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フルーツバスケット [Fruits Basket] #8
Fruits Basket, Vol. 8
Summer is on its way, so of course Tohru and friends are excited about the upcoming vacation and field trip. But what's that sound? It's Hatsuharu going beserk in the classroom... again! Black Haru is full of more rage than usual, so what will happen when Yuki intervenes? Meanwhile, Ritsu of the Sohma's hot spring resort shows up...but what's with her appearance?
196 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2002
44 people are currently reading
4341 people want to read
About the author
Natsuki Takaya
153 books2,684 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 297 reviews
October 31, 2018
You know, sometimes when I read this I think that Natsuki Takaya is a very wise person! *lol* There’s so much love and wisdom in this Manga and I think if I’d ever meet her we’d get along just fine. XD
Highlights of this volume:
”Besides, I don’t have to stay with the group!!”
“That’s true, but it’s more fun with you there. That way I can mess with you.”
“What am I, your toy?”
Ahh the conversations between Uo-chan and Kyo-kun always give me life! *lol* I just love how she gets under his skin with such minimum effort and how annoyed he is by it. XD
”Ohh? What is this, Haa-san? You’re actually listening to my request without complaining at all? Could it be… you’re secretly lovey-dovey with Tohru-kun?”
“I was struck speechless at the stupidity of what you said.”
Hahahahahah! Gosh I love Hatori-san’s matter-of-fact statements. *lol* Shigure-san will never learn but those two and Ayame-san are just amazing! <33
”You don’t have to be courageous!! What’s wrong with being shameless?! Sometimes living can be hard, but it’s only because we’re alive that we can make each other laugh, cry… be happy!”
Tohru always finds the right words and I love the newly introduced Ritchan. He’s kind of erm… lively though. ;-) (And that’s actually putting it mildly!)
”Okay, okay, I got it! I understand! Sheesh.. why are you such a crybaby?”
Tohru and Kyo-kun having a serious talk about the future was everything!!! I love those two so, so, so damn much! I definitely ship her more with Kyo than with Yuki because idk their chemistry fits so perfectly. What do you think? =)
Highlights of this volume:
”Besides, I don’t have to stay with the group!!”
“That’s true, but it’s more fun with you there. That way I can mess with you.”
“What am I, your toy?”
Ahh the conversations between Uo-chan and Kyo-kun always give me life! *lol* I just love how she gets under his skin with such minimum effort and how annoyed he is by it. XD
”Ohh? What is this, Haa-san? You’re actually listening to my request without complaining at all? Could it be… you’re secretly lovey-dovey with Tohru-kun?”
“I was struck speechless at the stupidity of what you said.”
Hahahahahah! Gosh I love Hatori-san’s matter-of-fact statements. *lol* Shigure-san will never learn but those two and Ayame-san are just amazing! <33
”You don’t have to be courageous!! What’s wrong with being shameless?! Sometimes living can be hard, but it’s only because we’re alive that we can make each other laugh, cry… be happy!”
Tohru always finds the right words and I love the newly introduced Ritchan. He’s kind of erm… lively though. ;-) (And that’s actually putting it mildly!)
”Okay, okay, I got it! I understand! Sheesh.. why are you such a crybaby?”
Tohru and Kyo-kun having a serious talk about the future was everything!!! I love those two so, so, so damn much! I definitely ship her more with Kyo than with Yuki because idk their chemistry fits so perfectly. What do you think? =)
April 11, 2022
is this a healthy coping mechanism
July 16, 2016
The extra star cuz Hatsuharu is my favourite character ;) Stupid reason but who cares :D
August 22, 2022
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars
Welp. The messages in this one had me SOBBING 😭! The meaning of living & taking one step at a time, learning that your purpose will come in time, when you’re ready… S O B B I N G . Tohru’s positivity is SO heartwarming & I think what everyone needs! I love Fruits Basket SOMUCHHHHHH. *hugs book* lmao.
Once again *sighs contentedly*
Welp. The messages in this one had me SOBBING 😭! The meaning of living & taking one step at a time, learning that your purpose will come in time, when you’re ready… S O B B I N G . Tohru’s positivity is SO heartwarming & I think what everyone needs! I love Fruits Basket SOMUCHHHHHH. *hugs book* lmao.
