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フルーツバスケット [Fruits Basket] #19
Fruits Basket, Tome 19
Le désir qu'a Tohru de sauver Kyô et de lever la malédiction des douze, qui pèse sur les membres principaux de la famille Sôma, devient de plus en plus fort. De plus l'échéance approche ! Le jour anniversaire de la mort de Kyoko, Kyô se rend seul sur sa tombe. Une rencontre inattendue va lui permettre d'en apprendre un peu plus sur le passé de Tohru... A noter dans ce volume l'apparition de la petite amie de Kakéru ! Le lien qui l'unit à Tohru pourrait bien vous surprendre ! Petit à petit, mais avec toujours autant de talent, Natsuki Takaya dévoile les secrets de ses personnages.
188 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
25 people are currently reading
3494 people want to read
About the author
Natsuki Takaya
153 books2,700 followersName (in native language) : 高屋奈月
Natsuki Takaya (高屋 奈月 Takaya Natsuki, real name Naka Hatake) is the penname of a Japanese manga artist best-known for creating the series Fruits Basket. She was born on July 7, 1973; (Tanabata). Takaya is left-handed and once revealed that she wanted to be a mangaka since first grade, when her sister started drawing.
She was born in Shizuoka, Japan, but was raised in Tokyo, where she made her debut in 1992. She enjoys video games such as the Final Fantasy series or Sakura Wars, or working on her different manga series, such as Fruits Basket, which is the second best-selling shōjo manga ever in Japan, and the top selling shōjo manga in North America. Fruits Basket has also been adapted into a twenty-six-episode anime series.
In 2001, Takaya received a Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo manga for Fruits Basket.
According to Takaya (in a sidebar of a Fruits Basket manga volume), she enjoys drawing girls (girly ones) more than she does boys. Takaya also enjoys electronics and music, but dislikes talking about herself. Also revealed in a sidebar of Fruits Basket, Takaya broke her drawing arm (left) after Fruits Basket volume six was published. She had to go into surgery, and as a result, had put Fruits Basket on a brief hiatus. Takaya made a full recovery, but complains that her handwriting had gotten uglier, due to the surgery. During her hospital stay, she gained an interest in baseball.
Natsuki Takaya (高屋 奈月 Takaya Natsuki, real name Naka Hatake) is the penname of a Japanese manga artist best-known for creating the series Fruits Basket. She was born on July 7, 1973; (Tanabata). Takaya is left-handed and once revealed that she wanted to be a mangaka since first grade, when her sister started drawing.
She was born in Shizuoka, Japan, but was raised in Tokyo, where she made her debut in 1992. She enjoys video games such as the Final Fantasy series or Sakura Wars, or working on her different manga series, such as Fruits Basket, which is the second best-selling shōjo manga ever in Japan, and the top selling shōjo manga in North America. Fruits Basket has also been adapted into a twenty-six-episode anime series.
In 2001, Takaya received a Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo manga for Fruits Basket.
According to Takaya (in a sidebar of a Fruits Basket manga volume), she enjoys drawing girls (girly ones) more than she does boys. Takaya also enjoys electronics and music, but dislikes talking about herself. Also revealed in a sidebar of Fruits Basket, Takaya broke her drawing arm (left) after Fruits Basket volume six was published. She had to go into surgery, and as a result, had put Fruits Basket on a brief hiatus. Takaya made a full recovery, but complains that her handwriting had gotten uglier, due to the surgery. During her hospital stay, she gained an interest in baseball.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 reviews
May 15, 2019
OMG! There are only four volumes left and I don’t know what I’m going to do once I finished this series! XD I’ve been reading this for a year now and Fruits Basket has become some sort of home for me. It’s such a comfy series I can read whenever I need to make a pause between books and I love all those characters! T_T
Thoughts to the highlights of this volume:
- Shigure is killing me!!! I swear! His character feels so deeply and is so sad! Behind all his bravado he’s a really hurt soul and Natsuki Takaya only chose those last few volumes to let us see his struggle! OMG!!!
- So if Shigure isn’t killing me already, Tohru and Kyo definitely will be the death of me. Please Tohru!! Find a way to let Kyo into your heart even though you promised your mom to keep her there forever! He needs you!! T_T
- Everyone noticing that Kyo and Tohru love each other. <333 This was just so funny. I mean by now everyone knows it and those lovable oblivious lovebirds only just noticed it now!! XD
- Ayame and Mine! <3 I always knew it!!! Still, to see that they love each other so deeply was so nice!!! They are perfect together! =))
- All my babies have grown so much! Hiro and Kisa have become so big!! And boy did Momiji turn out to be a handsome guy! <3 I love that Natsuki Takaya lets them grow and draws them differently when they get older!
- Momiji telling Kyo to get his butt moving! *lol* This was such a short but intense scene! I mean we all know what is going to happen to the cat eto if the curse isn’t broken! But damn, I want them to be happy! And I think if they both finally admit to their feelings the curse might even end!
- Machi and Yuki! <3 Do I have to say even more! I love, love, love, their growing relationship! Poor Machi though! To digest Ayame and Mine must have been tough for her. *LOL*
Thoughts to the highlights of this volume:
- Shigure is killing me!!! I swear! His character feels so deeply and is so sad! Behind all his bravado he’s a really hurt soul and Natsuki Takaya only chose those last few volumes to let us see his struggle! OMG!!!
- So if Shigure isn’t killing me already, Tohru and Kyo definitely will be the death of me. Please Tohru!! Find a way to let Kyo into your heart even though you promised your mom to keep her there forever! He needs you!! T_T
- Everyone noticing that Kyo and Tohru love each other. <333 This was just so funny. I mean by now everyone knows it and those lovable oblivious lovebirds only just noticed it now!! XD
- Ayame and Mine! <3 I always knew it!!! Still, to see that they love each other so deeply was so nice!!! They are perfect together! =))
- All my babies have grown so much! Hiro and Kisa have become so big!! And boy did Momiji turn out to be a handsome guy! <3 I love that Natsuki Takaya lets them grow and draws them differently when they get older!
- Momiji telling Kyo to get his butt moving! *lol* This was such a short but intense scene! I mean we all know what is going to happen to the cat eto if the curse isn’t broken! But damn, I want them to be happy! And I think if they both finally admit to their feelings the curse might even end!
