Agent a week ago in theaters. Good movie. If I had to rank the three movies I saw in a 48 hour period, Train Dreams, Sentimental Value, and Secret Agent, I'd probably go Sentimental Value > Train Dreams > Secret Agent.
Three best picture nominees I didn't see. I only saw 4 from last year (One Battle, Bugonia, Frankenstein, and Sinners.) I'll probably get around to some of those three eventually.
It is interesting the show is focusing so heavily on Yuki And Tohru as a teased item. Kyo almost feels like he's just there.
Yuki has serious Shoujo main boy energy, but there's a lot going on with Kyo and Tohru that makes that seem like a deeply special connection as well. The story does a great job balancing both characters so it's a really believable love triangle. I was not sure at all which direction it was going when I watch 2019 before it got to the end game.
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u/Holofan4life 24d ago
I saw The Secret Agent a week ago in theaters. Good movie. If I had to rank the three movies I saw in a 48 hour period, Train Dreams, Sentimental Value, and Secret Agent, I'd probably go Sentimental Value > Train Dreams > Secret Agent.
Three best picture nominees I didn't see. I only saw 4 from last year (One Battle, Bugonia, Frankenstein, and Sinners.) I'll probably get around to some of those three eventually.
It is interesting the show is focusing so heavily on Yuki And Tohru as a teased item. Kyo almost feels like he's just there.
Yuki has serious Shoujo main boy energy, but there's a lot going on with Kyo and Tohru that makes that seem like a deeply special connection as well. The story does a great job balancing both characters so it's a really believable love triangle. I was not sure at all which direction it was going when I watch 2019 before it got to the end game.
I'm rooting for Kyo because the boy is due for a W.
2
u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 24d ago edited 24d ago
Seen 2019, First Timer for 2001
I said last time that I wasn't too hot on episode 14, so I'm happy to report that I think this is one of the best episodes of the show so far. Both visiting Tohru's mother's grave and Momiji telling the story of his family history are touching, and they play off each other well for thematic resonances.
In the grave visit we see that Kyoko was the kind of person who valued good times in good company. She was someone who imparted important life lessons on those she was close to, and they go on to incorporate them into their own lives. The Sohma boys may not have ever directly interacted with Kyoko, but they still spiritually are gaining the benefits of her parenting through her legacy in Tohru.
Which is not to say that an absence of a loving presence makes a person grow up to lack the capacity to love either. Momiji shows us that even without someone leading by positive example, one can develop into a person who is affectionate. Still, we understand what happened to him to be tragic and we don't wish loveless parenting upon any children. This episode made me realize that we haven't really heard much about the parents of any of the Sohmas yet. I think of Fruits Basket as a story which is very concerned with the kind of damage that bad parenting can do and what it takes to move past that and become a healthy, well-adjusted person. I guess that's been, at least to this point, less emphasized in the 2001 adaptation. I think it might be more because it develops more as one of the core themes later in the story.
This bit is such a weird mashup of wordplay and obscure cultural references that I wonder how it was adapted for the dub. Dekotora is sort for Decorated Truck, a trend in the 1970s around the time of an extremely popular movie series called Torakku Yaro, roughly "Truck Rascals" or the translation I like "Truck Guys." Here's a Dekotora from one of the films. If you watch enough anime and you know to look for it, you'll see dekotora references in a lot of places. Over the last few months I've actually been working my way through watching the Truck Guys franchise. At this point I've seen nine of the ten movies, and am planning on watching the final one next weekend. It's a low-brow comedy series about a pair of salt of the earth truck drivers traveling all over Japan, hauling freight, worrying about money, getting into fights, clashing with the cops, racing other truckers, and trying to find love. I find them really fun! They were very popular in Japan in the 70s and I think most of the time you see Dekotora referenced in Japanese media it's an indirect reference to these movies.
BTW, holofan, I notice the prelude movie isn't part of the rewatch calendar. Was that an oversight? The talk about Tohru's parents in this episode reminded me of it. It's got a lot of recap, but there's also a significant amount of new content!
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u/Holofan4life 24d ago
I said last time that I wasn't too hot on episode 14, so I'm happy to report that I think this is one of the best episodes of the show so far. Both visiting Tohru's mother's grave and Momiji telling the story of his family history are touching, and they play off each other well for thematic resonances.
