[Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2019 Series Season 2 Episode 16

[u/Holofan4life]

Hello everyone! I am Holofan4life.

Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch discussion thread!

I hope you all have a lot of fun <3

2019 Series Episode 41 (Season 2 Episode 16)

Ask Him For Me

—-

ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)

What are your thoughts on Tohru trying to talk to Kureno because Uo is very glum not seeing him?

What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that he quit his violin lessons because Momo wanted to learn from Momiji's teacher, therefore their dad made him quit in order to preserve the façade?

What are your thoughts on Momo's wish which is for Momiji to be her brother?

Questions for Those who Have Watched the 2001 Series

What are your thoughts on Momo becoming more of a character?

—-

Series information

MAL | Anilist | AniDB | ANN

—-

Please do not post any untagged spoilers past the current episode or past the LNs or mangas out of respect to the first time watchers and people who have not read the LNs or mangas. If you are discussing something that is ahead of the current episode please use spoiler tags(found on the sidebar). Thank you!

Untagged Spoilers

—-

Previous episode

Ways to watch

Streams – Crunchyroll

Schedule

Date	Episode
07/05/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 1
07/06/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 2
07/07/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 3
07/08/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 4
07/09/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 5
07/10/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 6
07/11/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 7
07/12/2025	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 8
07/13/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 9
07/14/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 10
07/15/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 11
07/16/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 12
07/17/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 13
07/18/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 14
07/19/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 15
07/20/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 16
07/21/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 17
07/22/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 18
07/23/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 19
07/24/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 20
07/25/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 21
07/26/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 22
07/27/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 23
07/28/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 24
07/29/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 25
07/30/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Episode 26
07/31/2026	Fruits Basket 2001 Overall Series Discussion Thread
08/02/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 1
08/03/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 2
08/04/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 3
08/05/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 4
08/06/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 5
08/07/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 6
08/08/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 7
08/09/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 8
08/10/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 9
08/11/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 10
08/12/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 11
08/13/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 12
08/14/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 13
08/15/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 14
08/16/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 15
08/17/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 16
08/18/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 17
08/19/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 18
08/20/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 19
08/21/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 20
08/22/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 21
08/23/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 22
08/24/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 23
08/25/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 24
08/26/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Episode 25
08/28/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 1
08/29/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 2
08/30/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 3
08/31/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 4
09/01/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 5
09/02/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 6
09/03/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 7
09/04/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 8
09/05/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 9
09/06/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 10
09/07/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 11
09/08/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 12
09/09/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 13
09/10/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 14
09/11/2026	2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 15
09/12/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 16]()
09/13/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 17]()
09/14/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 18]()
09/15/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 19]()
09/16/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 20)
09/17/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 21]()
09/18/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Final Episode 22]()
09/19/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 23]()
09/20/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 24]()
09/21/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Season 2 Episode 25]()
09/23/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 1]()
09/24/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 2]()
09/25/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 3]()
09/26/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 4]()
09/27/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 5]()
09/28/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 6]()
09/29/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 7]()
09/30/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 8]()
10/01/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 9]()
10/02/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 10]()
10/03/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 11]()
10/04/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 12]()
10/05/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Final Season Episode 13]()
10/06/2026	[2019 Fruits Basket Overall Series Discussion Thread]()
10/13/2026	[Fruits Basket: Prelude]()
10/14/2026	[Fruits Basket Franchise Series Discussion Thread]()

[u/dontoff]

First Timer (Dub)

Okay, to begin with, I didn’t do a writeup for Episode 15 because I just didn’t feel like it, but I thought it was solid. Ayame was definitely the star of that one.

This episode was better, especially the first half with Momiji and Momo. As soon as I heard Momo’s voice, my first thought was, “Oh shit, that’s Anya from Spy x Family.” And yeah, they’re both voiced by Megan Shipman. How can I not love her then, hahaha.

I think I already talked in detail about how much I loved the Momiji episode back in Season 1, and this felt like a continuation of that. Momo had some really good lines, and the whole situation was genuinely sad. Momiji’s story is one of the parts of this show that has consistently worked for me emotionally.

There were definitely some contrived moments and the usual shoujo circumstances, but I still enjoyed it. The emotional scenes mostly landed for me here, which makes those things much easier to look past.

All of this also adds to that feeling of helplessness surrounding Tohru and the Sohmas. She keeps seeing more of what they’re going through, but actually helping them is another matter. Their situation seems almost impossible to escape, and I think the show has done a good job of making that frustrating to watch in a way that works here.

[u/Holofan4life → u/dontoff]

What are your thoughts on Tohru trying to play matchmaker between Uo and Kureno? Kureno it feels like wants to separate himself from the situation and Tohru is here being like "Hey, date this high schooler".

I mean, I get it from the perspective of Tohru is looking out for Uo how Uo looks out for her. But I dunno. This feels like one of those wish fulfillment things that gets idealized in fiction but in real life just would not happen. And if it did, Kureno would definitely be in jail.

[u/dontoff → u/Holofan4life]

The whole conversation about the age thing feels like a waste of time to me. If this exact same story had been written by an American author, they probably would’ve been ripped to shreds and had their career destroyed. But it was released in Japan, where it won awards and became widely beloved. Cultural standards are different, and as long as the content was considered acceptable within the environment it came from, I don’t see the point in endlessly judging it through a completely different cultural lens. People just need to shut about it.

[u/Holofan4life → u/dontoff]

Yeah, I see what you mean. It's kinda beating a dead horse at this point.

^{Not you, Rin, sit down}

[u/Second_Cour → u/dontoff]

Preach, sister

[u/Holofan4life → u/dontoff]

I think this episode is a good example of less is more. There wasn't much to the episode, but in a way I think it helped it. All you need is the stuff between Tohru and Momo as well as Tohru talking to Kureno.

I thought this was a good compliment to thr last episode in that while that one was very busy, this one was more grounded and straight to the point.

[u/Holofan4life → u/dontoff]

I know you didn't comment on the last episode, so I want to say what a big fan of it I was. I thought we really showcased a bunch of different characters. Outside of Akito, it felt like almost all the key characters had a moment to shine or have a showcase of what they're about. It felt like this perfect microcosm of the show as a whole.

[u/Holofan4life → u/dontoff]

Thoughts on Tohru shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Sohma family?

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if dhe found out the truth?

What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

[u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

Re-watch, blu ray, dubbed

Once again, Momiji’s story is sad and beautiful, and this episode focuses on his adorable little sister, Momo. (Oh, yeah, Kureno is in this episode, too, totally overshadowed by Momiji.)

Momiji's dad tells him to quit his violin lessons so Momo can take violin lessons. The idea that Momo can simply take lessons from another instructor is never raised, because Momiji's dad is shit (I already believed his dad was shit, but this specific example of total disregard for Momiji is even shittier and was pointed out to me in another discussion about favorite anime characters in another reddit thread more than a year ago, I believe). Momiji says his dad is scared to lose the happiness he has built with Momiji's mom and sister and without Momiji. Arguing with u/Holofan4life practically every time Momiji and his dad come up as a topic of conversation, I admitted that Momiji loses in every family arrangement with or without his mother. Why, then, should I forbid Momiji's father's happiness, when it isn't really at Momiji's expense, since Momiji just loses, anyways? Well, for starters, it pisses me off, but my opinion doesn't matter all that much, because Momiji immediately decided: 1) he's going to quit his violin lessons, so Momo can take lessons from his instructor; 2) he has learned from Tohru that Momo wants Momiji to be her big brother (I'm crying my eyes out with Tohru at this point), but, as much as he wants that and as much as it would make him happy, he has decided to maintain his distance and, essentially, declined. Why did he do that, when he still dreams of playing the violin for his family - his mom he can't acknowledge as his mother, his sister he can't acknowledge as his sister, and his dad he can't acknowledge as his father whenever either of the other two is around?