- Machi and Yuki! <3 Do I have to say even more! I love, love, love, their growing relationship! Poor Machi though! To digest Ayame and Mine must have been tough for her. *LOL*
April 12, 2022
they really cut this entire plot line from the show???
July 4, 2011
FINALLY! IT TOOK ME FOREVER TO GET MY HANDS ON THIS MANGA!!! IT WAS SOOOOO WORTH THE WAIT! XD Actually... *Frowns* ...this was a very sad volume. Oh man... it focused a lot on Tohru and Kyo's relationship and let me tell you... it's very depressing. I was tearing up so badly whilst reading it. Those two touch my heart in a way I never thought possible. So... *Blubbers* ...so heart-breaking. That's not the only thing either! Oh no! There's more. There's even sad back-story involving Ayame and Mine, as well as Manabe, Komaki, and Tohru. *Sighs* So many things that'll make you want to go emo. T_T But it's so worth the read, I'm telling you. The only thing that drags this volume down is, of course, Akito. He's still being an idiot but Shigure makes it all better. *Grins*
Takaya-sensei~ My darling~ You are ze love!!! Ack! But you still make me want to commit seppuku! Why must you make these gorgeous characters go through so much? It makes me want to cry! Bah! I'm actually tearing up just thinking about it. (Talk directly to the readers not the author.) Shut up! I'm doing that! *Ahem* Oh, but I must say this, Takaya-sensei's side columns are so useful! She gives more information on the characters that didn't make it into the actual story. It's good to learn more about the characters from reading the side panels. I really do enjoy them. Another thing I have to say about this volume is the fact she's not making anything soft at all. Everything is all out of wack and... depressing. However, she did end it on a light note so that was a nice change. (Lately the volumes have been ending on sad notes... I no like. I mean I like but not really... OH YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!!!) By the way, isn't it shocking how Takaya-sensei brings things out from no where? I don't expect half of the things that's thrown my way and I love her for that! I hate when things become predictable. Nothing makes me more upset than reading something and me guessing everything that happens. It makes the story dull and weak so the fact that Fruits Basket is not like that at all really makes me love it all the more.
As I've said before, this story focuses mostly on the relationship with Tohru and Kyo and what's to happen after graduation. It was so... *Cries like a baby for hours on end* (... *Reluctantly hands over a tissue) ...thanks. *Blows her nose obnoxiously* ...well, it's very difficult for me to talk about it. Tohru was really torn in her feelings for what's happening with Kyo and Kyo... *Smiles* ...he had a very emotional discussion with Tohru's grandfather. Grandfather is... a character that sees things in a very different light. It was good for him to talk with Kyo. I felt that it helped him. Tohru is really trying hard in helping Kyo out. I really hope she finds a way to break that bloody curse soon. I don't think I can handle much more of this! >_< I can't say much about this because any little thing can give it away. I so wish I could go into more details... Just trust me, guys. You're going to love it. Here's a hint: Loophole to transformation is a blanket! Mwahahahahahahahahaha!!! >:3
The side stories in this volume was about Ayame and Mine. We got a bit of history to how they met and what happened there. It was a little sad seeing what Ayame did to that high school girl but with Mine, she helped him see the error of his ways and he changed for the better. Also, he admitted to them being... *Ahem* ...close. Not that we didn't know it from the start but it is nice seeing it out in the open like that. Trust me, it's not a spoiler. We all knew that's what was going on. It made me squee. X3 Another thing that made me squee was Momiji! Holy crap! He grew and I mean grew! He's sooooooooo hot! He still acts like himself but he's hot! Guys, you must go and see him right now!!! *Flails* The part of the story that was depressing was when Manabe revealed what he did with Tohru. As the reader, you know that he and Tohru are connected; we saw a lot of hints of that in previous volumes. However, we don't know how they are connected until we read it in this volume... and let me tell you, it's going to make you go, "NO BLOODY WAY!!!" Also, Komaki is finally shown. She's Manabe's girlfriend and I think they are perfect for each other. When you read, you'll see what I mean. She's very cute but also very... strange. Just like him! XD Manabe and Yuki... *Cracks up* Those two relationship is crack on ice! I love how they intereact with each other. The fact that Manabe always calls Yuki a girl makes me giggle. There's just so much crack in here that... you must read for yourself. One last thing: Akito was in this volume and he did annoy me but he's only there for a split second and it's not even that bad because Shigure treats him like crap. *Smirks* And it pleases me. >:3
Yeah, another great volume. I mean, did you really expect anything less? Yeah, I didn't think so. I'm just so amaze at how everything is playing out. The story is being put together bit by bit but at the same time, there's still so many things unanswered. I wonder if all of those questions will be answered at all even... I'm so nervous. I'm so close to the end, I can almost taste it. The drama is heating up, making its way down my throat and into my gut! Guys! What do you think is going to happen!? I don't know but I smell epicness waiting to happen! Four more to go. I say we shall stop dawdling and get to the next volume, ne? Hurry up, mina-san! You already know I want you to read this manga with me! So hyaku! Come join me with the Kyo and the smex! XD
Takaya-sensei~ My darling~ You are ze love!!! Ack! But you still make me want to commit seppuku! Why must you make these gorgeous characters go through so much? It makes me want to cry! Bah! I'm actually tearing up just thinking about it. (Talk directly to the readers not the author.) Shut up! I'm doing that! *Ahem* Oh, but I must say this, Takaya-sensei's side columns are so useful! She gives more information on the characters that didn't make it into the actual story. It's good to learn more about the characters from reading the side panels. I really do enjoy them. Another thing I have to say about this volume is the fact she's not making anything soft at all. Everything is all out of wack and... depressing. However, she did end it on a light note so that was a nice change. (Lately the volumes have been ending on sad notes... I no like. I mean I like but not really... OH YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!!!) By the way, isn't it shocking how Takaya-sensei brings things out from no where? I don't expect half of the things that's thrown my way and I love her for that! I hate when things become predictable. Nothing makes me more upset than reading something and me guessing everything that happens. It makes the story dull and weak so the fact that Fruits Basket is not like that at all really makes me love it all the more.