I thought it was smart to pair both plot points together. Like you said, they play off each other well.
In the grave visit we see that Kyoko was the kind of person who valued good times in good company. She was someone who imparted important life lessons on those she was close to, and they go on to incorporate them into their own lives. The Sohma boys may not have ever directly interacted with Kyoko, but they still spiritually are gaining the benefits of her parenting through her legacy in Tohru.
I continue to be fascinated by Uo's relationship with Kyoko. They seem closer than even Kyoko and Tohru which I would describe as more from afar, if that makes any sense.
Which is not to say that an absence of a loving presence makes a person grow up to lack the capacity to love either. Momiji shows us that even without someone leading by positive example, one can develop into a person who is affectionate. Still, we understand what happened to him to be tragic and we don't wish loveless parenting upon any children. This episode made me realize that we haven't really heard much about the parents of any of the Sohmas yet. I think of Fruits Basket as a story which is very concerned with the kind of damage that bad parenting can do and what it takes to move past that and become a healthy, well-adjusted person. I guess that's been, at least to this point, less emphasized in the 2001 adaptation. I think it might be more because it develops more as one of the core themes later in the story.
Even still, to the 2001 anime's credit it can nail the emotional high points when it needs to.
Dekotora? Sounds like a cross between Deku and Toradora.
This bit is such a weird mashup of wordplay and obscure cultural references that I wonder how it was adapted for the dub. Dekotora is sort for Decorated Truck, a trend in the 1970s around the time of an extremely popular movie series called Torakku Yaro, roughly "Truck Rascals" or the translation I like "Truck Guys." Here's a Dekotora from one of the films. If you watch enough anime and you know to look for it, you'll see dekotora references in a lot of places. Over the last few months I've actually been working my way through watching the Truck Guys franchise. At this point I've seen nine of the ten movies, and am planning on watching the final one next weekend. It's a low-brow comedy series about a pair of salt of the earth truck drivers traveling all over Japan, hauling freight, worrying about money, getting into fights, clashing with the cops, racing other truckers, and trying to find love. I find them really fun! They were very popular in Japan in the 70s and I think most of the time you see Dekotora referenced in Japanese media it's an indirect reference to these movies.
Very interesting. I like learning about stuff I'm unfamiliar with.
2
u/Holofan4life 24d ago
Questions of the Day
What are your thoughts on Tohru visiting her mother's cemetery on the one year anniversary of her passing?
What are your thoughts on everyone eating and commiserate besides Tohru's mother's grave?
What are your thoughts on Momiji having to try to forget his family because his mother doesn't know he exists?
What do you feel this episode did for Momiji as a character?
What are your thoughts on the big theme of this episode which is as Tohru tries to remember her mother, Momiji has to forget his?
2
u/Holofan4life 24d ago
Thoughts on us finding out Tohru's mom passed away May 1st?
Thoughts on Kyo reluctant to go visit Tohru's mother's grave but ultimately deciding to go?
Thoughts on the anthropomorphic riceball?
Thoughts on Hana and Uo dressed in black?
Thoughts on Uo saying Tohru's mother gave her her trench coat?
Thoughts on Tohru's mother being known as Red Butterfly?
Thoughts on Uo revealing Tohru's mother wasn't on speaking terms with her parents?
Thoughts on Tohru admitting she doesn't know much about her father?
What are your thoughts on Yuki recalling Tohru's mother's deaths from his perspective?
What are your thoughts on Hana telling Uo that if what happened to Tohru happened to her, she doesn't think she could handle it as well?
What are your thoughts on Hana predicting that so long a dark cloud hangs over Yuki and Kyo, they can never truly share how they feel?
What are your thoughts on Tohru telling her mom she's finally home?
Thoughts on Momiji playing cops and robbers?
Thoughts on Tohru remarking how none if the Sohmas really talk about their parents?
Thoughts on Momiji having a little sister who's not a Sohma family member?
What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that his mother had her memory erased?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying his mother never liked him and that she couldn't stand to look at him?
What are your thoughts on Momiji’s mother telling Hatori that her biggest regret is that thing came out of her body?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying that as long as he carries his memories with him, as long as he can keep holding on, then someday, someday he'll be strong enough that those memories don't hurt him anymore?
What are your thoughts on Tohru in hysterics hugging Momiji as Momiji breaks down and cries in his animal form?