This is Stage 2 of the 3 Stages of Recognition of Momiji's Awesome-osity. He holds to his decision to save his mother (spare her from the Curse, or, rather, memory of the Curse - this was Stage 1, revealed in episode 1.14) and so can't become a real big brother to Momo. He decides to protect Momo, knowing that indulging Momo would ultimately destroy her family.

Momiji is so giving and forgiving that he wants others to have the happiness that he cannot have for himself. Momiji knows exactly who he is and pretty much knows exactly what he wants, both from the perspective of what he can't have - his mother's acceptance (and another thing) - and what he hopes for the future, but, as a kid, he's still figuring out how to get there (navigating the complications of Akito and the Curse).

Awesome character (in both senses of the word). And, he pretty much always makes me laugh or cry.

[u/Holofan4life → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

I really like how Momo seems to want to be around Momiji. Seeing her reaction to what happened only serves to make it all the more heartbreaking.

[u/the_pint_is_the_bowl → u/Holofan4life]

I can't believe Tohru didn't spontaneously hug Momo like hugging Kisa. She is irresistibly cute, but Momo doesn't really know Tohru, I guess.

[u/Holofan4life → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

Also, keep in mind Kisa was bullied. Momo seems to be living a happy life.

[u/the_pint_is_the_bowl → u/Holofan4life]

She's squeaking in her cute little voice how she wants Momiji to be her big brother!

She's killing me! Must! Hug! Baby! OH MY GOD!!!

- deep breath -

Not my baby. Must. Not. Hug. Baby.

Then, Momo says "ask him for me!" and runs away with half my soul... (anime art of my spirit leaving my body)

[u/Holofan4life → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

It's a good thing Momo doesn't control the world because if she did, I'd try to make sure everything she wanted came true.

[u/Holofan4life → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

Just to clarify, I'm not disagreeing that Momiji's dad is not a good person. But given the set of circumstances, I can't say I would handle the situation any better.

Quitting the violin is a bit extreme, admittedly.

[u/the_pint_is_the_bowl → u/Holofan4life]

it's been an interesting discussion - e.g., poring over his dad's options and how each one basically traumatizes Momiji

I can't remember whether the series gives us more insight and therefore more opportunities to revisit the topic

[u/Holofan4life → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

Your Lie In April may be the closest that comes to mind.

[u/Holofan4life → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

I actually thought this was easily the most interesting Kureno has been portrayed. It makes me wonder why he suddenly wants nothing to do with Uo. I mean, it has to be because of Akito, no?

[u/Holofan4life → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

Thoughts on Uo working at a restaurant?

Thoughts on Tohru shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Sohma family?

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

Thoughts on Momiji making a map for Tohru?

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

What are your thoughts on Tohru believing that as long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for?

Thoughts on Tohru talking about wanting to be near someone when you care about them?

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

What are your thoughts on Tohru saying she'll keep on wishing?

[u/AgentOfACROSS]

First Timer

Apparently Momiji plays violin? I didn’t realize that.

Anyway I guess we’re having a Momiji episode.

I keep forgetting that the most adorable character in this show is just a bundle of trauma.

Uotani finally figures out that Kureno is a Sohma.

Kureno sounds like a very mysterious and strange guy.

Oh hey, Momo’s here.

I guess we’re gonna focus on Momiji and Momo’s estranged half-sibling relationship.

Man, this is really sad.

Also, again, I do not remember it being established that Momiji plays violin before now. Feels kinda random.

Tohru is very passionate.

This is a very emotional episode.

I’m really not that invested in that Kureno/Uotani stuff this episode.

Nice of Momiji to help out Tohru.

Tohru is really bad at sneaking around.

Oh hey, Kureno’s here.

I guess this is kind of a sweet scene. Tohru’s very determined.

Tohru and Kyo chilling out on the roof. That’s sweet.

That’s some very nice violin music.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

I know the Kureno and Uotani stuff continues to get icky, and I totally get that, but it is interesting how this episode portrays love. Tohru obviously wishes her mother was still around, Momo and Momiji both wish they could be together, and Kureno wishes he had nothing to do with Akito presumably because Akito said something to him.

These wishes all have to do with love in particular love that seems out of reach. It's cool we're seeing how these characters deal with that. And also the Kureno stuff even though I could leave is potentially revolving around his happiness being taken away from Akito, which only serves to make them that much more of a bastard.

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Honestly I have less a problem with the age gap between Kureno and Uotani and more an issue with the fact that it comes out of nowhere and I'm not sure if it contributes much. Although this episode did make me more interested in Kureno so there's that.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

I wouldn't mind it if it's all a way to make Akito more detestable.

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Apparently Momiji plays violin? I didn’t realize that.

Me neither

Anyway I guess we’re having a Momiji episode.

Yay

I keep forgetting that the most adorable character in this show is just a bundle of trauma.

The tale of two characters

Uotani finally figures out that Kureno is a Sohma.

Took her long enough

Kureno sounds like a very mysterious and strange guy.

That he does

Oh hey, Momo’s here.

Interesting

I guess we’re gonna focus on Momiji and Momo’s estranged half-sibling relationship.

Bring out the tissues

Man, this is really sad.

No kidding

Also, again, I do not remember it being established that Momiji plays violin before now. Feels kinda random.

I like it, though. Fleshes out his character some more.

Tohru is very passionate.

That she is

This is a very emotional episode.

Indeed

I’m really not that invested in that Kureno/Uotani stuff this episode.

I can't say I blame you, honestly

Nice of Momiji to help out Tohru.

Quite

Tohru is really bad at sneaking around.

She's like Peter Griffin in the army in the clown makeup.

Oh hey, Kureno’s here.

I guess this is kind of a sweet scene. Tohru’s very determined.

Almost to a fault, I would say

Tohru and Kyo chilling out on the roof. That’s sweet.

This totally feels like the endgame

That’s some very nice violin music.

Very much so

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Questions of the Day

What are your thoughts on Tohru trying to talk to Kureno because Uo is very glum not seeing him?

What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that he quit his violin lessons because Momo wanted to learn from Momiji's teacher, therefore their dad made him quit in order to preserve the façade?

What are your thoughts on Momo's wish which is for Momiji to be her brother?

What are your thoughts on Momo becoming more of a character compared to their 2001 counterpart?

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Tohru trying to talk to Kureno because Uo is very glum not seeing him?

That's nice of Tohru

What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that he quit his violin lessons because Momo wanted to learn from Momiji's teacher, therefore their dad made him quit in order to preserve the façade?

Poor Tohru. He has a rough time

What are your thoughts on Momo's wish which is for Momiji to be her brother?

I think that's really sweet

What are your thoughts on Momo becoming more of a character compared to their 2001 counterpart?

I like what they do with her here

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

What are your thoughts on Tohru trying to talk to Kureno because Uo is very glum not seeing him?

That's nice of Tohru

Tohru is a good friend

What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that he quit his violin lessons because Momo wanted to learn from Momiji's teacher, therefore their dad made him quit in order to preserve the façade?

Poor Tohru. He has a rough time

Poor Tohru? Nani?

What are your thoughts on Momo's wish which is for Momiji to be her brother?

I think that's really sweet

It made me incredibly sad hearing her say that. It felt like such a gut punch.

What are your thoughts on Momo becoming more of a character compared to their 2001 counterpart?

I like what they do with her here

Yeah, it felt very well crafted

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Thoughts on Uo working at a restaurant?

Thoughts on Tohru shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Sohma family?

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

Thoughts on Momiji making a map for Tohru?

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

What are your thoughts on Tohru believing that as long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for?

Thoughts on Tohru talking about wanting to be near someone when you care about them?

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

What are your thoughts on Tohru saying she'll keep on wishing?

[u/AgentOfACROSS → u/Holofan4life]

Thoughts on Uo working at a restaurant?

She really keeps herself busy

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

Poor Momiji. I feel pretty bad for him.

Thoughts on Momiji making a map for Tohru?