As I've said before, this story focuses mostly on the relationship with Tohru and Kyo and what's to happen after graduation. It was so... *Cries like a baby for hours on end* (... *Reluctantly hands over a tissue) ...thanks. *Blows her nose obnoxiously* ...well, it's very difficult for me to talk about it. Tohru was really torn in her feelings for what's happening with Kyo and Kyo... *Smiles* ...he had a very emotional discussion with Tohru's grandfather. Grandfather is... a character that sees things in a very different light. It was good for him to talk with Kyo. I felt that it helped him. Tohru is really trying hard in helping Kyo out. I really hope she finds a way to break that bloody curse soon. I don't think I can handle much more of this! >_< I can't say much about this because any little thing can give it away. I so wish I could go into more details... Just trust me, guys. You're going to love it. Here's a hint: Loophole to transformation is a blanket! Mwahahahahahahahahaha!!! >:3
The side stories in this volume was about Ayame and Mine. We got a bit of history to how they met and what happened there. It was a little sad seeing what Ayame did to that high school girl but with Mine, she helped him see the error of his ways and he changed for the better. Also, he admitted to them being... *Ahem* ...close. Not that we didn't know it from the start but it is nice seeing it out in the open like that. Trust me, it's not a spoiler. We all knew that's what was going on. It made me squee. X3 Another thing that made me squee was Momiji! Holy crap! He grew and I mean grew! He's sooooooooo hot! He still acts like himself but he's hot! Guys, you must go and see him right now!!! *Flails* The part of the story that was depressing was when Manabe revealed what he did with Tohru. As the reader, you know that he and Tohru are connected; we saw a lot of hints of that in previous volumes. However, we don't know how they are connected until we read it in this volume... and let me tell you, it's going to make you go, "NO BLOODY WAY!!!" Also, Komaki is finally shown. She's Manabe's girlfriend and I think they are perfect for each other. When you read, you'll see what I mean. She's very cute but also very... strange. Just like him! XD Manabe and Yuki... *Cracks up* Those two relationship is crack on ice! I love how they intereact with each other. The fact that Manabe always calls Yuki a girl makes me giggle. There's just so much crack in here that... you must read for yourself. One last thing: Akito was in this volume and he did annoy me but he's only there for a split second and it's not even that bad because Shigure treats him like crap. *Smirks* And it pleases me. >:3
Yeah, another great volume. I mean, did you really expect anything less? Yeah, I didn't think so. I'm just so amaze at how everything is playing out. The story is being put together bit by bit but at the same time, there's still so many things unanswered. I wonder if all of those questions will be answered at all even... I'm so nervous. I'm so close to the end, I can almost taste it. The drama is heating up, making its way down my throat and into my gut! Guys! What do you think is going to happen!? I don't know but I smell epicness waiting to happen! Four more to go. I say we shall stop dawdling and get to the next volume, ne? Hurry up, mina-san! You already know I want you to read this manga with me! So hyaku! Come join me with the Kyo and the smex! XD
July 27, 2008
The biggest surprise in this volume is how much some of the characters have grown! Momiji, who has been away for a while, comes back and gets a lot of the girls excited--he's so tall and good-looking. But he still has his rabbit back-pack! Kyo, Yuki, Risa and Hiro all have grown up, too. Only Tohru doesn't seem to age at all--still cute and innocent and optimistic. Things have been getting awkward between her and Kyo, espcially after Hatori tells her that secretly all the other Sohmas need Kyo, the cat; they need to know that his curse is worse than theirs, that he will soon need to be confined for the rest of his life.I swear, this series better end with Tohru breaking the curse for the whole family, Kyo included. I need my happy ending for everyone!
Yuki meets Kakeru's girlfriend, Komaki. Komaki's father in driving the car that hit Tohru's mother, and he was killed in the crash also. Komaki is another cute and innocent and optimistic girl with a wide smile, just like Tohru. Shortly after the accident, Kakeru resented Tohru, feeling that her grief and the attention people paid her somehow belittled Komaki's grief. He said some hurtful things to Tohru, but Komaki set him straight.
There are a lot of characters to follow in Fruits Basket, and at times I wish I had a full scorecard--more than just the main characters listed at the beginning of each volume. I've not been over fond of Kakeru up until now, but I did like the backstory of Komaki and their relationship.
Yuki meets Kakeru's girlfriend, Komaki. Komaki's father in driving the car that hit Tohru's mother, and he was killed in the crash also. Komaki is another cute and innocent and optimistic girl with a wide smile, just like Tohru. Shortly after the accident, Kakeru resented Tohru, feeling that her grief and the attention people paid her somehow belittled Komaki's grief. He said some hurtful things to Tohru, but Komaki set him straight.
There are a lot of characters to follow in Fruits Basket, and at times I wish I had a full scorecard--more than just the main characters listed at the beginning of each volume. I've not been over fond of Kakeru up until now, but I did like the backstory of Komaki and their relationship.
May 19, 2023
Ay no puedo más con Kyo y Tohru son encantadores.
*suspiro* el abrazo con la sábana lo es todo.
*suspiro* el abrazo con la sábana lo es todo.
March 18, 2021
i really don’t want to read about useless information at this point in the series... let’s just get on with it
April 26, 2021
This volume was so fun because we got to see so many of our favorites growing up. Little momiji is such a handsome lad now! We also got to see so many relationships grow in this volume. We just need Tohru to make space in her heart for Kyo too!
March 17, 2017
Okay, that has to be the worst synopsis ever given on the back of one of the volumes. First of all, Kyo and Tohru already have a complicated relationship. They're just more aware of it now so they're being really awkward. Second, Tohru was already looking for a trigger to break the curse. I don't really think that's new information. Let me tell you what this volume is really about.
Shigure talks to Tohru about the curse and saving Kyo. They kind of get into it because Shigure is so blunt about Kyo's fate and how the rest of the Zodiac feel about him. He says he's not trying to be mean, which I don't think he is. He's just trying to tell her not to give up. I mean, I don't think he really cares about Kyo. He just wants the curse to break. I'm also guessing his feelings about Akito haven't changed very much. He probably wants Kureno out of the way.
