Let's stay together: a Fruits Basket podcast (Stay Together Network | Ellen & Kayla)

In this teaser episode, we introduce Fruits Basket as a whole and discuss what we hope to look for as we read through it together. We share our hopes and dreams for the podcast and the anime coming in April 2019.

Kayla and Ellen discuss the events of chapters 1 and 2 of the manga.

Kayla and Ellen discuss the events of chapters 3 and 4 of the manga.

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Some sources were discussed:

Mononoke:

http://www.japanecho.com/sum/2006/330516.html/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mononoke

“The Ashgate Encyclopedia of Literary and Cinematic Monsters” edited by Jeffrey Andrew Weinstock

The Chinese zodiac and ornaments:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_zodiac

https://zoomingjapan.com/items/japanese-zodiac-figures/

Also briefly mentioned:

“How to Read Literature Like a Professor” by Thomas C. Foster

In this episode, we meet Kagura Sohma and some of Tohru's family, and learn a little more about the curse as we discuss chapters 5 and 6 of the manga Fruits Basket.

Kayla and Ellen discuss the events of chapters 7 and 8 of Fruits Basket. Kyo and Yuki struggle with their envy of each other, we meet some new Sohmas, and learn a bit more about the curse this week on Let’s Stay Together.

Kayla and Ellen discuss the events of chapters 9 and 10 of Fruits Basket. We visit the Culture Festival and meet Momiji and Hatori—for real this time. Yuki wears a dress… Kyo eats an onigiri... and Tohru goes inside the Sohma house, getting a little closer to the dark side of the curse.

This episode, we discuss chapters 11 & 12 of Fruits Basket. Kyo and Yuki shake things up by ditching the family’s traditional New Year’s celebrations. We learn more about Hatori’s painful past, and answer the question: when the snow melts, what does it become?

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Some more reading on topics we discussed:

New Year’s celebrations:

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2064.html

https://tokyocheapo.com/travel/holidays/japanese-new-year-tokyo/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_New_Year

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osechi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagami_mochi

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kagami_biraki

https://www.hisgo.com/us/destination-japan/blog/japanese_new_years_traditions.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C5%8Dhaku_Uta_Gassen

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Record_Awards

Words for love:

https://www.japanesewithanime.com/2016/08/love-aishiteru-koisuru-suki-meaning.html

https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-words-for-love-2028042

https://www.thoughtco.com/i-love-you-in-japanese-2028066

https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/quereadisplay.html?0+155821

Bonus link to a post by Furubacanon about the Juunishi’s dance outfits:

http://furubacanon.tumblr.com/post/183756851404/hello-furubacanon-i-love-your-blog-i-was

In this episode, Kayla and Ellen discuss chapters 13 and 14 of the Fruits Basket manga and a little bit about episode 2 of the 2019 anime.

We learn more about Hatsuharu Sohma, the ox/cow of the zodiac, and many battles are waged: Haru fights Kyo, Yuki fights a cold, Shigure fights back laughter, and Hana fights with the heart of the cards this week on Let’s Stay Together.

Kayla and Ellen discuss the Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episodes 1–3! We decided to start creating short episodes about the anime, comparing it to the manga, with discussion.

In this Anime Break we learn about the plans for the culture fest, protect the garden, play dai hin min, and meet a mysterious blond, German stranger.

In this episode, Kayla and Ellen discuss chapters 15 & 16 of the Fruits Basket manga.

Chaotic emotions are stirred up around Valentine’s Day. Kagura, Kyo, Tohru, and Yuki go on a double date while Shigure pays a visit to the main house.

We get a glimpse into a moment in Hatori and Shigure’s childhood. We learn about a strange dream Shigure had, and the feeling from it that he’s still chasing down.

In this Anime Break we discuss Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episode 4. Kagura Sohma arrives on the scene, Shigure’s house gets broken, and Tohru throws a punch!

This episode, we’re talking about chapters 17 & 18 of the Fruits Basket manga.