Once again *sighs contentedly*
August 20, 2022
3.5 ⭐️
Still enjoyed this volume despite one scene that I didn’t like. It was when Ritsu explained why he acts like a woman (because he’s always been weak and clumsy) and I nearly lost it. It’s implying that women are weak and clumsy. It’s a typical stereotype and I hate it.
Still enjoyed this volume despite one scene that I didn’t like. It was when Ritsu explained why he acts like a woman (because he’s always been weak and clumsy) and I nearly lost it. It’s implying that women are weak and clumsy. It’s a typical stereotype and I hate it.
April 22, 2015
This one was a bit disjointed and all over the place. Tohru and co were still fun to read about though.
November 11, 2020
Ese es mi querido Kyo protegiendo a su chica!
June 14, 2011
Why is Fruits Basket so freaking awesome? There's really nothing for me to complain about the series (except for Akito but you already knew that). I will say this, however... THERE'S SO MANY CHARACTERS TO LOVE!!! That's right, we got to meet the monkey in this one (and a little sneak peek of the horse... is that a spoiler? O_o). In any case, I was so happy to see more characters revealed, more pasts being explained, and seeing Haru being a total hottie~ You should have seen how awesome he declares his love! Now THAT'S what I call a man! All you men out there... GROW A PAIR! Because there really isn't any men left out there in the world. *Sighs* Anyway, this volume really made me take a step back and look at my life clearly. It was... refreshing.
Seriously, I couldn't have read this book at a better time. Some of the manga was showing how the characters were reflecting on their lives... thinking about their futures and what they want to do and not knowing what they want to do. I'm going through a very similar situation and it's not fun. I undertsand what it's like being lost and having no clue where you're going to go... I think everyone does at some point. But for others, it's much easier to choose a path and for others, myself included, not so much. I know I say this a lot about this manga but I related so easily to what the characters were going through. It's such a great feeling being able to fully understand what's happening in the story. It was a nice touch Takaya-sensei added to it. I love her ability to mix real life with the fantastical. It's... overwhelming but at the same time... wonderful. Thank you, Takaya-sensei. I now know that I should just take it easy. Start with the laundry that's at my feet first, then look forward. (I also had a chat with my friend that helped me realize this as well so... thank you. You know who you are! ^_^)
Dude, where should I begin with the characters!? So many awesome things happened! We start off with Haru kicking ass because he wants his girl, Ritsu being entertaining, Hatori being adorable, everyone feeling anxiety, Ayame being (for once) really cool, and the DUNDUNDUN moment of Rin! And all this time Tohru was being supportive and funny as hell! (The way she walked into that wall was just too hilarious!) I love this girl. I don't know how she manages to be cute but not stupid but... she does it! Kyo was.... *SQUEES!!!* That was such a cute laugh/smile! When he and Tohru got into a conversation about their future, it was so relieving seeing how he laughed. *Sighs* Made me want to do the same (and I did!). Yuki was so... so... so not arrogant in this volume. Well, perhaps a little but it was more durable. Seeing how he acted with his brother, Ayame, was very nice. I was shocked that he was able to finally grow a little. It was annoying seeing him push Ayame away so much. I felt that they finally got closer in this volume.
Ayame is the best brother ever! Um... if you forget the fact that he's persistent as hell! No, really. He was... how should I say this... he surprised me as well. There was a moment in the volume where he talks about that no one is ever truly alone. Himself included. But that person he was hinting at... it made me smile. I was truly happy. I know there's more to him and I can't wait to find out (I know. I can't believe I want to know more about the Snake, either). He truly is beautiful. Ritsu! Oh, that ma--wo--person is so awesome! He's just like his mother! Okami-san was over-dramatic in that everything used to make her freak out. Ritsu... is no exception. Just like his mother! It's a little sad that he feels he's not worth much but I do think he will come to like himself in due time. And a certain someone is going to help~ I'm not going to name names but... she's a bit dramatic like he is. XD Last thing I'm going to talk about (because I'm running a little too much at the keyboard I might get a bit too carried away) is how we got to see a little bit of Rin. She's not only pretty but sexy! And kickass! And badass! All those things! You need to continue reading just so you can see this amazing character in action!