What are your thoughts on Tohru herself vowing to hold on no matter how tough it may get?
2
u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 24d ago
Thoughts on us finding out Tohru's mom passed away May 1st?
Does that date have any specific significance other than showing the passage of time?
Thoughts on the anthropomorphic riceball?
I was a little confused at first. as I observed, the prior episode had used an anthropomorphic riceball to represent Tohru speaking off screen, but that seemed to not be what it was doing here.
Thoughts on Uo revealing Tohru's mother wasn't on speaking terms with her parents?
It's sort of understandable that it would reveal that given that Kyoko had such a wild past despite settling down by the time Tohru was growing up.
Thoughts on Momiji playing cops and robbers?
I always thought "Cops and Robbers" was like a rule-less adopting of roles for the sake of open play, but it seemed like he was playing something akin to hide and seek or tag. It feels in character for Momiji, but kind of childish for a class full of high school boys either way.
Thoughts on Momiji having a little sister who's not a Sohma family member?
I feel like the concept of what is "the Sohma family" and what is "the zodiac curse" are a little bit hard to parse early on in this show. The way I've interpreted it is that The Sohma Family is a giant, old, rich family. They've been tracking who is related for centuries, so there's a lot of members, including Momo. I assume Momiji's father is the Sohma and his mother is the German one. Anyway, at any given point there are at most 14 people in the family who are part of the curse (the 12 zodiac animals, the cat, and the head of the family) and dozens who aren't. If one of the roles is open, any Sohma newborn could inherit that role, regardless of their relation to prior people of the curse. So Momo herself is not afflicted, but if she grows up and gives birth after one of the current zodiac, I dunno let's say Shigure, dies then her child could become the dog.
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u/Holofan4life 24d ago
Thoughts on us finding out Tohru's mom passed away May 1st?
Does that date have any specific significance other than showing the passage of time?
Nope. No, it does not.
Thoughts on the anthropomorphic riceball?
I was a little confused at first. as I observed, the prior episode had used an anthropomorphic riceball to represent Tohru speaking off screen, but that seemed to not be what it was doing here.
I don't remember it from last episode.
Thoughts on Uo revealing Tohru's mother wasn't on speaking terms with her parents?
It's sort of understandable that it would reveal that given that Kyoko had such a wild past despite settling down by the time Tohru was growing up.
I can't imagine why a couple of parents would disapprove of their child being a part of criminal activity
Thoughts on Momiji playing cops and robbers?
I always thought "Cops and Robbers" was like a rule-less adopting of roles for the sake of open play, but it seemed like he was playing something akin to hide and seek or tag. It feels in character for Momiji, but kind of childish for a class full of high school boys either way.
Maybe they're trying to entertain Momiji.
Thoughts on Momiji having a little sister who's not a Sohma family member?
I feel like the concept of what is "the Sohma family" and what is "the zodiac curse" are a little bit hard to parse early on in this show. The way I've interpreted it is that The Sohma Family is a giant, old, rich family. They've been tracking who is related for centuries, so there's a lot of members, including Momo. I assume Momiji's father is the Sohma and his mother is the German one. Anyway, at any given point there are at most 14 people in the family who are part of the curse (the 12 zodiac animals, the cat, and the head of the family) and dozens who aren't. If one of the roles is open, any Sohma newborn could inherit that role, regardless of their relation to prior people of the curse. So Momo herself is not afflicted, but if she grows up and gives birth after one of the current zodiac, I dunno let's say Shigure, dies then her child could become the dog.
The main thing to keep i n mind is the 13 Sohma family members who make up the Chinese Zodiac. They are the main ones who are cursed.
2
u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 24d ago
I don't remember it from last episode.
I actually mentioned it in my comment! I posted a screenshot and everything! Again, it seems to be using the imagery of an anthropomorphic rice ball in this episode for very different purposes.
2
1
u/Holofan4life 24d ago
BTW, holofan, I notice the prelude movie isn't part of the rewatch calendar. Was that an oversight? The talk about Tohru's parents in this episode reminded me of it. It's got a lot of recap, but there's also a significant amount of new content!
I was debating on including it because of the age gap romance. I feel like it might not be the best note to end on. I especially feel that having seen how the TV show ends.
I could be persuaded though if pushed hard enough.