Momiji treats Tohru to an onsen trip for White Day. Yuki and Kyo come along as well. Hijinks and adorable times ensue. We learn that It might be foolish to do kind things for others instead of thinking of yourself, but maybe that’s not the way Momiji, and perhaps Tohru see things.

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A podcast episode from Tofugu about White Day: https://soundcloud.com/tofugu/white-day

In this Anime Break we discuss Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episode 5. The renovations are finished, so Tohru returns to her family's house. But it wasn't what she wanted deep down, and it turns out that it didn't sit well with Yuki and Kyo either...

In this episode we discuss chapters 19 & 20 of the manga Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya.

Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, Uo, and Hana level up to 2nd year of high school. Momiji and Haru's high school careers get off to a rocky start in a confrontation with the student council president. Tohru meets Akito, the mysterious head of the Sohma family, who makes a surprise appearance at school—one that shakes Yuki to his core.

In this Anime Break we discuss Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episode 6. The culture festival is here! The onigiri stand is a big success... partly because of Tohru's gram-worth cat onigiri... but also maaaaaybe because of Yuki's gram-worthy outfit. We meet two new Sohmas—Momiji and Hatori. Uo and Hana finally learn the truth about where Tohru is living, and invite themselves over to check out The Prince's "castle".

It’s all about Ayame this week on Let’s Stay Together. We discuss chapters 21 & 22 of Fruits Basket. We get to know the fabulous snake of the zodiac, about his relationship with Yuki, and about his relationship with Shigure and Hatori—the one and only Mabudachi Trio!

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White snakes:

https://classroom.synonym.com/what-is-a-white-snake-symbolic-for-12084329.html

http://serpentsanctum.com/benzaiten-white-snake-goddess-of-japan/

http://myths-made-real.blogspot.com/2012/01/big-in-japan-shirohebi.html

“Mabudachi”:

https://soranews24.com/2015/03/05/watch-out-for-slang-10-outdated-words-to-make-you-sound-like-a-hoddypeak-in-japanese/

In this Anime Break we discuss Fruits Basket 2019 anime season 1 episode 7. Tohru visits the vast main house of the Sohma family. Hatori warns her to leave the family before she regrets it—after all, they are cursed. We learn about the painful experience from Hatori’s past that may be pushing him to make that suggestion.

It’s a real tear jerker this time on Let’s Stay Together, as we discuss chapters 23 & 24 of Fruits Basket. We learn about Momiji’s painful past regarding his mother, and see a visit to Tohru’s mother’s grave. It’s been a year since Kyoko passed away tragically, and the memories are still raw for Tohru—and Uo and Hana as well. They visit her grave with Yuki, who reflects on his relationship with Tohru, and quietly—awkward Kyo, who’s experiences… regret?

Some links about kujiramaku (the black and white curtain):

http://ososhiki.bellco.co.jp/knowledge/%E9%AF%A8%E5%B9%95%E3%81%A8%E3%81%AF/

https://en-park.net/words/1822

It’s New Year’s Eve in episode 8 of Fruits Basket 2019 this week. Uo and Hana offer to have her over, but she insists on them spending time with their families. Tohru will be spending the holiday alone… leaving Kyo and Yuki to wonder—she’ll be fine on her own, right?

In this episode we discuss chapters 25 & 26 of Fruits Basket. Shigure “convinces” the kids and Hatori to take a trip to a Sohma summer lake house. Yuki and Kyo are grouchy—Tohru worries that it’s her doing… somehow. Jason… I mean… Ayame appears suddenly and stirs things up again, and we learn a little more about the woman who called Shigure “a ripple on the water…”

Everyone is fighting in episode 9 of Fruits Basket. We fully meet Hatsuharu Sohma. An emergency situation breaks up Haru and Kyo’s fight, and Haru has to use his zodiac form to save the day.