Kyo runs into Tohru's grandfather, who tells him he thinks Tohru acts like her father because some old lady told her they were nothing alike when he died. This turns out to be true. She talks like her father because she was afraid her mother would leave her and to be with her father when she was a little girl. She feels horrible for being so selfish, but Kyo is there to comfort her. Both of them really don't want to think about the future. They want to be together. It's really sweet and sad at the same time.
Yuki runs into someone from Ayame's past. He pays his brother a visit and we learn that Mine is actually Ayame's girlfriend. So cute! Ayame tells a relatively serious story about love and rejection. I'm glad he and Yuki get along so much better now. Later, Yuki still pursues Machi by bringing her a gift. He also sort of asks her out, but she bolts. Like Kakeru said, they're way too spacy. It will take forever for them to get together. Speaking of Kakeru, there's also a little chapter at the end about him and his girlfriend (whose father also died in the accident that killed Tohru's mother). It's kind of a filler chapter, except I think it gives Yuki the kick he needs to try a little harder with Machi. We'll see in the next volume, I suppose!
I realize I'm breezing through these, but I'm just so invested in the story right now. I can't help myself. I know I'll be really sad when I'm finished.
Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It.
Shigure talks to Tohru about the curse and saving Kyo. They kind of get into it because Shigure is so blunt about Kyo's fate and how the rest of the Zodiac feel about him. He says he's not trying to be mean, which I don't think he is. He's just trying to tell her not to give up. I mean, I don't think he really cares about Kyo. He just wants the curse to break. I'm also guessing his feelings about Akito haven't changed very much. He probably wants Kureno out of the way.
Kyo runs into Tohru's grandfather, who tells him he thinks Tohru acts like her father because some old lady told her they were nothing alike when he died. This turns out to be true. She talks like her father because she was afraid her mother would leave her and to be with her father when she was a little girl. She feels horrible for being so selfish, but Kyo is there to comfort her. Both of them really don't want to think about the future. They want to be together. It's really sweet and sad at the same time.
Yuki runs into someone from Ayame's past. He pays his brother a visit and we learn that Mine is actually Ayame's girlfriend. So cute! Ayame tells a relatively serious story about love and rejection. I'm glad he and Yuki get along so much better now. Later, Yuki still pursues Machi by bringing her a gift. He also sort of asks her out, but she bolts. Like Kakeru said, they're way too spacy. It will take forever for them to get together. Speaking of Kakeru, there's also a little chapter at the end about him and his girlfriend (whose father also died in the accident that killed Tohru's mother). It's kind of a filler chapter, except I think it gives Yuki the kick he needs to try a little harder with Machi. We'll see in the next volume, I suppose!
I realize I'm breezing through these, but I'm just so invested in the story right now. I can't help myself. I know I'll be really sad when I'm finished.
Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It.
August 16, 2022
Kyoko's anniversary again, I liked seeing Kyo talking with Tohru's grandfather, it was an important conversation. And the blanket hug. Omg.
So much Machi! I love Machi's character so much more this time around - her and Manabe were such great additions to the story and I'm glad they're both in Yuki's life. Kimi and Chibi drive me bonkers tho haha
Totally forgot about that connection between Tohru and Manabe though.
TW: death of parents, grief
So much Machi! I love Machi's character so much more this time around - her and Manabe were such great additions to the story and I'm glad they're both in Yuki's life. Kimi and Chibi drive me bonkers tho haha
Totally forgot about that connection between Tohru and Manabe though.
TW: death of parents, grief
November 15, 2015
HAVE YOU READ THESE YET? IF NOT, WHY NOT?! GO READ THEM! GO READ THEM NOW!
July 28, 2025
An interesting volume, but oddly lighter than the last. I suppose I'm glad it didn't get darker. It's nice to see Yuki forming bonds with other people and growing into his own skin. And someone apologises for saying something awful to Tohru! The bit with Ayame was interesting, and Tohru and Kyo not quite knowing how to deal with each other is cute.
March 12, 2021
I'm really enjoying how everything is tying together. These stories are so precious to me.
(I hit another reading slump, glad to have finished it finally)
(I hit another reading slump, glad to have finished it finally)
March 27, 2021
4 stars
Momiji really went from "Hello sir, nice to meet you" to "your daughter calls me daddy too".
Momiji really went from "Hello sir, nice to meet you" to "your daughter calls me daddy too".
July 4, 2022
Jag hade inte planerat att gråta på min lediga dag men Mamma Mia! Here we go again.
May 15, 2023
4,5⭐️
February 21, 2025
La inclusión forzada de este tomo no se la cree nadie. Qué manía con heterosexualizarlo todo teníamos ya en los 90
October 17, 2025
GAHHHHH
December 19, 2025
Outstanding! Everything connects together so well! In the volume there is also starting to be some material that wasn’t in either anime!
March 14, 2012
So, I thought I'd take a moment, while I'm waiting for vol. 20 to come from the library or in the mail, to comment a bit on this series...I read the first 16 volumes in 2007, then never finished, so I decided to read the whole thing. While it always takes me a while to get into the rhythm of reading manga, with the right-to-left order, sound-effects characters, etc., I actually feel like I could follow the story this time. And I waver between 4 and 5 stars for all the volumes after 6, though that one's a definite 5 stars.
And while I keep marking them all as humor-comedy, they really stopped being that pretty early on, though there are still funny parts. The story got much more complex and some of the dark notes in the first couple volumes start becoming much more central to the story.
I won't actually go into summarizing, since I'm bad at it and this review would probably be pages long. You can read about it elsewhere. But I've really enjoyed all the large cast of characters' developments and how their pasts and stories are all intertwined. Because most of the characters are teens, it's also really neat to see how Takaya has had them grow and mature, physically and mentally, as the story goes on. Tohru Honda, the main female character, sometimes frustrates me with what seems like a pushover character, always focused on serving/helping others at her own expense, but that's also part of what really transforms everyone who meets her. I've been totally obsessed with the story (obviously)! And while the love triangle central to the story (it is shojo manga, after all) isn't going the way I wanted it to, it's still very romantic and tense.
So, I can't wait for the next volume to get here (I have all the others) so I can finish and find out what ultimately happens. And if anyone can tell my why vol. 21 costs so much, I'm very curious (since Tokyopop went out of business, even the used of that one volume are $50 or more...).