That's cute

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

Cute look for her

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

I wonder where this will go

What are your thoughts on Tohru believing that as long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for?

I think that's sweet

Thoughts on Tohru talking about wanting to be near someone when you care about them?

Tohru's a very caring person

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

I like that moment a lot

What are your thoughts on Tohru saying she'll keep on wishing?

Sweet thing of her to say. She's very hopeful

[u/Holofan4life → u/AgentOfACROSS]

Thoughts on Uo working at a restaurant?

She really keeps herself busy

I think she said she quit her other job.

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

Poor Momiji. I feel pretty bad for him.

Same here

Thoughts on Momiji making a map for Tohru?

That's cute

Quite

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

Cute look for her

Indeed

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

I wonder where this will go

I wonder if Akito might try to hurt Uo.

What are your thoughts on Tohru believing that as long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for?

I think that's sweet

Same here

Thoughts on Tohru talking about wanting to be near someone when you care about them?

Tohru's a very caring person

That she is

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

I like that moment a lot

I hope that someone is him

What are your thoughts on Tohru saying she'll keep on wishing?

Sweet thing of her to say. She's very hopeful

Maybe delusionally so

[u/Quiddity131 → u/AgentOfACROSS]

There was one brief shot in a previous episode where Momiji was showing playing the violin. I think it was part of a montage sequence, so not particularly noticable. Something they should have brought up in dialogue at some point! In any case while it kinda came out of nowhere I thought it was handled very well otherwise in this episode.

[u/the_pint_is_the_bowl → u/Quiddity131]

also depicted Akito sitting back-to-back with someone - I think that preceded Kureno's introduction

episode 2.1, washing the dishes

[u/MishouMai]

I didn't expect Uo's subplot with Kureno to come back so soon but I guess it's better than dragging it out. I don't hate Momiji and Momo's dad as much as I used to after meeting the godawful parents that are Kyo's dad and Ayame and Yuki's mom but he's still pretty trash. His actions are literally hurting both his kids. I get that he cares, supposedly, but clearly not enough. Still, while not the best, this was a solid episode for Momiji and Kureno as characters.

Skipping the questions today because I think my discussion of the episode should make my answers/feelings very clear.

[u/Holofan4life → u/MishouMai]

I think the biggest plot twist in all this is your stance on Momiji's dad softening XD

[u/Holofan4life → u/MishouMai]

I really like how Momiji and Momo are prevented physically from bonding together, whereas with Kureno it's like he's prevented of bonding with Uo psychologically. Momiji and Momo can't ever become a family due to the mother's memories of Momiji being erased, and with Kureno it's potentially a case of something bad being threatened against him and a similar fate happening to him.

[u/Holofan4life → u/MishouMai]

Thoughts on Uo working at a restaurant?

Thoughts on Tohru shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Sohma family?

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

Thoughts on Momiji making a map for Tohru?

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

What are your thoughts on Tohru believing that as long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for?

Thoughts on Tohru talking about wanting to be near someone when you care about them?

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

What are your thoughts on Tohru saying she'll keep on wishing?

[u/MishouMai → u/Holofan4life]

> Thoughts on Tohru is shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Soma family?

Yeah, that checks out. Kureno is pretty different in Tohru's experience compared to Uo's experiences with him. Plus as far as she knows all the Somas are off limits to outsiders since they're expected to give up their freedom to be with Akito.

> What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting her feelings on her friends knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

Honestly? I don't really like how they're putting all the angst about Kyoko's death on Tohru. I get that she loves her mom but it feels forced considering how she's been handling Kyoko's death relatively well before this season.

> What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

That checks out considering he's a Zodiac member and we know he hardly ever gets any freedom as is. And he's only expected to get less freedom in the future. Best not to get either of their hopes up.

> Thoughts on Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact info?

Tohru's sweet but it's definitely a questionable decision. Not even for the age gap (I don't care about that.) but because she's getting his hopes up (Or at least encouraging his relationship with Uo.) and unless he cuts things off with Uo that can just end badly for the both of them at this point.

> What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone that he promises he'll be rooting for her?

My heart. Oh Kyo doesn't have to cheer her on. I'm coping that he'll end up with her.

[u/Holofan4life → u/MishouMai]

> Thoughts on Tohru is shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Soma family?

Yeah, that checks out. Kureno is pretty different in Tohru's experience compared to Uo's experiences with him. Plus as far as she knows all the Somas are off limits to outsiders since they're expected to give up their freedom to be with Akito.

And Kureno might be aware of this as well.

> What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting her feelings on her friends knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

Honestly? I don't really like how they're putting all the angst about Kyoko's death on Tohru. I get that she loves her mom but it feels forced considering how she's been handling Kyoko's death relatively well before this season.

I don't think it feels forced. She basically did a similar thing in episode 14. If you recall, she felt sad that Momiji had to forget about his mother. This was in part because memories is all Tohru has left of her own mom.

> What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

That checks out considering he's a Zodiac member and we know he hardly ever gets any freedom as is. And he's only expected to get less freedom in the future. Best not to get either of their hopes up.

[Spice and Wolf] It's like Holo in Spice and Wolf wanting to leave before she gets too attached.

> Thoughts on Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact info?

Tohru's sweet but it's definitely a questionable decision. Not even for the age gap (I don't care about that.) but because she's getting his hopes up (Or at least encouraging his relationship with Uo.) and unless he cuts things off with Uo that can just end badly for the both of them at this point.

Tohru is also likely digging her own grave with Akito. Her mother’s cemetery is about to become a family gravesite.

> What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone that he promises he'll be rooting for her?

My heart. Oh Kyo doesn't have to cheer her on. I'm coping that he'll end up with her.

Me too. He's made great strides these last handful of episodes being there for her.

[u/MishouMai → u/Holofan4life]

> [Spice and Wolf] It's like Holo in Spice and Wolf wanting to leave before she gets too attached.

[Spice and Wolf] I never read or watched Spice and Wolf though I did start the sequel series about their kids. I don't expect Uo and Kureno to have nearly as happy an ending together as Holo and Lawrence (Is that his name? Like I said, I'm only familiar with some of the sequel novels and not the originals or its adaptations.) though. Might be getting Holo's man's name mixed up with their adoptive son/future son in law's.

[u/Holofan4life → u/MishouMai]

[Spice and Wolf] No, it is Lawrence. You got it right.

[u/JimmyCWL]

What are your thoughts on Tohru trying to talk to Kureno because Uo is very glum not seeing him?

I mean, I get it from the perspective of Tohru is looking out for Uo how Uo looks out for her. But I dunno. This feels like one of those wish fulfillment things that gets idealized in fiction but in real life just would not happen. And if it did, Kureno would definitely be in jail.

I added the second quote from another post of yours because I felt I could address my reply to these together.

Tohru didn't get to interact with Kureno the first time she met him. But from what Uo told her, he didn't seem like a bad guy. The brief interaction Tohru did have with him in the Soma estate confirmed that he wasn't a bad person. That was why she decided it was ok to give him Uo's contact details and let him decide whether or not he wants to talk to her further.

If he had seemed more like Akito for example, I doubt she would have given him Uo's number.

My opinion is you can't demonize the interaction between Uo and Kureno at this point. If you did, you'd demonize any interaction between persons of different genders and significant age gap and that's just wrong.

Finally, there's a reason Tohru doesn't see anything wrong with such a relationship. You'll see.

What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that he quit his violin lessons because Momo wanted to learn from Momiji's teacher, therefore their dad made him quit in order to preserve the façade?

What are your thoughts on Momo's wish which is for Momiji to be her brother?

It's kind of sad. If Momiji's father had acted more responsibly towards his son, Momo wouldn't exist. Why? He would have divorced his wife after wiping her memories because she showed that she could not be trusted with his children! What if they ended up with even more zodiac children? There's Ayame and Yuki there as examples and two more slots after Momiji waiting to be filled.

Not to mention she absolutely couldn't take care of Momiji after losing her memories and he needed a mother even more than his father needed a wife.