This week we discuss chapters 27 & 28 of Fruits Basket. We meet Kisa Sohma, possessed by the spirit of the tiger. Intense bullying has left her without the ability to speak, but shared experiences from Tohru and the other jyuunishi help her through this tough time. Kisa is able to return to school, but she isn’t the only one who becomes stronger by facing their fears is these chapters…

This anime break, Kyo is grumpy… because of Valentine’s Day? Or something deeper… Yuki, Tohru, Kyo, and Kagura hit the streets for a double date, and Shigure goes inside the main house to visit Hatori and Akito. Shigure reminisces about a dream they had as children… a dream about the one he loves…

This week we discuss chapters 29 & 30 of Fruits Basket. Hana gets an unexpected visit and Tohru gets a bad mark. It’s a weird mix of sinister and cute this time on Let’s Stay Together.

It’s time for another Anime Break! We discuss episode 11 of Fruits Basket 2019 this time!

Momiji treats Tohru to a hot spring trip for White Day—Kyo and Yuki are volun-told to come along, of course. Cuteness ensues. It turns out that Tohru has missed some fees for a school trip. When Kyo, Yuki, and Shigure realize what has happened, they wonder why they didn’t notice before? Momiji hits us with an allegory to explain—a story about a foolish traveler who gave away everything for the sake of others. When you close your eyes, what do you think?

Kyo’s martial arts teacher and foster father Kazuma Sohma returns from his journey and pays a visit to Shigure’s house. He forces Kyo to reveal yet another dark secret about the zodiac to Tohru—will she accept this side of him or not? Will Kyo forgive Kazuma for revealing this deeply personal secret against his will? This week we summarize chapters 31–34; next time we discuss.

Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, Uo, and Hana start their second year of high school! Hatsuharu and Momiji Sohma begin their first year at the same high school, but get off to a bumpy start with a confrontation with the head of the School Defence Force and his cronies.

Tohru also has a confrontation with Akito, the head of the Sohma family, who makes a surprise appearance at their school—one that reveals the dark connection between him and Yuki.

It’s time to discuss chapters 31–34! In this episode, we discuss the fallout of what happened when Kazuma forced Kyo to reveal another, deeper secret about himself and zodiac to Tohru, how the characters reacted, and what may lie ahead.

In episode 13 of Fruits Basket 2019, we meet the bombastic Ayame Sohma—snake of the zodiac—and learn about his special relationship with Yuki, Shigure and Hatori.

In the aftermath of chapter 34, Haru and Tohru spot Yuki acting down in the dumps, and Haru gives him a talkin’ to to get to the bottom of it. Yuki tries to learn more about his big brother Ayame. He and Tohru visit his shop. Chaos ensues.

Get ready for some Takaya-style catharsis this week. We learn about the tumultuous relationship Momiji has with his family, and a year has passed since Tohru’s mother passed away, so she visits her grave with Hana, Uo, Yuki and Kyo.

This week, another mysterious Sohma family member appears on the scene, full of sass. We meet Hiro Sohma, a wee but sarcastic lad. But as we’ve learned, every Sohma comes with baggage—the question for Hiro is not why but what is the root cause? Hiro may be a brat on the outside, but he’s got a heart of gold on the inside, and is dealing with consequences of his feelings that are out of his control…

Yuki and Kyo aren’t themselves as the gang takes a trip to the lake house after the visit to Tohru’s mom’s grave. Maybe Shigure had secret motivations… like tormenting his editor, or cheering up Hatori. Ayame arrives as well to shake things up, of course.

This week, a bathing suit shopping trip with hostages Kyo and Yuki turns into an opportunity to get to know Uo a little better. We learn more about her middle school gang days and her connection to the great Red Butterfly herself.

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Some links about biker gangs!

https://furubacanon.tumblr.com/post/183092787306/hi-i-was-wondering-if-you-could-tell-me-why-yuki

https://www.tofugu.com/japan/bosozoku/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B%C5%8Ds%C5%8Dzoku

https://timeline.com/yankii-subculture-japan-american-c51808fa2172

Where do we belong? Uo struggles with finding her place in this episode of Fruits Basket. This episode, we dig into Uo’s back story and what happened when she met her hero, the Red Butterfly, and her daughter, the Red Butterfly II… I mean… our sweet Tohru.