[Review from March 12, 2012. Re-Read 2013]
And while I keep marking them all as humor-comedy, they really stopped being that pretty early on, though there are still funny parts. The story got much more complex and some of the dark notes in the first couple volumes start becoming much more central to the story.
I won't actually go into summarizing, since I'm bad at it and this review would probably be pages long. You can read about it elsewhere. But I've really enjoyed all the large cast of characters' developments and how their pasts and stories are all intertwined. Because most of the characters are teens, it's also really neat to see how Takaya has had them grow and mature, physically and mentally, as the story goes on. Tohru Honda, the main female character, sometimes frustrates me with what seems like a pushover character, always focused on serving/helping others at her own expense, but that's also part of what really transforms everyone who meets her. I've been totally obsessed with the story (obviously)! And while the love triangle central to the story (it is shojo manga, after all) isn't going the way I wanted it to, it's still very romantic and tense.
So, I can't wait for the next volume to get here (I have all the others) so I can finish and find out what ultimately happens. And if anyone can tell my why vol. 21 costs so much, I'm very curious (since Tokyopop went out of business, even the used of that one volume are $50 or more...).
[Review from March 12, 2012. Re-Read 2013]
April 2, 2012
Favourite Character: Ayame
Shigure tells Tohru the cat exists to give the rest of the zodiac a scapegoat they can feel is worse than they are, which distresses her. Tohru feels guilty for letting Kyo replace her mother as the most important person in her heart. On the second anniversary of Kyoko's death, Kyo visits her grave alone and meets Tohru's grandfather, who tells him Tohru speaks formally and politely as an imitation of her father. When Kyo asks Tohru, she admits she started doing it to replace her dead father in her mother's eyes. Kyo remembers watching over her as a child and seeing how lonely she was. He hugs her, because he can't help but love her. Unable to stand being around Kyo and Tohru being awkward with each other, Yuki leaves the house and ends up visiting Ayame's shop with Kakeru and Machi, where Ayame forcibly costumes Machi. The other younger zodiac members also notice Tohru and Kyo's attraction, and Momiji warns Kyo that if he does not act on it, others (such as himself) might steal her away. Yuki gives Machi an apology gift for Ayame's behavior at the shop, and tells her they should get together during summer vacation. Kakeru invites Yuki over for dinner, to introduce him to his girlfriend, the daughter of the man who died when his car struck and killed Kyoko. On the way to Kakeru's girlfriend's place he admits that he hated Tohru at the time when the accident occurred because he felt that Tohru thought that she deserved sympathy and she was the only one affected. Kakeru apologizes to Tohru for his past hostility to her, shortly after the accident, and she thanks him for helping Yuki become more cheerful.
Shigure tells Tohru the cat exists to give the rest of the zodiac a scapegoat they can feel is worse than they are, which distresses her. Tohru feels guilty for letting Kyo replace her mother as the most important person in her heart. On the second anniversary of Kyoko's death, Kyo visits her grave alone and meets Tohru's grandfather, who tells him Tohru speaks formally and politely as an imitation of her father. When Kyo asks Tohru, she admits she started doing it to replace her dead father in her mother's eyes. Kyo remembers watching over her as a child and seeing how lonely she was. He hugs her, because he can't help but love her. Unable to stand being around Kyo and Tohru being awkward with each other, Yuki leaves the house and ends up visiting Ayame's shop with Kakeru and Machi, where Ayame forcibly costumes Machi. The other younger zodiac members also notice Tohru and Kyo's attraction, and Momiji warns Kyo that if he does not act on it, others (such as himself) might steal her away. Yuki gives Machi an apology gift for Ayame's behavior at the shop, and tells her they should get together during summer vacation. Kakeru invites Yuki over for dinner, to introduce him to his girlfriend, the daughter of the man who died when his car struck and killed Kyoko. On the way to Kakeru's girlfriend's place he admits that he hated Tohru at the time when the accident occurred because he felt that Tohru thought that she deserved sympathy and she was the only one affected. Kakeru apologizes to Tohru for his past hostility to her, shortly after the accident, and she thanks him for helping Yuki become more cheerful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2011
In this volume, Tohru and Kyo are getting increasingly closer to being "together." Kyo is so in love with Tohru that it's obvious to all the Sohmas and Tohru is finally close to admitting that she loves Kyo-kun. Tohru is afraid that if she loves Kyo, she'll lose the memory of her mother.
Much of the book is about how the other members of the Zodiac look down on Kyo. Their loves are so difficult being cursed that it's nice to know that Kyo's life is worse. There's a great scene with Shigure and Tohru where he's explaining this to her. I love seeing Shigure (1) in Western clothes and (2) acting serious. He is so handsome when he's not joking around. I love that we're increasingly seeing this side of him in the last volumes.
Of course, we revisit Yuki with his student council colleagues: Machi, Kakeru, and Kimi. Kimi is her annoying self as always. Yuki definitely has a thing for Machi. I was really surprised to discover that Yuki views Tohru as a mother-figure. I thought for sure that he was in love with her. Kind of weird, but I suppose it eliminates the competition with Kyo.
Another highlight of this volume is seeing post-puberty Momiji! He sprouted up overnight into a handsome young man. He doesn't wear the girlish sailor suit any more but he's still Momiji with his bunny backpack. Poor kid is in love with Tohru, but realizes that Kyo probably has the better chance.
Everything is moving quickly in these last volumes as Takaya tries to get in all the mythology, character developments, and conflicts necessary for the big finish.
Much of the book is about how the other members of the Zodiac look down on Kyo. Their loves are so difficult being cursed that it's nice to know that Kyo's life is worse. There's a great scene with Shigure and Tohru where he's explaining this to her. I love seeing Shigure (1) in Western clothes and (2) acting serious. He is so handsome when he's not joking around. I love that we're increasingly seeing this side of him in the last volumes.
Of course, we revisit Yuki with his student council colleagues: Machi, Kakeru, and Kimi. Kimi is her annoying self as always. Yuki definitely has a thing for Machi. I was really surprised to discover that Yuki views Tohru as a mother-figure. I thought for sure that he was in love with her. Kind of weird, but I suppose it eliminates the competition with Kyo.