Okay! That's it! I'm done! No more ranting for me. I think this one got somewhat spoilery but it's nothing too major. Just enough to peak your interests~ Man, how in the world did I come to love this manga so much!? It's so shoujo-y that I'm like, "Where did I go wrong!?" However, it's not like other shoujo stuff so maybe... that's it? In any case, I really think this is one of the great ones! So much relation to real life and kickass characters! It's almost difficult not to fall in love with this series. And maybe I'm a bit of a sucker when it comes to sexy guys... what!? The Sohmas ARE hot, okay!? ...I happen to be a girl into the whole superficial. Leave me alone! Anyway, that really is enough from me! Go. Read. Now. Enjoy! I'll see you in the next volume! ^_^
Seriously, I couldn't have read this book at a better time. Some of the manga was showing how the characters were reflecting on their lives... thinking about their futures and what they want to do and not knowing what they want to do. I'm going through a very similar situation and it's not fun. I undertsand what it's like being lost and having no clue where you're going to go... I think everyone does at some point. But for others, it's much easier to choose a path and for others, myself included, not so much. I know I say this a lot about this manga but I related so easily to what the characters were going through. It's such a great feeling being able to fully understand what's happening in the story. It was a nice touch Takaya-sensei added to it. I love her ability to mix real life with the fantastical. It's... overwhelming but at the same time... wonderful. Thank you, Takaya-sensei. I now know that I should just take it easy. Start with the laundry that's at my feet first, then look forward. (I also had a chat with my friend that helped me realize this as well so... thank you. You know who you are! ^_^)
Dude, where should I begin with the characters!? So many awesome things happened! We start off with Haru kicking ass because he wants his girl, Ritsu being entertaining, Hatori being adorable, everyone feeling anxiety, Ayame being (for once) really cool, and the DUNDUNDUN moment of Rin! And all this time Tohru was being supportive and funny as hell! (The way she walked into that wall was just too hilarious!) I love this girl. I don't know how she manages to be cute but not stupid but... she does it! Kyo was.... *SQUEES!!!* That was such a cute laugh/smile! When he and Tohru got into a conversation about their future, it was so relieving seeing how he laughed. *Sighs* Made me want to do the same (and I did!). Yuki was so... so... so not arrogant in this volume. Well, perhaps a little but it was more durable. Seeing how he acted with his brother, Ayame, was very nice. I was shocked that he was able to finally grow a little. It was annoying seeing him push Ayame away so much. I felt that they finally got closer in this volume.
Ayame is the best brother ever! Um... if you forget the fact that he's persistent as hell! No, really. He was... how should I say this... he surprised me as well. There was a moment in the volume where he talks about that no one is ever truly alone. Himself included. But that person he was hinting at... it made me smile. I was truly happy. I know there's more to him and I can't wait to find out (I know. I can't believe I want to know more about the Snake, either). He truly is beautiful. Ritsu! Oh, that ma--wo--person is so awesome! He's just like his mother! Okami-san was over-dramatic in that everything used to make her freak out. Ritsu... is no exception. Just like his mother! It's a little sad that he feels he's not worth much but I do think he will come to like himself in due time. And a certain someone is going to help~ I'm not going to name names but... she's a bit dramatic like he is. XD Last thing I'm going to talk about (because I'm running a little too much at the keyboard I might get a bit too carried away) is how we got to see a little bit of Rin. She's not only pretty but sexy! And kickass! And badass! All those things! You need to continue reading just so you can see this amazing character in action!
Okay! That's it! I'm done! No more ranting for me. I think this one got somewhat spoilery but it's nothing too major. Just enough to peak your interests~ Man, how in the world did I come to love this manga so much!? It's so shoujo-y that I'm like, "Where did I go wrong!?" However, it's not like other shoujo stuff so maybe... that's it? In any case, I really think this is one of the great ones! So much relation to real life and kickass characters! It's almost difficult not to fall in love with this series. And maybe I'm a bit of a sucker when it comes to sexy guys... what!? The Sohmas ARE hot, okay!? ...I happen to be a girl into the whole superficial. Leave me alone! Anyway, that really is enough from me! Go. Read. Now. Enjoy! I'll see you in the next volume! ^_^
December 25, 2020
This volume was pretty boring ngl. The interesting parts that gave some characters backstory were really short yet the new character (forgot his name) was given way too much attention imo. He's kind of annoying.