This week we conclude Uo’s back story of her gang days and her personal connection to Tohru and Kyoko Honda. We chat all about how chapters 40 & 41 touch on themes of belonging, learning to understand others, and change this time on Let’s Stay Together!

This episode of Fruits Basket 2019 wraps up Uo’s back story. We learn more about her relationship with Kyoko and the impact Kyoko had on her life. Even though she’s gone, she left some things behind that help Uo continue to grow.

This week it’s Motoko & the Prince Yuki Fangirls vs Makoto & the Momiji fangirls in a battle of wits. The Prince Yuki fan club wants to know if a girl has been appointed to the student council, concerned over Yuki’s romantic future.

Motoko’s conversation with Yuki, and another incident at school involving a broken-hearted Black Haru show us that change is in the air for the Furuba cast—whether they’re ready for it or not.

This Anime Break, we meet Kisa Sohma, the tiger of the zodiac, who has lost the ability to speak due to bullying. Tohru and Yuki help her to find strength to move forward. Kisa is able to return to school, but she isn’t the only one who has become stronger, it seems…

This time on Let’s Stay Together, we meet Ritsu Sohma, the monkey of the zodiac! Ritsu’s anxiety and talentlessness causes him great distress, to the point of wondering if there is a reason he was born into this world. But maybe Tohru & co. can help him find a reason to live…

This time, for the second time this week, somehow, we meet Ritsu Sohma, the monkey of the zodiac! Ritsu’s anxiety and awkwardness has troubled him since he was a child, but maybe Tohru and an unlikely editor can help him find a reason to live…

We all get anxious about the future sometimes—even Tohru! But Shigure has words of wisdom to help her get through the overwhelmed feelings.

Connections are forged this episode between Kyo and Tohru, and Yuki and Ayame, who has come to ask Yuki if he needs help with an upcoming event. Yuki and Ayame end up understanding each other a little better after talking about their past and Yuki’s future.

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Re: Shishou’s haircut: https://furubacanon.tumblr.com/post/185259013521/hi-thank-you-for-the-fascinating-blog-apologies

This time! This time. Summer’s finally here and the gang goes on an adventure to a haunted house. Tohru struggles of course, but is able to get through it with Momiji and Haru’s help. We get a glimpse of the aforementioned Rin, who’s about to leave the hospital

In our second chapter, we meet some new characters! In the midst of a mini identity crisis, Yuki finds out who two of his student council team will be—much to his shock and horror…?

This week we meet Hiro Sohma, who seems to be kind of a brat. But as we’ve learned, every Sohma comes with baggage—he may be a brat on the outside, but he’s got a heart of gold on the inside, and is dealing with consequences of his feelings that are out of his control…

Kaibara High School’s Prince Yuki club has rules to keep girls from getting too close The Prince, but of course Tohru Honda has broken them many times and needs to be stopped.

Unfortunately, she’s guarded by a Demon Queen—Saki Hanajima. Though terrified, the Prince Yuki fan girls make an attempt to visit Hana’s house find her weakness.

In chapters 50 & 51 of Fruits Basket we learn more about Hanajima’s family and the days before she met Tohru & Uo.

We also finally learn more about the mysterious man that Uo met at her convenience store job. Their feelings for each other are intense, but they may be more closely connected than either of them realize…

This Anime Break we discuss episode 22 of the 2019 Fruits Basket anime. This episode focuses on Hanajima’s powers, her family, and the her story before meeting Tohru & Uo.

Kyo and Tohru take a trip to Shishou’s, but their visit is interrupted when Shishou is called away for a discussion about Kyo’s future.

Rin makes a mysterious appearance at Shigure’s house. Yuki almost spills the beans about The Hat, but property damage interrupts him.

Momiji announces that he has booked another trip for the family at a Sohma summer home, which we can all look forward to…

Tohru bombs a test and worries herself sick, but Kyo takes a stab at cheering her up. Kagura comes for a visit, and to keep her from destroying the house further, Shigure sends her and Kyo on a “date”. Kyo’s martial arts master returns and curiously watches Kyo interacting wth Yuki and Tohru, before rendezvousing with the kids outside Shigure’s house.