Another highlight of this volume is seeing post-puberty Momiji! He sprouted up overnight into a handsome young man. He doesn't wear the girlish sailor suit any more but he's still Momiji with his bunny backpack. Poor kid is in love with Tohru, but realizes that Kyo probably has the better chance.
Everything is moving quickly in these last volumes as Takaya tries to get in all the mythology, character developments, and conflicts necessary for the big finish.
September 5, 2009
Oh man, I started sobbing like three pages into this volume!!! *heartbreak* But then about halfway through it started to slow down.
The one thing that stands out the most in this volume:
MOMIJI GROWN UP!!!!!!!!! And looking soooooooooooo handsome! (as if I had doubts...I knew he'd be gorgeous!)
We get to meet Komaki, Kakeru's girlfriend in this volume and learn how she's linked to Tohru.
And the appearance of Ayame always makes me happy!
And I don't care what people said or still say, I think Tohru DOES look like Katsuya! So there *stomps foot*
The one thing that stands out the most in this volume:
MOMIJI GROWN UP!!!!!!!!! And looking soooooooooooo handsome! (as if I had doubts...I knew he'd be gorgeous!)
We get to meet Komaki, Kakeru's girlfriend in this volume and learn how she's linked to Tohru.
And the appearance of Ayame always makes me happy!
And I don't care what people said or still say, I think Tohru DOES look like Katsuya! So there *stomps foot*
September 27, 2025
Drama, and emotions, and crying, and laughing, and suspense, and secrets! Oh, my poor heart can't take much more of this. Just when I think I will never stop crying, then something hilarious happens, and I'm laughing my head off. It's exhausting and I love it!
June 4, 2016
More character growth, intensity, and the kind of heart-punching insights for life. I just love this series.
August 27, 2015
I don't want this series to finish! Ughhhh.
November 24, 2022
I am lost for words this volume has so much emotion that it was just truly beautiful. It really adds to the final climax of the series that is all I can say!!!!
October 17, 2017
Shigure finds Tohru outside of the main Sohma house and tells her some harsh truths about the family, in particular the zodiac members. He knows that she is trying to break the curse and tries to explain about Kyo and his true purpose within the zodiac but she is not having any of it and gets really upset. She doesn't want to let Kyo go and I think it's because (aside from being in love with him) he is as much an influence on her life as her mother, and that is really saying something because she never thought anyone else would affect her like that.
It's the second anniversary of Kyoko's (Tohru's mother) death and Kyo has decided he can't join her this year in celebrating her life in front of the grave. Instead he decides to visit his own mother's grave and remembers what happened when she died. Though I think the most interesting part was when Kyo and Tohru's grandfather meet and discuss Kyoko, Katsuya, and Tohru. And Grandfather recognizes how important Tohru is to Kyo, which no one has really pointed out before. And then later when Kyo comes home, he surprises her by asking her about her memories of her father and she admits that she always kind of thought of her father as a villain because she didn't want to share her mother with anyone else, but also didn't want to be left behind alone. Kyo completely understands how she feels and tells her so, and then get to hug, albeit with a sheet between them.
Yuki gets caught in the middle between the awkwardness between Tohru and Kyo after their hug outside and he's a bit amazed that neither of them seem to catch on to the feelings between the two of them. It gets even more awkward when he leaves and Kyo tries to get her to hang out with him and then he gets all embarrassed when he thinks she looks cute saying "Being able to go out together makes me really happy." Yuki visits his brother Ayame, who finally admits how much he and Mine, his assistant are in love and how grateful he is to her for not disappearing after he told her he loved her.
Momiji grew up! I totally didn't recognize him without his girly clothing and kiddie toys/accessories. I also liked his little ultimatum with Kyo, saying that if Kyo ever gave up Tohru, he would swoop in and take her, which makes Kyo all panicky wondering if he was that obvious about how he really felt. And there was a moment there where it looked like Shigure was trying to make a for-real (not lecherous old man) pass at Tohru, though I think it might be an attempt to hide his true feelings about Akito and why he has been such a bastard to her lately.
Yuki gives Machi a present for putting up with his crazy brother Ayame and Mine, his assistant. She is a bit shocked but pleased and goes to thank him for the Mogeta, and he tells her he wants to spend summer break together. Kakeru takes Yuki home to meet his girlfriend Komaki, whose father was killed the night Kyoko died. Overall a good volume and I’m glad that Kyo and Tohru are finally starting to admit things, albeit at a snail’s pace. Recommended for ages 14+, 4 stars.
It's the second anniversary of Kyoko's (Tohru's mother) death and Kyo has decided he can't join her this year in celebrating her life in front of the grave. Instead he decides to visit his own mother's grave and remembers what happened when she died. Though I think the most interesting part was when Kyo and Tohru's grandfather meet and discuss Kyoko, Katsuya, and Tohru. And Grandfather recognizes how important Tohru is to Kyo, which no one has really pointed out before. And then later when Kyo comes home, he surprises her by asking her about her memories of her father and she admits that she always kind of thought of her father as a villain because she didn't want to share her mother with anyone else, but also didn't want to be left behind alone. Kyo completely understands how she feels and tells her so, and then get to hug, albeit with a sheet between them.
Yuki gets caught in the middle between the awkwardness between Tohru and Kyo after their hug outside and he's a bit amazed that neither of them seem to catch on to the feelings between the two of them. It gets even more awkward when he leaves and Kyo tries to get her to hang out with him and then he gets all embarrassed when he thinks she looks cute saying "Being able to go out together makes me really happy." Yuki visits his brother Ayame, who finally admits how much he and Mine, his assistant are in love and how grateful he is to her for not disappearing after he told her he loved her.
Momiji grew up! I totally didn't recognize him without his girly clothing and kiddie toys/accessories. I also liked his little ultimatum with Kyo, saying that if Kyo ever gave up Tohru, he would swoop in and take her, which makes Kyo all panicky wondering if he was that obvious about how he really felt. And there was a moment there where it looked like Shigure was trying to make a for-real (not lecherous old man) pass at Tohru, though I think it might be an attempt to hide his true feelings about Akito and why he has been such a bastard to her lately.