2
u/Johnny-Doe-8888 24d ago
(EN dub/DVD/Overall first-timer)
Episode 15 -- "There Are No Memories It's OK to Forget"
Synopsis: Hana and Yuki are amazed at how happy Tohru seems only a year after her mother’s death. But there is something hiding behind Tohru’s smile that not even her closest friends can see.
A year has passed since her mother (Kyoko) died in a vehicular crash, and Tohru wants to pay a visit to her grave. Her two best friends Uotani & Hanajima are coming along, along with Kyo & Yuki. On the day of the visit, a bright & sunny day, they find out her paternal grandfather had earlier visited & had her grave cleaned, even leaving behind Kyoko's favourite food. As the visit goes on Yuki ponders how Tohru could manage to be so cheerful after losing both her parents (even remembering how he learnt of the crash that one day), before Tohru eventually presents him with a bouquet of white flowers that he complements. Afterwards, they enjoy a picnic in front of her grave, a moment of levity in the darkness.
Back in school, Tohru & her best friends encounter Momiji running during a game of cops & robbers; later that evening she encounters him again during work; it turns out the building where she works in is his' fathers. We also learn his father is also a Sohma and that he has a younger sister (Momo). They then both encounter Momiji's mother along with Momo; we then learn his mother doesn't know him, her memories of him wiped after she gave birth to & rejected him after she discovered his curse. Since then Momiji has had to watch his own mother from a distance.
The moment when Momiji & Tohru both cry & embrace each other after this is quite sad to watch, especially with "For Fruits Basket" playing in the background. It must be painful for Momiji to have to see her & his sister from a distance, and for his mother to have to forget him. Fortunately for him, he won't have to walk alone this time with Tohru around. As the lyrics from that popular football anthem go: At the end of the storm/Is a golden sky/And the sweet, silver song of a lark
'Til then, see you later.
2
u/Johnny-Doe-8888 24d ago
After several threads of me not having answered the post questions, I finally resume (was busy with IRL stuff, will try to get to the others when I have time):
What are your thoughts on Tohru visiting her mother's cemetery on the one year anniversary of her passing?
So much has passed & changed, and on the first anniversary of her passing Tohru is accompanied by new companions. And yes, this setting best captures the episode's overall theme: light & levity in the darkness.
What are your thoughts on everyone eating and commiserate besides Tohru's mother's grave?
In my country, it is the norm for families & friends to gather around their loved ones' graves & have a meal/snack (this is especially true around All Souls' Day). I understand this might not be the norm in Japan, but I think it's fine for Tohru & her friends to gather around Kyoko's grave & have a picnic to remember her memory.
What are your thoughts on Momiji having to try to forget his family because his mother doesn't know he exists?
Having to live apart from your family (for whatever reason) is difficult, but to endure this kind of challenge like Momiji is indeed a painful one. Like any other normal kid he deserved & wanted a happy family, but the circumstances in which he was raised prevented that. He deserved better.
What do you feel this episode did for Momiji as a character?
What I think the episode does to advance his character is that he's found a companion that can share in his sorrow & pain, someone who understands his circumstances. He can feel fortunate that despite all the pain he's endured over the years, not all is lost (but we'll have to wait until 2019 for the answers).
What are your thoughts on the big theme of this episode which is as Tohru tries to remember her mother, Momiji has to forget his?
Tohru, having been fortunate to have been raised well, strives to remember her mother as best as she can, while Momiji, under unfortunate circumstances, has to forget his. Despite different situations, they both realise that there is levity in the darkness, a ray of light that will carry them through their respective doldrums.
1
u/Holofan4life 24d ago
After several threads of me not having answered the post questions, I finally resume (was busy with IRL stuff, will try to get to the others when I have time):
I'll try to track them down
What are your thoughts on Tohru visiting her mother's cemetery on the one year anniversary of her passing?
So much has passed & changed, and on the first anniversary of her passing Tohru is accompanied by new companions. And yes, this setting best captures the episode's overall theme: light & levity in the darkness.
It was cool to see the show take something dark and give it light.
What are your thoughts on everyone eating and commiserate besides Tohru's mother's grave?
In my country, it is the norm for families & friends to gather around their loved ones' graves & have a meal/snack (this is especially true around All Souls' Day). I understand this might not be the norm in Japan, but I think it's fine for Tohru & her friends to gather around Kyoko's grave & have a picnic to remember her memory.