Also I'm super confused about some things now? I thought Haru had a crush on Yuki but now suddenly he was in a relationship with Rin? Plus Rin looks way too old for him. Wasn't Haru like 15? She looks way older but idk the anime style has always made it harder to figure out ages haha
(How old is Shigure anyways? Mid-thirties? I guess I'll have to look at fanwikis to find out :')
Also I'm super confused about some things now? I thought Haru had a crush on Yuki but now suddenly he was in a relationship with Rin? Plus Rin looks way too old for him. Wasn't Haru like 15? She looks way older but idk the anime style has always made it harder to figure out ages haha
(How old is Shigure anyways? Mid-thirties? I guess I'll have to look at fanwikis to find out :')
December 5, 2018
In this book it brought up a new character with new personalities! Im predicting that the new character is also part of the sohma's and has a important role in her relationship with Hatsuharu.
December 18, 2018
I like how Natsuki keeps adding new characters to the series. This new character that is shown in this volume seems to play an important role in Hatsuharu's life and I wonder what is going to happen between her and him, after everything that happened between the two of them and their relationship.
June 15, 2016
5/5 stars
I'm at a loss of words...now
RITSU APPEARED!
Also, I realized that I have only some volumes left to finish the series.
It will make me SO emotional
*deep breath*
I will live
Also...literally everyone in this series has a troubled past!
Recommended
~Mary
I'm at a loss of words...now
RITSU APPEARED!
Also, I realized that I have only some volumes left to finish the series.
It will make me SO emotional
*deep breath*
I will live
Also...literally everyone in this series has a troubled past!
Recommended
~Mary
March 27, 2016
The thing with this series is that there's A LOT of silly stuff and weird stuff that makes you uncomfortable (like, hello, family incest crushes), but then there are scenes that are deeply touching and wonderfull, and are a delight to read. Like how the anxiety towards one's future and goals can overwhelm you, and how fixing what you have in front of you little by little, instead of becoming frozen by your expectations, can be a better solution.
May 11, 2016
Hatori's story was the saddest of all! :(
September 5, 2018
I can't take Ritsu anymore!
August 2, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I loved meeting another member of the zodiac. I can't wait to continue on with this series.
June 7, 2019
[3.5 stars]
April 8, 2019
Wow everyone is so attractive!🥵
April 16, 2019
"You don't have to be 'adults'... but be someone who can take responsibility for their own words and actions. Believe it or not, that's actually harder.”
March 25, 2020
More family members of the Sohma kept showing up and I love the recent appearance of a certain someone in this volume too.
Ritsu Sohma’s a whole lot like me for I’m suddenly reminded of my own weaknesses and limitations as a fellow introverted person myself. Ritsu shares his outbursts as his mother who appeared on the 3rd volume of this series, though he happens to have it worse as he’s easily provoked on every social interactions he’s at.
I can understand what’s it like to have low confidence and belief in oneself, thinking I got nothing to prove or show to the world how I can manage being my own person. Ritsu has those moments too, you’d sympathize him for it as well, surely.
Other chapters focuses on their relationship to their families, brotherly and romantic wise as always. Speaking of which, there’s an ongoing love triangle for this series and it’s funny how clueless Tohru is even when she’s placed on the hot-seat.
Ritsu Sohma’s a whole lot like me for I’m suddenly reminded of my own weaknesses and limitations as a fellow introverted person myself. Ritsu shares his outbursts as his mother who appeared on the 3rd volume of this series, though he happens to have it worse as he’s easily provoked on every social interactions he’s at.
I can understand what’s it like to have low confidence and belief in oneself, thinking I got nothing to prove or show to the world how I can manage being my own person. Ritsu has those moments too, you’d sympathize him for it as well, surely.
Other chapters focuses on their relationship to their families, brotherly and romantic wise as always. Speaking of which, there’s an ongoing love triangle for this series and it’s funny how clueless Tohru is even when she’s placed on the hot-seat.
October 5, 2022
We get to meet Ritsu at long last! I actually really enjoyed his introduction and thought he was a wonderful addition to the story. I think Tohru had such a powerful speech at the end when she talked about how we must find our own meaning in life. That hit me right in the feels, and I almost wanted to take a picture of the whole panel and post it... too bad no one on my Facebook would know how to read it properly.