Yuki gives Machi a present for putting up with his crazy brother Ayame and Mine, his assistant. She is a bit shocked but pleased and goes to thank him for the Mogeta, and he tells her he wants to spend summer break together. Kakeru takes Yuki home to meet his girlfriend Komaki, whose father was killed the night Kyoko died. Overall a good volume and I’m glad that Kyo and Tohru are finally starting to admit things, albeit at a snail’s pace. Recommended for ages 14+, 4 stars.
May 20, 2025
Tohru and Shigure have a difficult conversation, revealing Tohru's inner thoughts with her struggles with her mother's memory and newfound love of Kyo.
Things turn awkward for Yuki as he notices the tension between Tohru and Kyo, and makes a break for it, ending up with his brother, Ayame.
Kakeru's interest in Tohru finally comes to light, revealing a dark past.
--
Mixed feelings about this volume ;o; It started off strong and then...teetered off. I'm sorry for fans of the, but I really don't care for the student council or Kakeru. Machi was growing on me a bit, with her growing connection with Yuki, but the members in general don't really feel like they stand strong enough on their own as characters. It's almost like reading two different stories, one with Tohru and the Soumas, the other with Yuki and the council members. There's not enough interconnection or depth to make me care.
Which is ironic given this volume, I know, where Kakeru's past with Tohru is finally shown. And while it's an interesting tid-bit, I suppose, it doesn't really add anything to the story. Things would've read just the same without them. And since we had no reference for Komaki prior to this volume, there wasn't really any suspense or shock in the reveal either. And to end the volume with so much bulk dedicated to it... Perhaps if this had been more built up over previous volumes, sprinkled in more than just Kakeru randomly staring at Tohru here and there, it would've been different. But for the most part, I'm just underwhelmed. Especially after the banger of the previous volume, this one left me just like...dumbfoundedly bored? x'D
Otherwise though: Tohru's bit at the start of this volume hit hard, of course. It's a common phenomenon to have a difficult time feeling able to live normally after the death of a loved one. You can feel obligated to remind yourself of them every day or over-keep momentos, unable to let go for fear of forgetting. Tohru is terrified of her thoughts lately being more about Kyo than her mother, and that's hard for anyone, but of course especially for a child. The love and memories of her mother may not show up every day, but they won't disappear, but she doesn't know that. So instead she deals with internal turmoil of what to do.
I love how everyone basically is aware that Kyo and Tohru like each other, but instead of trying to force things or tease them, they let things progress naturally and just offer their support. I loved seeing their concern, they all genuinely care for Kyo, I think more than Shigure assumes. Momiji's brief conversation with him had me like, HNNG boy! He's such an amazingly sweet kid, too good for this world, I swear.
In any case, I can't wait to see how things continue on, with hopefully less student council now that this 'big reveal' finally happened, haha. (':
See my review of the series as a whole and volume one here. (Also includes a bit of information for Japanese learners.)
Things turn awkward for Yuki as he notices the tension between Tohru and Kyo, and makes a break for it, ending up with his brother, Ayame.
Kakeru's interest in Tohru finally comes to light, revealing a dark past.
--
Mixed feelings about this volume ;o; It started off strong and then...teetered off. I'm sorry for fans of the, but I really don't care for the student council or Kakeru. Machi was growing on me a bit, with her growing connection with Yuki, but the members in general don't really feel like they stand strong enough on their own as characters. It's almost like reading two different stories, one with Tohru and the Soumas, the other with Yuki and the council members. There's not enough interconnection or depth to make me care.
Which is ironic given this volume, I know, where Kakeru's past with Tohru is finally shown. And while it's an interesting tid-bit, I suppose, it doesn't really add anything to the story. Things would've read just the same without them. And since we had no reference for Komaki prior to this volume, there wasn't really any suspense or shock in the reveal either. And to end the volume with so much bulk dedicated to it... Perhaps if this had been more built up over previous volumes, sprinkled in more than just Kakeru randomly staring at Tohru here and there, it would've been different. But for the most part, I'm just underwhelmed. Especially after the banger of the previous volume, this one left me just like...dumbfoundedly bored? x'D
Otherwise though: Tohru's bit at the start of this volume hit hard, of course. It's a common phenomenon to have a difficult time feeling able to live normally after the death of a loved one. You can feel obligated to remind yourself of them every day or over-keep momentos, unable to let go for fear of forgetting. Tohru is terrified of her thoughts lately being more about Kyo than her mother, and that's hard for anyone, but of course especially for a child. The love and memories of her mother may not show up every day, but they won't disappear, but she doesn't know that. So instead she deals with internal turmoil of what to do.
I love how everyone basically is aware that Kyo and Tohru like each other, but instead of trying to force things or tease them, they let things progress naturally and just offer their support. I loved seeing their concern, they all genuinely care for Kyo, I think more than Shigure assumes. Momiji's brief conversation with him had me like, HNNG boy! He's such an amazingly sweet kid, too good for this world, I swear.
In any case, I can't wait to see how things continue on, with hopefully less student council now that this 'big reveal' finally happened, haha. (':
See my review of the series as a whole and volume one here. (Also includes a bit of information for Japanese learners.)
March 18, 2019
Fruits Basket, Vol. 19 continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next six chapters (108–113) of the on-going manga series.
Shigure Shoma tells Tohru Honda that the cat exists to give the rest of the zodiac a scapegoat they can feel is worse than they are which distresses her. Tohru also feels guilty for letting Kyo Sohma replace her mother as the most important person in her heart. On the second anniversary of Kyoko's death, Kyo visits her grave alone and meets Tohru's grandfather, who tells him Tohru speaks formally and politely as an imitation of her father. When Kyo asks Tohru, she admits she started doing it to replace her dead father in her mother's eyes. Kyo remembers watching over her as a child and seeing how lonely she was. He hugs her, because he can't help but love her.
Unable to stand being around Kyo and Tohru being awkward with each other, Yuki Sohma leaves the house and ends up visiting his brother's shop with Kakeru Manabe and Machi Kuragi, where Ayame Sohma forcibly costumes Machi.
Meanwhile, the other younger zodiac members also notice Tohru and Kyo's attraction, and Momiji Sohma warns Kyo that if he does not act on it, others might steal her away. Yuki gives Machi an apology gift for Ayame's behavior at the shop, and tells her they should get together during summer vacation.
