Fruit Basket, also lovingly known as Furuba, is strictly a human story, despite the façade of the fantasy element. The ability to change into zodiac animals is merely a premise, but the exploration of human needs or the lack of them is the main theme. Takaya sensei focuses on very real human issues such as abandonment, loneliness, and yearnings experienced by the Furuba children/ adolescents. In reality, don’t we all want to be accepted by our peers and loved by our parents? Don’t deny it, because it’s true.
The first several volumes serve as an introduction to the story, the characters, and are light in tone and emotions. The plot unexpectedly takes a dark turn after certain characters appear, thus making the story difficult to read. One of the good things about Furuba is character development, but one of the bad things about Furuba is the numerous characters and the emotional pathos they all have. Some readers may be put off by the amount of characters and their stories, but they are worth reading into because their emotions are so raw, candid, and definitely relatable.
Many readers are also put off by the main female character Tohru. In her defense, she has a difficult life (although I could make a case that most characters in Furuba have difficult childhoods, but I digress). She is doing the best she possibly could for herself as well as others by living honestly and working hard at her job. She is the epitome of shoujo protagonist: Clumsy, naïve, dumb at school, annoyingly cheerful, and perpetually optimistic. She is, in fact, one of my favorite shoujo protagonists. She understands people, accepts them unconditionally, and intrinsically teaches others to do the same, all by doing nothing but being herself. I don’t find her preachy like some other female MCs from other manga. Her relationships with her mother, friends, and the Juunishi-sufferers are touching and drive the character and plot developments. Tohru is truly wise beyond her age. She reminds me that being strong is not necessarily by fighting or screaming at others, but by providing acceptance and be forgiving of others.
The other characters are also memorable and I love all the pairings, which are appropriate and not rushed. The ending is sweet and satisfying, given all the anguish the characters have went through. I only wish my favorite character of the series, Momiji, has a more conclusive ending,
though his relationship with his mother and sister is progressing steadily.
Overall, Furuba is heart-warming and sweet, with a touch of bitterness and angst. I highly recommend it.