There was other sections of this volume that felt like filler, but it was still fun anyway. Can't wait to read volume nine tomorrow!
There was other sections of this volume that felt like filler, but it was still fun anyway. Can't wait to read volume nine tomorrow!
March 14, 2021
well when Ritchan tells the story of why he dresses and acts like a woman... he explains because he’s always been clumsy and weak.... that’s an interesting description of the female gender.. certainly not the description i would give..
that bit almost recked it for me.. but they wisely moved on from the subject
that bit almost recked it for me.. but they wisely moved on from the subject
February 28, 2021
4 stars
Toruh needs to be paid therapist fees.
Toruh needs to be paid therapist fees.
July 10, 2024
One star off because of Ritchan
February 13, 2021
This is definitely one of my top favorite manga series. These characters are so quirky and its so fun to see their zodiac traits come out in their personalities!
January 21, 2022
J'ai beaucoup aimé ce tome. Il introduit la suite et j'ai hâte de la découvrir 😊
February 2, 2020
Tohru Honda’s extended family sucks. After her mother died, her aunt and uncle made it clear they wanted nothing to do with the child. But the optimistic compassion and strong work ethic Tohru inherited from her mother served her well. She got a part time job as a cleaner, and moved to a tent in the woods.
However, it turned out that the forest was not public land, but the property of the wealthy Sohma clan, two of whom found her. A series of explanations later, Tohru became housekeeper for laid-back novelist Shigure Sohma (The Dog) and the two teenagers he was sheltering, the handsome but aloof Yuki Sohma (The Rat), and the hot-tempered Kyo Sohma (The Cat), in exchange for room and board.
This required Tohru to become aware of some of the Sohma family secrets, including the big one. Thirteen members of the Sohma clan are cursed by the Chinese Zodiac, and will turn into their totem animal when weakened or if embraced by a member of the opposite sex. “But wait,” you say, “aren’t there only twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac?” Yes, and that’s just one of the points that makes the curse so pernicious.
Let’s drop in on the volume I have at hand, #8. Time is creeping on towards summer break, and the members of Tohru’s class are looking forward to a class trip. But there’s a more immediate issue, as Hatsuharu Sohma (The Ox) has slipped into his “Black” state and gone berserk. Turns out that his girlfriend dumped him when she went into the hospital, and he’s been bottling up his feelings until exploding.
Back at Shigure’s place, there’s a visit by Ritsu Sohma (the Monkey), who’s the child of the previously seen hot springs manager. Poor Ritsu has inherited his mother’s anxious disposition and tendency to apologize for anything he does or might somehow be connected to, even being born. For some reason, wearing women’s clothing calms him down slightly, so he always wears a fancy kimono and can easily be mistaken for a woman. Tohru doesn’t realize this until she accidentally turns him into his cursed form!
Ritsu and Tohru have a heart to heart about purpose in life, and Ritsu meets Shigure’s long-suffering editor Mitsuru, who he bonds with over their mutual anxiety issues.
The kids are reminded that parent-teacher conferences are coming up right after summer break; Yuki and Kyo aren’t too thrilled about the prospect due to their abusive home situations (they’re living with Shigure for good reasons.) Yuki’s flamboyant older brother Ayame Sohma (the Snake) offers to step in in place of their parents, but Yuki finds him embarrassing and not much better as a potential substitute.
For the first night of summer break, tiny Momiji Sohma (the Rabbit), drags Tohru and some of the other Sohma boys along on a trip to a haunted house. When Tohru (who is not good with fake scary stuff) has a panic attack, Hatsuharu tries to reframe the narrative, but winds up accidentally committing vandalism.
And in the stinger for the volume, we see that Rin Sohma (the Horse) is about ready to leave the hospital, but this may not be good news for Shigure….
Despite the light art style and the comedic moments, I’ve often said that this series is Gothic Romance. Impoverished but hopeful heroine, large wealthy family with many dark secrets, a romantic choice between the aloof heir apparent and the black sheep cousin, evil older person who runs/ruins the family–it just needs a cover with Tohru in a white nightgown running from a mansion with one lit window.
And indeed there’s a strong current of darkness under the pretty colors and fantastic elements here. Even the name of the series turns out to be a children’s game in which one child is targeted for ostracism. There’s child abuse, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, suicide and other tragedies in the backstory, so it’s no surprise that many of the characters are screwed up.