Kakeru invites Yuki over for dinner, to introduce him to his girlfriend, the daughter of the man who died when his car struck and killed Kyoko. On the way to Kakeru's girlfriend's place he admits that he hated Tohru at the time when the accident occurred because he felt that Tohru thought that she deserved sympathy and she was the only one affected. Kakeru apologizes to Tohru for his past hostility to her, shortly after the accident, and she thanks him for helping Yuki become more cheerful.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya. For the most part, I really liked the direction of the narrative. The slow burn between Tohru Honda and Kyo Sohma are starting to happen and there is an inkling of a relationship between Yuki Sohma and Machi Kuragi. The story of Kakeru Manabe is also fleshed out as he is the son of the driver that killed Kyoko Honda – the mother of Tohru Honda.
All in all, Fruits Basket, Vol. 19 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
Shigure Shoma tells Tohru Honda that the cat exists to give the rest of the zodiac a scapegoat they can feel is worse than they are which distresses her. Tohru also feels guilty for letting Kyo Sohma replace her mother as the most important person in her heart. On the second anniversary of Kyoko's death, Kyo visits her grave alone and meets Tohru's grandfather, who tells him Tohru speaks formally and politely as an imitation of her father. When Kyo asks Tohru, she admits she started doing it to replace her dead father in her mother's eyes. Kyo remembers watching over her as a child and seeing how lonely she was. He hugs her, because he can't help but love her.
Unable to stand being around Kyo and Tohru being awkward with each other, Yuki Sohma leaves the house and ends up visiting his brother's shop with Kakeru Manabe and Machi Kuragi, where Ayame Sohma forcibly costumes Machi.
Meanwhile, the other younger zodiac members also notice Tohru and Kyo's attraction, and Momiji Sohma warns Kyo that if he does not act on it, others might steal her away. Yuki gives Machi an apology gift for Ayame's behavior at the shop, and tells her they should get together during summer vacation.
Kakeru invites Yuki over for dinner, to introduce him to his girlfriend, the daughter of the man who died when his car struck and killed Kyoko. On the way to Kakeru's girlfriend's place he admits that he hated Tohru at the time when the accident occurred because he felt that Tohru thought that she deserved sympathy and she was the only one affected. Kakeru apologizes to Tohru for his past hostility to her, shortly after the accident, and she thanks him for helping Yuki become more cheerful.
This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya. For the most part, I really liked the direction of the narrative. The slow burn between Tohru Honda and Kyo Sohma are starting to happen and there is an inkling of a relationship between Yuki Sohma and Machi Kuragi. The story of Kakeru Manabe is also fleshed out as he is the son of the driver that killed Kyoko Honda – the mother of Tohru Honda.
All in all, Fruits Basket, Vol. 19 is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
June 3, 2024
Just a few volumes ago, somewhere around the halfway mark, I fell a little bit of out of love with this series, and yet here I am with four volumes left to go, and I'm back in love with it again. It just goes to show how quickly our opinions can change!
This is another 5 star read for this series, getting back up to earlier strengths, and honestly this volume is one of the best for it. The inner turmoil that Tohru has over her feelings for Kyo is shown so well, and if it wasn't obvious in the last volume, we now know that he is first in her heart ahead of her parents which is sad but sweet. One of the scenes that I remember so well from this series is in this volume - Kyo hugging Tohru through the sheet. It just speaks volumes to me.
I said this in my volume.... 16 review I think, but I really do hope (in my mental canon) that these two have a long and proper chat about how much he knew her mother. Because it is seriously needed. Also, how CUTE is Tohru when she shows the picture of her Dad? She's so adorably drawn in an un-chibi like way. I love the fact that Tohru has been carrying around a picture of her father the whole time. It is so very very like her. The quasi date between Kyo and Tohru is almost sickening with how cute it is, and in a seperate storyline I like the fact that we finally get confirmation that Mine and Ayame are a couple. We've known it for a while, but it's nice to get that confirmed.
The storyline with Yuki meeting the girlfriend of the second in command, is fine but I really dislike the second in command character for what he does to Tohru. I mean honestly he ought to be the one apologising, not her. It's interesting as in previous read throughs I haven't really disliked his character but this time I really hate him.
Onto nicer things, aka my favourite Bunny rabbit! Grown up Momiji looks freaking adorable. I've said before that the way he's drawn he kind of de-ages a little bit here and there, but when he comes into his own he starts getting drawn more maturely, and that really comes to the forefront in this volume.
I can't believe we are only 4 volumes from the end... if memory serves we still have a LOT of things to cover off yet!
This is another 5 star read for this series, getting back up to earlier strengths, and honestly this volume is one of the best for it. The inner turmoil that Tohru has over her feelings for Kyo is shown so well, and if it wasn't obvious in the last volume, we now know that he is first in her heart ahead of her parents which is sad but sweet. One of the scenes that I remember so well from this series is in this volume - Kyo hugging Tohru through the sheet. It just speaks volumes to me.
I said this in my volume.... 16 review I think, but I really do hope (in my mental canon) that these two have a long and proper chat about how much he knew her mother. Because it is seriously needed. Also, how CUTE is Tohru when she shows the picture of her Dad? She's so adorably drawn in an un-chibi like way. I love the fact that Tohru has been carrying around a picture of her father the whole time. It is so very very like her. The quasi date between Kyo and Tohru is almost sickening with how cute it is, and in a seperate storyline I like the fact that we finally get confirmation that Mine and Ayame are a couple. We've known it for a while, but it's nice to get that confirmed.
The storyline with Yuki meeting the girlfriend of the second in command, is fine but I really dislike the second in command character for what he does to Tohru. I mean honestly he ought to be the one apologising, not her. It's interesting as in previous read throughs I haven't really disliked his character but this time I really hate him.
Onto nicer things, aka my favourite Bunny rabbit! Grown up Momiji looks freaking adorable. I've said before that the way he's drawn he kind of de-ages a little bit here and there, but when he comes into his own he starts getting drawn more maturely, and that really comes to the forefront in this volume.
I can't believe we are only 4 volumes from the end... if memory serves we still have a LOT of things to cover off yet!
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