Fruits Basketis one of the most successful romance and drama reboots of the decade. Its faithful adaptation captivated audiences, offering a refreshed take on the beloved series. The unique plot introduces members ofthe Sohma family cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiacwhen hugged by the opposite sex. While the series explores themes of acceptance, regret, friendship, and family, its romantic plot intrigued audiences, especially the dynamic between Tohru and Yuki.
Initially, their relationship followed familiar romantic tropes, drawing viewers who expected it to develop into something deeper. However, as the story progressed, this relationship shifted, subverting all of the fans' expectations. Despite its impressive and emotional storytelling, fans must acknowledge thatFruits Basket’sromance—particularly how Tohru and Yuki’s relationship was featured—relied on clichésand failed to deliver the glimpse of hope that the audiences anticipated.
Yuki and Tohru’s Early Chemistry Was Undeniable
Yuki May Never Have Found His True Self Without Tohru
Tohru is the leading female protagonist of the series. While the romantic plot of the anime wasn’t overtly a harem, it carried a pinch of reverse harem vibes early on, with two Sohma boys competing for her attention.Tohru eventually ended up with a Sohma, but not the one many fans hoped she would fall in love with.Tohru and Kyo’s interactions and growing comfort with each other only developed midway through the series. They weren’t instant friends, as Kyo’s distant nature made him hard to approach. However, Tohru was already building undeniable chemistry with another family member—Yuki Sohma.
Living under the same roof as Yuki and Kyo in Shigure’s house, Tohru’s early moments with Yuki hinted at something far more profound than friendship. He saved her when a landslide destroyed her tent and persuaded Shigure to let her stay. Yuki also went out of his way to protect her secret at school and consistently showed how much he cared. Whilehe never explicitly expressed romantic feelings, his actions spoke volumes. Their interactions, in the beginning, were reminiscent of the popular boy falling for the ordinary girl at school, radiating sweetness and charm. Yuki and Tohru’s chemistry felt natural, heartfelt, and impossible to ignore, leaving many fans wondering if they were destined to be together.
Why Yuki Was Always a Stronger Choice for Tohru
Yuki’s Affection Made Their Chemistry Impossible to Ignore
Yuki Sohma wasn’t necessarily the wrong choice for Tohru—if anything, in many ways, he was the better man. Yuki possessed an admirable character and showed no signs of toxicity. While he was aloof and reserved, these traits didn’t mask his deep understanding side, especially when he started to open up to Tohru.
At school, Yuki was known as the perfect, untouchable prince, but this image was merely a façade, hiding the personal struggles he faced, particularly those involving his family. Yuki is the kind of person who reciprocates kindness, and when Tohru entered his life,she became his confidante and someone he trusted. He always made sure she was happy and safe.
To anyone watching the reboot without knowledge of how the series ends, Yuki seemed like the obvious choice for Tohru. He saved her when she was in distress, offering her a sense of belonging when she thought she was alone. In return,Tohru’s unconditional friendship and sincerity helped Yuki open up. These qualities highlighted Yuki’s potential as the ideal partner for Tohru, especially in the early stages of the series.
Yuki and Tohru’s relationship was always meant to be platonic, even if it didn’t feel that way at first.
However, this doesn’t mean Kyo was the complete opposite of Yuki. Kyo, who eventually ended up with Tohru, and Machi, who Yuki ultimately ended up with, matched each other in ways that brought out sides neither Tohru nor Yuki could fully unlock in each other.Fruits Basketoveremphasized the early chemistry between Yuki and Tohru, leading fans to believe there was more to their bond than the anime ultimately conveyed. The chemistry was undeniable, but it was always meant to be platonic, even if it didn’t feel that way at first.
Yuki and Tohru Found Happy Endings That Truly Suited Them
IfFruits Basketwere merely a romance and drama anime, it could have easily taken the path where Yuki and Tohru became each other’s happy ending. However, this rarely happens, especially with the ever-relevant trope of the bad boy falling for the good girl, or vice versa. Many romance anime cater to audiences who enjoy plots where the popular guy falls for the ordinary girl—much like Yuki and Tohru’s dynamic. While this might have worked in another anime,Fruits Basketaimed for something deeper than just giving its viewers butterflies.
The series resonated with audiences because of the universal themes its characters portrayed, such as loneliness, insecurity, and the desire for acceptance. Calling Kyo, the bad boy, undeserving of Tohru oversimplifies his struggles. He was a troubled individual, excluded and discriminated against by his family. However, it’s also unfair to dismiss the bond between Yuki and Tohru by labeling it as purely motherly affection. Tohru was the first to see Yuki’s secret garden, a deeply intimate moment, and he sweetly tied the ribbon in her hair when it came undone.
Fruits Basket May Be a Great Romance Anime, But That’s Not Why I Love It
Fruits Basket has been my favorite romance anime of all time for years, and my reason for loving the series so much may seem surprising.
While the series later framed these gestures as platonic, their chemistry and closeness often mirrored potential couples in other romantic series. Yuki referring to Tohru as a maternal figure didn’t align with their heartfelt moments, which many fans interpreted as romantic. The progression of their relationship into a mother-and-son dynamic gave some viewers false hopes about their connection. That said,Fruits Basketwasn’t just about romance. Its depth lay in how it explored the complexities of its characters.Yuki and Tohru ending up with partners who complemented them was a testament to the series’ focus on personal growthand healing, rather than simply showcasing a love story.
Fruits Basket
Cast
Fruits Basket (2019) is an anime adaptation following Tohru Honda, a high school girl who ends up living with the mysterious Sohma family. She discovers that twelve members of the Sohma clan are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when embraced by the opposite sex. The series delves into the lives and challenges faced by the cursed members while exploring themes of acceptance, friendship, and personal growth.