Most of these folks should be in therapy, but mostly it’s Tohru who winds up giving counseling, even though she herself desperately needs help.
Not much that’s plot-relevant happens in this volume. Ritsu’s story is self-contained, so all you’d be missing is an explanation of who he is when he returns towards the end of the series. There are two editions of the English adaptation; the Tokyopop volumes may be hard to find, but you should be able to get hold of the more recent Yen Press edition.
The characters are endearing, but some of the backstory is highly disturbing, so I’m going to say senior high on up, and maybe not for some sensitive readers.
However, it turned out that the forest was not public land, but the property of the wealthy Sohma clan, two of whom found her. A series of explanations later, Tohru became housekeeper for laid-back novelist Shigure Sohma (The Dog) and the two teenagers he was sheltering, the handsome but aloof Yuki Sohma (The Rat), and the hot-tempered Kyo Sohma (The Cat), in exchange for room and board.
This required Tohru to become aware of some of the Sohma family secrets, including the big one. Thirteen members of the Sohma clan are cursed by the Chinese Zodiac, and will turn into their totem animal when weakened or if embraced by a member of the opposite sex. “But wait,” you say, “aren’t there only twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac?” Yes, and that’s just one of the points that makes the curse so pernicious.
Let’s drop in on the volume I have at hand, #8. Time is creeping on towards summer break, and the members of Tohru’s class are looking forward to a class trip. But there’s a more immediate issue, as Hatsuharu Sohma (The Ox) has slipped into his “Black” state and gone berserk. Turns out that his girlfriend dumped him when she went into the hospital, and he’s been bottling up his feelings until exploding.
Back at Shigure’s place, there’s a visit by Ritsu Sohma (the Monkey), who’s the child of the previously seen hot springs manager. Poor Ritsu has inherited his mother’s anxious disposition and tendency to apologize for anything he does or might somehow be connected to, even being born. For some reason, wearing women’s clothing calms him down slightly, so he always wears a fancy kimono and can easily be mistaken for a woman. Tohru doesn’t realize this until she accidentally turns him into his cursed form!
Ritsu and Tohru have a heart to heart about purpose in life, and Ritsu meets Shigure’s long-suffering editor Mitsuru, who he bonds with over their mutual anxiety issues.
The kids are reminded that parent-teacher conferences are coming up right after summer break; Yuki and Kyo aren’t too thrilled about the prospect due to their abusive home situations (they’re living with Shigure for good reasons.) Yuki’s flamboyant older brother Ayame Sohma (the Snake) offers to step in in place of their parents, but Yuki finds him embarrassing and not much better as a potential substitute.
For the first night of summer break, tiny Momiji Sohma (the Rabbit), drags Tohru and some of the other Sohma boys along on a trip to a haunted house. When Tohru (who is not good with fake scary stuff) has a panic attack, Hatsuharu tries to reframe the narrative, but winds up accidentally committing vandalism.
And in the stinger for the volume, we see that Rin Sohma (the Horse) is about ready to leave the hospital, but this may not be good news for Shigure….
Despite the light art style and the comedic moments, I’ve often said that this series is Gothic Romance. Impoverished but hopeful heroine, large wealthy family with many dark secrets, a romantic choice between the aloof heir apparent and the black sheep cousin, evil older person who runs/ruins the family–it just needs a cover with Tohru in a white nightgown running from a mansion with one lit window.
And indeed there’s a strong current of darkness under the pretty colors and fantastic elements here. Even the name of the series turns out to be a children’s game in which one child is targeted for ostracism. There’s child abuse, domestic abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, suicide and other tragedies in the backstory, so it’s no surprise that many of the characters are screwed up.
Most of these folks should be in therapy, but mostly it’s Tohru who winds up giving counseling, even though she herself desperately needs help.
Not much that’s plot-relevant happens in this volume. Ritsu’s story is self-contained, so all you’d be missing is an explanation of who he is when he returns towards the end of the series. There are two editions of the English adaptation; the Tokyopop volumes may be hard to find, but you should be able to get hold of the more recent Yen Press edition.
The characters are endearing, but some of the backstory is highly disturbing, so I’m going to say senior high on up, and maybe not for some sensitive readers.
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April 16, 2021Just trying to catch up to where the anime ends
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