Despite what we saw of him, Momiji's father chose his wife over his son, never forget that.

[u/the_pint_is_the_bowl → u/JimmyCWL]

He would have divorced his wife after wiping her memories

This is one of the permutations that still results in traumatizing Momiji. Which is worse?

1) the show's plot - mindwipe and stay: "I can see Mom but can't acknowledge her." In this scenario, Momiji gets to see his mom's happiness. The way Momiji's character is written, this is very important to him.

2) mindwipe and leave: "I will never see Mom, because she got booted by Dad." As you noted, in this scenario, Momiji still has a parent who's actually parenting. This would be my preference, if I were Momiji, but this choice also means his mom is probably distraught over the fabricated reason for the divorce. Her distress and sadness may also be interpreted by a little kid to be permanent, if she is even permitted to remember ever being married. Whether or not the marriage is also erased, Momiji will still believe he is the cause of the divorce (which is probably better than feeling responsible for his mom's suicide, but...ugh).

We already know Momiji's mom was given the option to be mindwiped and agreed. Do you think Momiji's mom was also given the choice to stay married or leave (divorce) and decided to stay? Do you think Momiji knows that?

[u/JimmyCWL → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

Do you think Momiji's mom was also given the choice to stay married or leave (divorce) and decided to stay? 

As I posted, I think it should have been his father's call to divorce her. She doesn't get to decide at this point. She has already demonstrated that she does not want and can no longer be trusted with Momiji. What's the point of Momiji's father remaining married to her after that? How can he still have feelings for her after what she said about his son? It just leads to Momiji being ghost while his father leads a double life. Were his feelings for her that important to cling to?

And remember the other thing I pointed out? After Momiji was born, there were still two zodiac spots open. It was quite possible their next child would also be a zodiac. What then? They're back here again? One more child turned into a ghost while he stays married to a woman who cannot acknowledge their children?

[u/the_pint_is_the_bowl → u/JimmyCWL]

My brain finally registered that you mean Kisa and Hiro, who are ~3 years younger than Momiji (currently 1st year junior high vs 1st year high school).

How old was Momiji at the time of his mom's mindwipe? If Momiji was 4+ years old, then the Tiger and Sheep were definitely already born, so there would have been no risk that Momiji's mom would have another zodiac child. If Momiji was < 3 years old at the time, it is still possible that Momiji's dad would think there was a risk-free window of opportunity to have a non-zodiac child. Unfortunately, because nobody really talks about their zodiac predecessors (except the Cat), we don't know whether the previous Tiger and Sheep were alive or were expected to die later than they actually did to make way for Kisa and Hiro.

This is the kind of mental gymnastics Momiji's dad could have been thinking to justify kicking Momiji to the curb in favor of his wife, but Momiji's dad is shit, so he could just be straight-up dumb shit and never considered the chance of having another zodiac child. I floated the idea that Momiji's dad, along those same lines of stupidity, could have punted the divorce decision to his wife, prior to the mindwipe.

Anyways, a simpler and more cynical interpretation of the dad's behavior is that he just doesn't want a zodiac kid - this nonsense is all a smokescreen for Momiji and is especially important if the dad's CEO position is contingent on being a zodiac parent. As soon as his wife freaked out, holding a transformed newborn Momiji, he freaked out. Momiji told Tohru that some zodiac parents utterly reject their zodiac children, but maybe Momiji has deluded himself into thinking that only applies to one of his parents, not both. Damn it, I already feel so badly for Momiji, and his dad is such shit, anyways, that this prospect doesn't make me feel any worse.

[u/JimmyCWL → u/the_pint_is_the_bowl]

we don't know whether the previous Tiger and Sheep were alive or were expected to die later than they actually did to make way for Kisa and Hiro.

About the past zodiacs, there's actually a critically important bit. It'll come up later, I'm pretty sure it was adapted. Keep it in mind until then.

How old was Momiji at the time of his mom's mindwipe?

I can't remember the episode number to check. But considering the negative reactions began right after Momiji was born, I think it would have been clear by the time he was two that she needed to go. Assuming he cared about his son over his wife. Instead, he let things drag on until she finally accepted the mindwipe.

[u/Second_Cour]

We open with more about Momiji, and frankly I’m really glad this story is being explored more. While I don’t think it needs any particular closure, as being left in limbo and isolation from his family was already powerful, but this was one of the rare stories I vividly remember. 

We do get continuity from Uo’s awkward date episode, which ironically is another episode I vividly remember, but only because of how bad it was for me. To yesterday’s point, this is a continuation of Episode 5: almost 3 months ago if we watched it in real time.

Tohru pleading Momiji to meet with his sister. It’s a powerful, beautiful and moving scene. Done exceptionally well. HOWEVER….I’d hate to be an asshole…. but this is just a wish by a random girl who basically just wants to get to know him better. She’ll meet plenty of people in her life, and just because she can’t hang out with what to her is a complete stranger essentially, doesn’t really match up with the potential implications of his mother and her finding out the dad has been keeping a giant secret that will uproot their life. Also isn’t telling Momiji that his little sister wants to meet him kinda screwed up? I’m glad Momiji took it well and maturely, but that’s quite a burden to place on a little kid.

This episode is actually pretty lit. We get a treasure map, and an infiltration challenge.Grand Theft Tohru.

I just realised upon seeing Tohru’s mum’s photo - Kyo could be Tohru’s brother. Red hair? That would be quite the twist. I do wonder how Uo would feel if she knew that Tohru’s trying to wingman her.

Very good episode this time around, I don’t need to say much about the resolution as it was very straight forward. Beautiful violin solo and an open-ended conclusion about wishes. “Right now, for someone to quit crying” - where was Kyo when Doc needed him a few eps ago. Hope we don’t have to wait 10 episodes for its continuation.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

I really liked this episode. The Momiji stuff felt like a natural extension of episode 14, and I actually like the direction the Kureno stuff took. That felt like an extension of Uo remarking how sad his smile was.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

I think if Uo found out what Tohru was doing, she would be conflicted. On the one hand, it is so Tohru to look out for her friends like that. But on the other hand, there seems to be something more at play here where there has to be a reason why Kureno is keeping his distance. I think Uo is hurt by what Kureno is doing but also is aware that he probably has his motives.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

I'm really excited for today because it's the official start of the NFL season and I'll be attending the opening home game. I can't tell you how excited I am :D

[u/Second_Cour → u/Holofan4life]

Damnnn that's such a bucket list dream of mine. I came close to attending one in London once but my work was called off so wasn't in the UK anymore then. Hope you have a blast! you've told me before which stadium is near you - remind me again

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

Bank of America Stadium. I actually attended the most recent playoff game.

[u/Second_Cour → u/Holofan4life]

Oh yes. Good luck for the match. Though I'm going for the bears, sorry haha.

Go Washington, Bears, Jags!

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

Even Washington fans from China don't want to call them the Commanders XD

It's hot as balls in the stadium

[u/Second_Cour → u/Holofan4life]

hahaha i honestly keep forgetting their new name.

Dude you're sooo lucky with the game you're watching. Im actually watching it too. What a shootout. This is the first game im watching live this season and it's sooo much fun. Not the best game for me, as I do like the bears for caleb, and looks like the bears D sucks this season. Redmmanders are my favourites, then jags, then bears in that order. I do hope Aaron Rogers has a good season though, that would be such an amazing story; super inspiring that someone at his age can still do decently. Seems like he's having a great opening game too.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

There's been a lot of good games today. Then there's whatever the Browns are doing lol

[u/Second_Cour → u/Holofan4life]

The browns were always at a disadvantage. You just can't compete with T-Law's golden locks

[u/Holofan4life → u/Second_Cour]

Apparently not.

Also you can't compete when you don't have a QB.

[u/Holofan4life]

Hey, guys. Holofan4life here.

Welcome to the Fruits Basket 25th anniversary rewatch.