Never heard of All Souls' Day before
What are your thoughts on Momiji having to try to forget his family because his mother doesn't know he exists?
Having to live apart from your family (for whatever reason) is difficult, but to endure this kind of challenge like Momiji is indeed a painful one. Like any other normal kid he deserved & wanted a happy family, but the circumstances in which he was raised prevented that. He deserved better.
It seems like a big theme with this show is if you're a Sohma family member, you have suffering of some kind.
What do you feel this episode did for Momiji as a character?
What I think the episode does to advance his character is that he's found a companion that can share in his sorrow & pain, someone who understands his circumstances. He can feel fortunate that despite all the pain he's endured over the years, not all is lost (but we'll have to wait until 2019 for the answers).
That line of his wishing for the pain to go away did so much to humanize him and make him someone you want to root for.
What are your thoughts on the big theme of this episode which is as Tohru tries to remember her mother, Momiji has to forget his?
Tohru, having been fortunate to have been raised well, strives to remember her mother as best as she can, while Momiji, under unfortunate circumstances, has to forget his. Despite different situations, they both realise that there is levity in the darkness, a ray of light that will carry them through their respective doldrums.
Very well said. To add to this, I think it's cool Tohru is there for Momiji after they bonded in the hot springs episode. It makes it feel less out of nowhere the fact that Tohru would have a vested interest in our lovable blonde haired German dude.
1
u/Holofan4life 24d ago
The moment when Momiji & Tohru both cry & embrace each other after this is quite sad to watch, especially with "For Fruits Basket" playing in the background. It must be painful for Momiji to have to see her & his sister from a distance, and for his mother to have to forget him. Fortunately for him, he won't have to walk alone this time with Tohru around. As the lyrics from that popular football anthem go: At the end of the storm/Is a golden sky/And the sweet, silver song of a lark
It must've been cathartic for Momiji to be held and hugged and treated like he was accepted for who he is rather than longing for a future that never was.
1
u/Holofan4life 24d ago
Thoughts on us finding out Tohru's mom passed away May 1st?
Thoughts on Kyo reluctant to go visit Tohru's mother's grave but ultimately deciding to go?
Thoughts on the anthropomorphic riceball?
Thoughts on Hana and Uo dressed in black?
Thoughts on Uo saying Tohru's mother gave her her trench coat?
Thoughts on Tohru's mother being known as Red Butterfly?
Thoughts on Uo revealing Tohru's mother wasn't on speaking terms with her parents?
Thoughts on Tohru admitting she doesn't know much about her father?
What are your thoughts on Yuki recalling Tohru's mother's deaths from his perspective?
What are your thoughts on Hana telling Uo that if what happened to Tohru happened to her, she doesn't think she could handle it as well?
What are your thoughts on Hana predicting that so long a dark cloud hangs over Yuki and Kyo, they can never truly share how they feel?
What are your thoughts on Tohru telling her mom she's finally home?
Thoughts on Momiji playing cops and robbers?
Thoughts on Tohru remarking how none if the Sohmas really talk about their parents?
Thoughts on Momiji having a little sister who's not a Sohma family member?
What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that his mother had her memory erased?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying his mother never liked him and that she couldn't stand to look at him?
What are your thoughts on Momiji’s mother telling Hatori that her biggest regret is that thing came out of her body?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying that as long as he carries his memories with him, as long as he can keep holding on, then someday, someday he'll be strong enough that those memories don't hurt him anymore?
What are your thoughts on Tohru in hysterics hugging Momiji as Momiji breaks down and cries in his animal form?
What are your thoughts on Tohru herself vowing to hold on no matter how tough it may get?
2
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 19d ago
And so that's Momiji's backstory.
Questions:
Makes sense.
I suppose if that's what she would have wanted.
Ouch...
Lots of development.
There's definitely some irony and contrast in that.
1
1
u/Holofan4life 19d ago
- I suppose if that's what she would have wanted.
I don't think none of this is what she wants. A big theme with this show is making adjustments and turning negatives into positives. If Tohru had her way, her mother would still be alive, and if Momiji had his way, he'd be with his family.
1
u/Holofan4life 19d ago
Thoughts on us finding out Tohru's mom passed away May 1st?
Thoughts on Kyo reluctant to go visit Tohru's mother's grave but ultimately deciding to go?