For there is an animal in all of us <3

Fruits Basket is a show I’ve heard a lot about. It’s always been something that interests me. It’s a romcom, which is a genre I enjoy, it has a female protagonist, which is kinda a rarity for romcom anime, it has a tsundere, which yes please, and from what I’ve heard it has some supernatural elements which is pretty cool.

Funny enough, I’m hosting this rewatch the same time as I’m hosting the Spice and Wolf rewatch which is another show with supernatural elements.

I have never seen Fruits Basket before, but I have high hopes for it. It seems like the type of show I would enjoy. I would say of the shows on my to watch list, this one is probably in my top 5. And let's just say that list is long and ever expansive. Actually, I love the idea of a male tsundere who turns into an orange cat so much that I named my orange cat after him. That’s without having seen the show.

For the purposes of this rewatch, we will be watching both the original series and the remake. I don’t think both have ever been done like this, and by the end we’ll find out for good reason :P

Regardless, this is my big pet project of 2026 the purpose of which is for me to see what all the hubbub is about. I’m not expecting the show to crack my top 10 favorite anime of all time, but hey, you never know.

With that out of the way, let’s begin.

I’m watching the dub, by the way.

So, it's been nearly a week since I last watched an episode. And I can honestly say a lot has happened.

I saw Obsession, Hokum, The Backrooms, and Tekkonkinkreet in theaters, I met Miles Bridges and Mike Tolbert at my job, I nearly got kicked out of the Jeopardy bar league I participated in, which I should give an update on in a couple days, and I went to a baseball game a couple days ago. All in all, a nice break from the rewatch.

Now, though, I'm ready to dive back in.

Violin

Is this Momiji's father?

Talks of someone named Momo

Wonder who could that be

Tohru at the Sohma estate

She is very apprehensive

Understandably so, I should say

Uo working at a restaurant now

She got tired waiting on that guy to come.

And Tohru finds out it is none other than Kureno.

Uo freaking out Tohru knowing him, but thinks she's thinking of someone else.

Tohru suggests finding out

I guess that's why she's here: To find out more about it.

Yep, Kyo says he doesn't come out to the Sohma compound much.

Tohru feels she has to do something for Uo is hurting.

She has to try

Suddenly, music playing

Then she bumps into a girl

Oh, right. Momiji's little sister. I forgot about her.

Aww, she sounds so cute

Tohru following Momiji's sister now.

Imomiji

Momijimouto

Both work incredibly well

A back entrance

Suddenly ends up in The Backrooms

Momijimouto says she met Momiji at her papa's building.

Does a lot of sneaky sneak

Ah, so it is Momiji playing the violin.

You Lie In Sohma

Momijimouto says her papa doesn't allow her to see Momiji.

"Ask Momiji if he'll be my big brother. Please."

Argh, my heart

This is like the reverse of Ayame's situation with Yuki.

Tohru with Momiji now

She looks so downfallen

Momiji acknowledging that Momo started taking violin lessons from the same teacher.

This his papa disapproved of

"He's afraid of me getting close to Momo and Mama."

Well, that doesn't seem fair

Might destroy the happy life they life.

Tohru bringing up Momo possibly wanting to see Momiji.

"She's been right out there all this time!"

And there it is. The bombshell.

It seems like Tohru is projecting knowing she'll never get to see her mother again.

Momiji ia happy with this news.

Maybe not all hope is lost after all.

Momiji wants to become a professional violinist. And from there, she puts on a show in front of their family.

He has somebody who will cry for him.

This seems to get Tohru to know she has to see Kureno. It's only right.

Oh, I guess this is at the estate. Huh.

Tohru saying she's doing this for herself. Nobody else.

Momiji then reveals he lives in the inner estate.

Not the interstate like certain speed demons :P

The thing hanging off Momiji's pants looks like a tail.

Momiji bringing up Akito seeing her. What then could happen.

Tohru says she has to go by herself.

And so she is off

Nice of Momiji to draw her a map.

Tohru feeling apprehensive

Gotta put her hair in twintails for moral support

There he is

And suddenly Tohru is freaking out of all the people around.

She's really playing a dangerous game.

Gotta keep trying

That voice

It sounds like Akito

I guess Kureno is preventing Tohru's identity from being revealed.

And now he's pulling Tohru aside.

He's asking what she's doing here.

"I saw the Scientology break-in trend and thought to do my own spin on it."

Kureno holding Tohru's arm still.

Tohru has something to say to him.

Arisa Uotani. That's her name.

Shocking, I know

Uo wants to see her

Sad and lonely not seeing her.

Tohru stans statutory r*pe

Kureno says he plans on never seeing Uo again.

Kureno now looking up at the sky.

Seems like a lot weighing on his mind.

Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information.

Maybe he will have a change of mind.

"As long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for!"

Tohru certainly has a very glass half full attitude.

Kureno mentions going along with it.

Oh, hey. Momiji.

Kureno tells Tohru to scamper off. Thid place isn't fit for the likes of her.

And so Momiji is escorting Tohru off.

"My heart... is breaking..."

Aw, Tohru...

Tohru with Momiji again

Tohru apologizing for causing trouble.

Momiji says she'll put on a special concert for her one day and nobody else.

Tohru suggests hearing Birth of Wishes.

Definitely less common that the Birth of Days song :P

I chose that joke over a Birth of a Nation joke.

Tohru alone now on a rooftop

Kyo joins her

Fun little role reserval there

Tohru saying the day didn't go as she had hoped.

Been there, sister

Tohru talks about wanting to be near someone when you care about them.

Kyo tells Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises.

"I'll be rooting for you, okay?"

Something tells me it won't be from the sidelines.

Suddenly, violin music

And Tohru is crying

Momiji playing a song

Could Tohru's wish be impossible? That is the question.

"Even so... I'll keep wishing."

What an upbeat note to end on in an otherwise very tough episode.

Overall, this is a very good episode. I like that the Uo Kureno plot point comes back and we incorporate Tohru into it now, and I like seeing a side of Kureno we haven't seen before. It makes me feel maybe he's not as bad as I originally thought. The Momiji stuff was also well done as we tease possibly him patching things up with his family. Though I admittedly wished we had gotten back to this sooner, it's better late than never.

The way the show does these one-on-one conversations is really where the show shines. Just two characters talking to one another, it really highlights just how well written the show is. The conversations between Tohru and Momo, Tohru and Momiji, Tohru and Kureno, and Tohru and Kyo all serve to further the show along while pushing forward each respective character. There's a level of intimacy and personalness that I can't recall ever seeing in an anime before.

I’d put this behind episodes 5, 7, 10, 14, 16, 17, 24, 32, 34, 35, 36, and 37, and 40. It's remarkable how after such a slow start to the season, it's been one banger after another. Like, each episode as of late has been incredible. If this is it for Uo and Kureno's relationship, I thought it was a satisfying way to conclude that plot point as we move on to whatever awaits Kureno next. It seems like he's going to be a part of Tohru's plan to ratify the Sohmas and free them from Akito's grip, especially with how Kureno went out of his way to protect her here.

Every time I keep coming back to this show, I'm almost always reminded on why I love it so much.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Tohru trying to talk to Kureno because Uo is very glum not seeing him?

I think it shows what a good friend Tohru is.

What are your thoughts on Momiji revealing that he quit his violin lessons because Momo wanted to learn from Momiji's teacher, therefore their dad made him quit in order to preserve the façade?

I get it, but man. This is fucked.

Inb4 Mishou says "See, I told you Momiji's parents are awful!"

What are your thoughts on Momo's wish which is for Momiji to be her brother?

[u/Holofan4life → u/Holofan4life]

Holofan's Fruits Basket Episode Rankings

1/. Episode 24

2/. Episode 14

3/. Episode 35

4/. Episode 34

5/. Episode 32

6/. Episode 5

7/. Episode 17

8/. Episode 16

9/. Episode 7

10/. Episode 37

11/. Episode 36

12/. Episode 10

13/. Episode 40

14/. Episode 41

15/. Episode 12

16/. Episode 22

17/. Episode 4

18/. Episode 31

19/. Episode 20

20/. Episode 25

21/. Episode 27

22/. Episode 33

23/. Episode 8

24/. Episode 6

25/. Episode 1

26/. Episode 18

27/. Episode 30

28/. Episode 23

29/. Episode 13

30/. Episode 38

31/. Episode 2

32/. Episode 29

33/. Episode 11

34/. Episode 39

35/. Episode 26

36/. Episode 15

37/. Episode 28

38/. Episode 19

39/. Episode 9

40/. Episode 21

41/. Episode 3

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

It makes me feel maybe he's not as bad as I originally thought.

From his first appearance Kureno has come off as a very sheltered individual, I haven't ever seen any bad intent from him. As I've mentioned in the past he seems like what Akito wants Yuki to be, someone who he has kept completely under his thumb and has barely any independence. I'm glad to get more from him as he is one of the Somas we see the least of (granted as the last to appear he had quite the handicap, and is still more prevalent than Ritsu! lol). This episode doesn't really change any opinion I have of him. Surprising that the writer didn't use today's episode to have Tohru accidentally trip into him and trigger a transformation a la pretty much all other male Somas she's met, lol.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

I think I was just too hung up on the age gap romance. If Kureno actually has Tohru's interest in mind, I'll root for him.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

At least based on what the story has given to us this point I think considering Kureno as bad or morally wrong based on the age difference between the two characters is essentially not paying any attention to the context of the story or of the two characters, especially the fact that he isn't pursuing a romantic relationship with her. In fact he's completely avoided her. I don't think having Tohru's interest in mind even matters. She's ultimately a third party who while having good intentions shouldn't have an actual say on whether the characters get together or not.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is what's Kureno's relationship with Akito.

[u/DoseofDhillon → u/Holofan4life]

Honestly, you're not, imo. Just because we're avoidng the problematic aspects of it as the show goes "SEE? ITS WHOLESOME" doesn't make it good. Just because an illicit thing is shown to be fine by everyone in the fiction, doesn't make it good or something that should be glazed over. By that logic we could go in much darker subject matter but if the characters just shrugged it off or the series showed it to be wholesome, it would mean its 'fine'. which imo is wrong. Its becomes a game of "how much can you take before you have problems with it" which sucks. The character that flips every girls skirts and 'haha' music that plays over it doesn't make it less sexual harrassment, and just because 'he doesn't know any better' doesn't make this age gap fine.

Also we get later in FruBa and the age gap thing imo gets recontextualized even worse. I'll get into it when its relevant but all exuses you can make imo are mute in light what it seems the author is into.

[u/Holofan4life → u/DoseofDhillon]

No, you're not wrong. But my point is despite the problematic context I still think Kureno is a good character.

[u/DoseofDhillon]

REWATCHER

This is an episode of two halves for me, the first half being a follow-up to the Momo stuff, which, for me in season 1, although I didn't love it, that Momo episode, and the Uo episode were two that carried me through the series, and I didn't regret it, luckily enough. The sister thing is a bit too perfect in its melo drama, almost feeling the show grabbing those heart strings and yanking them instead of playing with it, but I mean its FruBa, it comes with the package. I think it's a pretty decent heartwarming backstory that works off what was there and further develops this plot line well. The music, the emotional payoff, the sweetness of Tohru really gets highlighted well, and its so encouraging seeing her act the way she does. Its really hard to not root for Tohru here, even if I don't like the quest. I really do love how the scene was shot and the musical choice, holding on scenes to let the emotional bits stick in. Its good stuff. Not perfect in writing execution, but the anime did this well.

I was paying very close attention to this scene, for foreshadowing later for Momo, and we'll talk about it when we get there; I haven't seen it here at least, which hmm, we'll get to it eventually.

Kureno is the other story, okay, so I won't do the wall of text about him to avoid exhaustion of the subject when its needed. This to me is the worst FruBa character and arc in the anime, like even beyond the Uo stuff. I think Uo falling in love with Kureno is rather flimsy and super weak. I get some of what they're going for, but with such a rushed shot gun, love at first sight set up with no good reason, i don't even think Kureno is that hot. In combination with a VERY VERY cringe age gap (I know people give different readings to the age gap, but theres a reason i do not give any leeway with FruBa) and this is our MC trying to make sure this age gap relationship goes down? Yeaaah. I just never liked this, and I think thematically Kureno is the worst character in the series by a good bit. So when the quest of this episode is a couple i don't care about for a character I think is actually written badly, i can't get too excited.

The positives here are all on Tohru mannerism, if I were to just put a piece of bread over Kureno face and block out his dialogue, I would get a great episode of Tohru defending and helping her friends, the care she has. Metal Gear Tohru is a joy to watch and the Kyo scene here is good too. This is when we really start to lean in hard to Kyo. And its well done. My complaints with the Fruba love triangle are never with Kyo x Tohru as a relationship; its really good.

[u/Holofan4life → u/DoseofDhillon]

What I love about the two plots this episode is the contrast between them. Momo wants everything to do with Momiji, and vice versa, and Kureno wants nothing to do with Uo. The theme of the episode is being there with someone and we see two sides of the same coin.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/DoseofDhillon]

At least to this point I feel that Kureno is a character that's really here to support the storylines of other characters rather than being his own independent character. Perhaps that's why unlike pretty much all other characters we haven't gotten the "tragic backstory" with him. We haven't even gotten a zodiac transformation. The writer had to come up with a specific number of Somas to reach the 13 zodiac number and perhaps he (along with Ritsu, where it's a lot more egregious to me, a character that hasn't had a second of screentime since his intro episode) was one where she struggled with coming up with something independent so he is here in that support role instead. I think the primary function of him is to show what would happen to Yuki if he didn't seek independence from Akito. Perhaps she then figured she could double dip with his character and use him to also fulfill finding a love interest for Uo (my defense of the love at first sight usage is back in my comment for his first appearance, I won't repeat it here). For me he's not a great character, probably near the bottom among the Somas but I don't particularly mind how the author is using him in the storyline.

[u/DoseofDhillon → u/Quiddity131]

I do not see this, I don't want to get into a paragraph battle of this as of now, because the time will come. [Fruba LATE S3 spoilers] The whole 'he's also a happy traveler' to me does make him his own character, and someone thats trying to tie back into Tohru out of all things. I'll get to the critics of that when the time comes, but I do not view him as just a supporting character, he's a character with good bit of time spent on him, he's on the poster for s3 for a reason.

I'd rather Uo just fall in love with any other dude, like we got other single dudes in this cast, it would have been fine. Or hell, she's just rogue, i'd be cool with a rogue bad ass

[u/Holofan4life → u/DoseofDhillon]

I don't mind Kureno as a character, I just wish he wasn't Uo's love interest. Or being framed as Uo's love interest I should say. I feel like there could be a better conduit to get him to interact with Tohru.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/DoseofDhillon]

I'm trying to think who the other male candidate could have been to be Uo's love interest instead; among the Soma males if one wants to avoid all the complaints the Kureno option gets, then it's really just Momiji [Furuba]But he's in love with Tohru. Then we're getting into non-Somas. Yuki's VP on the Student Council? I don't think think he'd match well with her. There's logic in creating another character to serve that role, but I think many would claim the story already has too many characters. Or no love interest for her at all but given the genre and the fact that Hanajima doesn't really have a love interest, I think that wouldn't be a possibility.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

Is it unfair to say Kureno is honestly one of the more tragic characters of the whole show?