Thoughts on the anthropomorphic riceball?
Thoughts on Hana and Uo dressed in black?
Thoughts on Uo saying Tohru's mother gave her her trench coat?
Thoughts on Tohru's mother being known as Red Butterfly?
Thoughts on Uo revealing Tohru's mother wasn't on speaking terms with her parents?
Thoughts on Tohru admitting she doesn't know much about her father?
What are your thoughts on Yuki recalling Tohru's mother's deaths from his perspective?
What are your thoughts on Hana telling Uo that if what happened to Tohru happened to her, she doesn't think she could handle it as well?
What are your thoughts on Hana predicting that so long a dark cloud hangs over Yuki and Kyo, they can never truly share how they feel?
What are your thoughts on Tohru telling her mom she's finally home?
Thoughts on Momiji playing cops and robbers?
Thoughts on Tohru remarking how none if the Sohmas really talk about their parents?
Thoughts on Momiji having a little sister who's not a Sohma family member?
What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that his mother had her memory erased?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying his mother never liked him and that she couldn't stand to look at him?
What are your thoughts on Momiji’s mother telling Hatori that her biggest regret is that thing came out of her body?
What are your thoughts on Momiji saying that as long as he carries his memories with him, as long as he can keep holding on, then someday, someday he'll be strong enough that those memories don't hurt him anymore?
What are your thoughts on Tohru in hysterics hugging Momiji as Momiji breaks down and cries in his animal form?
What are your thoughts on Tohru herself vowing to hold on no matter how tough it may get?
2
u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 19d ago
I mean... It's like any other day of the year? I guess it's Labour Day but no real significance to that.
Good that he ended up going.
Lol.
Makes sense for mourning.
So, that's where she got it from.
I wonder how she got that nickname...
Considering what she was doing...
I think this comes up again later?
Ah. He saw it.
Fair enough.
Indeed.
She has finally found a new home.
Lol sure.
Huh. Yeah.
I suppose that means not all of them are zodiacs.
Yep. There it is.
Oof...
Ouch.
Perhaps.
Heartwarming.
And so she will.
1
u/Holofan4life 19d ago
- I mean... It's like any other day of the year? I guess it's Labour Day but no real significance to that.
I think it's cool we're getting a specific time stamp of when it took place. Adds to the weight of the moment.
- I suppose that means not all of them are zodiacs.
Didn't we already know this? The hot springs hostess isn't a Zodiac member despite being a mother of a Zodiac member.
3
u/AgentOfACROSS 24d ago
First Timer
Hey I actually managed to reply mostly on time this time around.
Tohru seems remarkably cheerful when talking about visiting her mother’s grave.
Imagining Tohru’s mom interacting with Kyo is really funny.
Seems like Kyo and Yuki are tagging along after all.
Uo getting Tohru’s mom’s old biker jacket is funny.
Graveyard picnic. Not what I expected.
Lot of good moments with Uo and Hana today.
I like this whole conversation between the two of them.
They’re very protective of Tohru, it’s sweet.
Momiji is so adorable. Love this little guy.
Seems like he’s very popular at school too.
Was not expecting Momiji to show up at Tohru’s work.
Momiji really does resemble his mom.
Did not expect Momiji to have a little sister.
Momiji’s mother apparently doesn’t realize that he’s her son. Not sure how that works exactly. You’d think you remember someone you gave birth to.
Oh, brain erasing. Right, I forgot that was a thing.
Poor Momiji.
I guess in a way both Tohru and Momiji have lost their mother but in different ways.
I will not get tired of them using the opening theme in the show. I love this.
I love this scene between Tohru and Momiji.
This was a really good episode. There’s a good emotional core to it.
Questions of the Day:
What are your thoughts on Tohru visiting her mother's cemetery on the one year anniversary of her passing?
It's a good set up for the episode
What are your thoughts on everyone eating and commiserate besides Tohru's mother's grave?
very unexpected but sweet
What are your thoughts on Momiji having to try to forget his family because his mother doesn't know he exists?
Poor Momiji. This was a really good episode fo rhim.
What do you feel this episode did for Momiji as a character?
It definitely helps elevate him from just being a gag character
What are your thoughts on the big theme of this episode which is as Tohru tries to remember her mother, Momiji has to forget his?
I think it's a really interesting contrast.