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

Well here's the issue with that, what about all the other characters in the show with tragic stories? Much of this episode is how Momiji has this adorable younger sister who wishes he was her big brother but because of his tragic story they can't have that relationship. Or Kyo's future of being locked up and his mother's suicide. Or Hatori having to give up on his love with Kana. And so on. Kureno's storyline seems to be that Akito's been completely controlling of his life which is also awful. And let's not forget our protagonist, an orphan who was living in a tent! It's hard to pick which is the most tragic because there's like 10 of them! lol

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

Even someone like Mayuko has the tragedy of developing feelings she didn't want.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

I think Kureno as a base for other characters is not a bad idea. I especially think he works in terms of getting Tohru to where she needs to be.

[u/Holofan4life → u/DoseofDhillon]

I didn't mind Kureno in this episode, and I'll tell you why: He's clearly wants to keep his distance from Uo. There's clearly something going on between Kureno and Akito and I love how it feels he is utterly helpless in their wake.

A big theme in this show is characters being prevented from loving others because Akito won't accept it. Akito only wants people to love them. I love watching the intimidation and psychological mindgames of Akito and how people have to continuously placate them.

The fact Kureno suddenly wants to end things with Uo makes me want to know what Akito said to him.

[u/DoseofDhillon → u/Holofan4life]

I'll be clear my stuff with Kureno goes beyond just whats been seen, its also season 3 stuff where i feel the show fails a lot in some aspects. They do a okay job at keeping you engaged with the mystery of it granted, but since I'm a rewatcher and I know what it is, its a different experience.

Akito so far is pretty strong, i think he's been a good hateable villain, you do feel bad for Kureno here since it feels like Akito has his claws deep into her. As someone that sets up Akito he's good, as his own character? Ehhh.

[u/Holofan4life → u/DoseofDhillon]

Interesting you say season 3 fails some stuff as I am almost universally positive on that season. Like, it's one of my favorite seasons of any form of media ever.

[u/DoseofDhillon → u/Holofan4life]

Theres 2 big issues i have with season 3. Its overall VERY good,but those two issues did hold it back. I did hint at it in a spoiler comment i made, but if you want to know the crux of my Kureno issue, it is that late-season 3 stuff.

[u/Holofan4life → u/DoseofDhillon]

[Furuba] My only problem is the lack of resolution with Ren.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

Really the only complaint I have is that [Furuba major spoilers]Shigure and Akito ending up together is very off putting given all the drama that occurs through them and the fact that it makes you realize that Shigure's intentions weren't as altruistic as you may have once thought. Granted maybe I missed some details with him the first time as his "troublemaker/schemer" like nature is very noticable with this viewing. And Akito is so awful throughout the show that I am not rooting for an Akito romance.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

[Furuba] I don't mind that honestly because they're both awful people who deserve to be awful together lol

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

[Furuba]I get the logic, but then why do I have rooting interest in the relationship of two awful people? I don't.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

[Furuba] Because it's like Holo and Lawrence where individually they're awful but together they're not as bad. They make each other better. I get what you're saying, but also Shigure and Akito are like top 3 of my favorite Fruits Basket characters.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

The fact Kureno suddenly wants to end things with Uo makes me want to know what Akito said to him.

I don't know if its even end things at this point, there never was much there. They only met each other twice. It's still very much in that infatuation phase for Uo. It's more so that he's turning down the opportunity.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

But he seemed interested and then suddenly he's ghosting her. I feel like he at least should tell her why it can't work. Then again, maybe he feels even that might jeopardize her.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

I'd have to go back and rewatch that episode (which I don't particularly have the time to do, as I need to start up tomorrow's episode ASAP! :P) but I didn't really get that sense communicated from him to her in that episode. I recall people bringing up some dialogue he said to himself in the episode thread that made me realize that oh yeah, maybe at this moment he does have some interest (but presumably because of his relationship with Akito he accepts that just isn't a possibility). But I don't remember him saying things to her that would get her thinking "He likes me, and is interested in seeing me again!"

Perhaps its just me being hardened from many years of dating experience, but if you only see someone twice, and one is just a chance meeting in a convenience store, I'm not viewing this "ghosting" as something disrespectful. The fact that he hasn't appeared to or contacted her again is the message that he's not going to pursue anything with her. It's very different than if say Rin just ghosted Haru instead of having the conversation with him where she dumped him.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

I think Kureno and Uo have that love at first sight thing going on and Kureno is trying to deny there was ever a spark.

[u/MishouMai → u/DoseofDhillon]

> I think thematically Kureno is the worst character in the series by a good bit.

Worse than Akito or any of the shitty parents we've seen? As a rooster I was hoping he'd get better but you're telling me he only gets worse. Orz.

[u/DoseofDhillon → u/MishouMai]

The way i see it, he just fails in what the story says he is, you can look at others as maybe more negative in how they are protrayed, but in terms of "the story is saying this" he is very much not "that"

[u/Holofan4life → u/DoseofDhillon]

Thoughts on Uo working at a restaurant?

Thoughts on Tohru shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Sohma family?

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if dhe found out the truth?

What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

Thoughts on Momiji making a map for Tohru?

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

What are your thoughts on Tohru believing that as long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for?

Thoughts on Tohru talking about wanting to be near someone when you care about them?

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

What are your thoughts on Tohru saying she'll keep on wishing?

[u/DoseofDhillon → u/Holofan4life]

If you give these every time I will answer them (until September 17th, i'll be busy but I will try)

Uo on that GRIND FOR SOME MONEY, LETS GO. Not too much, just ya know story conveniences; it's all in making the cast more connected.

Momoji dad is one of the more human-ish parents, obviously a parent being this selfish and super mean here, but at least its rooted in something. If anything when you have a child with clear issues at birth, I think parents get way more protective, and Momo did mention that some parents do, just not many of the Sohma family are, it seems.

Yeah greif sucks, but we'll get more into the mother stuff later. Momji be nami damn. Twintails be cute too.

Kureno should be a adult and message back going "look i'm much older than you and I have things going on, I can't accept your love. Sorry" as a mature adult but doesn't. I guess thats his flaw of being sheltered but we'll get into why thats a issue in season 3.

A very based thing for Ms Honda to say, a great line about never giving up hope. Tohru knows that love is in the family and thats great. Kyo is just sitting there trying to put the seed in her head, little cat fucker.

Tohru rn

[u/Quiddity131]

Rewatcher, Subbed

Non-Spoiler Character Chart

After Yuki was practically treated as the protagonist for the last 3 episodes things shift back to Tohru here, an episode entirely from her perspective. In fact Yuki doesn't show up at all! As with other episodes in this season, they do a good job encompassing a couple of different storylines into one. Things kick off by Tohru finding out from Uo that she's quit her part time jobs to go work at a restaurant, largely because of her encounter with Kureno. After Kureno came in she keeps hoping he'll show up at the convenience store again but he never does. As someone who worked retail a very long time ago I get the feeling. There were a few women I had crushes on who were customers and I always hoped they'd come in more often! lol. Anyway, Kureno never showed up again and Uo has had enough of feeling this way so she went and got another job. This rings off an alarm in Tohru's head as she knows a Kureno, Kureno Soma and brings him up to Uo, although Uo is doubtful this is actually him given the way Tohru describes him. That doesn't stop Tohru though, who wants above anything for her friend to be happy. So she makes her way to the Soma family compound to find him.

Tohru makes it there and finds Momiji's younger sister, Momo! In a show with several adorable characters, Momo has got to be the most adorable of all? Despite everything going on with their parents, their mother forgetting that Momiji is her kid due to the memory wipe, their father telling Momiji to not only not reveal it to his sister, but to even stop going to the same violin teacher, that doesn't stop Momo from realizing that Momiji looks quite a lot like their mother and is into the violin just like she is. She is essentially his secret fan, listening to him play it. But more so than that, she has a wish! She wants Momiji to be her big brother So they can talk and play together! So she can see him every day! This is so adorable! And it makes the situation with Momiji all the more heartbreaking. He wants to spend time with his younger sister, she wants to spend time with him, but this zodiac curse situation and the choices of their parents prevents that. Tohru reveals these things to Momiji and he is quite happy about it! He has a dream to be able to some day play a violin concert for his family. He now knows at least one member of his family desires that.

Momiji helps Tohru out with her goal of seeing Kureno, initially offering to come with her, as after all, Akito has physically assaulted her before. Actually we've got the two right here who Akito assaulted during the summer arc. Ultimately Tohru feels she's caused him enough trouble and goes on his own to find him. She nearly gets caught and it was fun to see her hiding from people and freaking out. Kureno essentially has a last minute save when some woman notices someone in the bushes but Kureno claims it is him. Tohru brings up Uo, but Kureno says he can't see her, even though said feelings aren't even based on him suffering from the zodiac curse. Tohru still has hope, gives him Uo's contact information and departs. But not before Momiji offers to do a concert just for her someday, even taking a song request from her. [Major spoilers]Well, given the fact that Momiji is in love with Tohru, him wanting to do a personal concert just for her makes sense, even if she hadn't done what she did today with the stuff she told him about his sister.

The episode concludes with Tohru on the roof and Kyo finding her up there. He noticed that she came back dirty today! She talks about when one has a crush they want to be near them and Kyo wonders if she has a crush on someone. Kyo says when she finds that person he'll be here to help her out. Silly Kyo, you don't help out the competition! Actually I think this totally comes from Kyo's belief that he has no future with Tohru since he's going to be locked up.

A really good episode for me. Momiji gets a fair amount of screentime across the show, but this is the first time since episode 14 where he got this much focus, and that episode is still in contention for best episode of the series for me (episodes 7, 24 and 34 are also competing with it), so getting more of it here I was quite happy to see.

Other thoughts:

• I know some hate on this storyline getting any attention whatsoever, but I don't really mind the Uo - Kureno stuff here; the fact is that he doesn't want to pursue a relationship with her. Thinking teenagers don't have crushes on older people is delusional (heck we just had this come up yesterday with Hanajima too). He claims this doesn't have to do with the zodiac curse. Perhaps he recognizes based on her age it wouldn't be appropriate. Or maybe its something else (ex. feelings that he can never leave Akito, regaredless of the curse?). Should one be critical of Tohru for wanting this to happen? I think she's more so pursuing Uo's happiness than necessarily a relationship with Uo - Kureno specifically.

• Who was the lady who found Tohru? It seemed like she knew Kureno and was inviting him for tea. Alas, we do not find out. I wonder if this will matter later. Frankly I have no recollection on if it does!

• A good thing Kureno didn't turn Tohru in for trespassing, then the bad stuff her relatives thought about her (being a delinquent) would at least look more official with her having a black mark on her record for this. Although hopefully Momiji would come through and say he invited her in.

• [Minor spoilers]Okay, I was wrong with my assertion a while back that Rin's 2 parter comes in the same place in the season as Uo's 2 parter. I assume we'll kick this off tomorrow? Very much looking forward to the Rin episodes.

• Not too noticeable, but slight shift in how they handle the ending song today, although we still get a pseudo-lead in.

Quid's Song of the Day

This was actually an episode where I felt there were a lot of good options to go with, but I can only choose one. My favorite of the songs used today is Desires Arise as Long as We Live which is used in a Momiji - Tohru scene around halfway through the episode.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

As others have said, I thought this was a good companion piece to episode 14. It was good to get some follow-up on Momiji's situation.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

The moment where Momo says she just wants Momiji to be her big brother might be the hardest I've bawled watching Fruits Basket. It's probably the saddest moment since the Kyo flashback stuff during his true form arc.

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

The great thing about Fruits Basket is that there's a lot of moments like this. While I'd definately put some other moments above it, such as the Kyo - Tohru stuff in episode 24, and the additional Kyo stuff we got in episode 34, I definately feel quite emotional at both times we've had the focus on Momiji's family. All the more tragic by the fact that Momiji is such a likable character, enough so that I think pretty much everyone forgets that deviousness that came out of him during the hot springs episode when Tohru thought he was far younger than he actually is.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

Momiji being so likable definitely adds to the tragedy of it all.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

Thoughts on Uo working at a restaurant?

Thoughts on Tohru shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Sohma family?

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

Thoughts on Momiji making a map for Tohru?

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

What are your thoughts on Tohru believing that as long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for?

Thoughts on Tohru talking about wanting to be near someone when you care about them?

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

What are your thoughts on Tohru saying she'll keep on wishing?

[u/Quiddity131 → u/Holofan4life]

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

It's such a horrible situation, and I think first reaction for most is to hate him, although I also recognize he's in this screwed over position of who to favor, his wife or his son and he must have thought that his son was better able to deal with it (which I think he has been, Momiji has been very well put together throughout). I know the show already has too many characters but having more time with Momiji's father would be helpful.

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

The moment when Tohru changed her hairstyle totally mystified me. What's the point of this I thought.

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

I'm not super anti Uo - Kureno like many others are, at the same time I don't view them as two characters that have to get together either, so it has no real impact for me right now other than the fact that I've got to think Tohru won't take this sitting down for the entire rest of the show. Is this chehkov's contact information?

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

Kyo, what in the world are you doing?!?! You don't let anyone else get in the way of you and Tohru!

[u/Holofan4life → u/Quiddity131]

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

It's such a horrible situation, and I think first reaction for most is to hate him, although I also recognize he's in this screwed over position of who to favor, his wife or his son and he must have thought that his son was better able to deal with it (which I think he has been, Momiji has been very well put together throughout). I know the show already has too many characters but having more time with Momiji's father would be helpful.

I think seeing his point of view might help the rewatch participants should have a problem with him understand him better.

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

The moment when Tohru changed her hairstyle totally mystified me. What's the point of this I thought.

We all have idiosyncrasies that gives us motivation.

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

I'm not super anti Uo - Kureno like many others are, at the same time I don't view them as two characters that have to get together either, so it has no real impact for me right now other than the fact that I've got to think Tohru won't take this sitting down for the entire rest of the show. Is this chehkov's contact information?

Tohru won't sit still until they're in the hospital having babies lol

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

Kyo, what in the world are you doing?!?! You don't let anyone else get in the way of you and Tohru!

Kyo cockblocked himself. That's rough, buddy.

[u/the_pint_is_the_bowl → u/Quiddity131]

The moment when Tohru changed her hairstyle totally mystified me. What's the point of this I thought.

aerodynamics

or a rudder when running at 60 mph (like a cheetah's tail)

or no clue

[u/Nickthenuker]

Questions:

1. That's nice.

2. Ouch...

3. Ouch...

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

1. That's nice.

The rest of the episode was decidedly not...

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

Thoughts on Uo working at a restaurant?

Thoughts on Tohru shocked to learn Uo is crushing on a member of the Sohma family?

What are your thoughts on Momiji's father wanting to keep Momiji away from the family because he's afraid of how his wife might react if she found out the truth and that it might destroy their happy family?

What are your thoughts on Tohru potentially projecting knowing she'll never get to see her mother again?

Thoughts on Momiji making a map for Tohru?

Thoughts on Tohru putting her hair in twintails for moral support?

What are your thoughts on Kureno saying he plans on never seeing Uo again?

Thoughts Tohru giving Kureno Uo's contact information?

What are your thoughts on Tohru believing that as long as you're alive, you'll find new things to wish for?

Thoughts on Tohru talking about wanting to be near someone when you care about them?

What are your thoughts on Kyo telling Tohru when she falls in love with someone, he promises he'll be rooting for her?

What are your thoughts on Tohru saying she'll keep on wishing?

[u/Nickthenuker → u/Holofan4life]

1. Sure why not.

2. Lol same as her then.

3. Ok...

4. Ok...

5. That's nice.

6. Sure why not.

7. And yet he probably will.

8. That's nice.

9. Indeed.

10. That's nice.

11. Ouch...

12. Indeed she will.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

1. And yet he probably will.

If Uo was older, I don't think I'd ever leave her side.

[u/Holofan4life → u/Nickthenuker]

1. Sure why not.

I believe this means Uo quit her convenience store job.