Swimming, bug hunting, and emotions abound as the kids visit the Sohma summer home, and Shigure shakes things up at the main house. We’re all struggling with something deep inside this time on Let's Stay Together.

A dark secret of Kyo’s is revealed by his master—darker than even the others possessed by spirits of the zodiac. Will Tohru be able to accept it?

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“Has anyone else ever wondered why Kazuma blocks Kyo’s eyes when he takes his beads off?…“ - an interesting thread on kyosohmastan’s blog: https://kyosohmastan.tumblr.com/post/187629912354/has-anyone-else-ever-wondered-why-kazuma-blocks

It’s a summer full of romance not just for the kids, but our beloved Great Teacher Mayuko and Haa-san as well. His past may be painful, and she may not be able to move on from what happened either… but maybe fate (or Shigure) has more in stall for these two…

In the aftermath of the episode 24 reveal about Kyo is felt deeply by Tohru, Yuki, and Kagura. Tohru worries, Haru pats her head, ad we meet a few new and mysterious characters. The stage it set for next season with this somewhat hopeful and somewhat ominous ending of the first season of Fruits Basket 2019. Summer is coming… next spring? Yeah.

The beach trip continues this week! Hiro gets some news while at the beach. Everyone is in a cheerful mood, but Akito arrives, which puts a huge damper on things. Akita’s presence slows down the fun but seems to start to shake things up emotionally for our character, especially Yuki, who is finally opening up the “tightly closed lid”…

Characters continue to grow and clash this week at the beach. The painful things that Yuki, Kyo, and Tohru keep deep inside come closer and closer to the surface.

Akito continues to keep the other Sohmas away from Tohru, except for Kyo, who ends up spending more and more time alone with Tohru. Akito does decide to bestow a visit upon Tohru with the intention of introducing Kureno to her, but upon seeing Kyo and Tohru having fun at the beach together, backs out, having realized what the “true misunderstanding” is here.

Tohru and Yuki run into Rin, who snuck to the beach. She threatens Yuki and Tohru to keep her appearance a secret and leaves frustrated.

The beach arc continues. Kyo is called to guest house to see Akito, and more about his deep feelings and his past are revealed—including a surprising connection to someone else we know.

Summer comes every year, but the same summer never comes twice. The kids try their best to have a least one fun evening of fireworks all together with Tohru at the beach.

At the guest house, Akito and Shigure argue, and Akito is called away to handle an issue at the main house, but not before “saying hello” to Tohru.

In the confrontation with Akito, Tohru learns new, shocking things about the zodiac curse—and Kyo’s future.

Protecting the people you care about isn’t easy, but Tohru and jyuunishi are determined to watch out for each other.

This week we wrap up the beach arc! Next week—mid-series recap special! Thank you all for sending in questions!

It's finally here! We recap the Fruits Basket manga so far, discuss what's to come, and answer questions from listeners about Furuba, podcasting, and us!

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Thank you for sending in questions and for your patience waiting for this episode to be released.

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The gang’s all back together as school starts again in chapter 66 of Fruits Basket. Yuki meets the rest of the student council and vows again to push himself to grow. Tohru meets with Shishou to move her own goal forward.

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Tohru meets with Shishou in an attempt to learn more about the curse. She has a run-in with Rin, who warns her to stay away before meeting with Shishou herself—revealing that she might have a common goal with Tohru…

Kagura wills Kyo into going on a date with her. Childhood memories and hurts are dug up, feelings are confessed, and we see how much Kyo has grown since he jumped through Shigure's roof.

The kids struggle with all their might this week on Let’s Stay Together.

Yuki musters up the courage to visit the main house. He runs into Kagura, and finally has a chance to talk to Rin. Since their childhood, Haru has been there to support Yuki, but he is surprised to learn about something Haru did for him without him knowing all this time.

Tohru visits her grandfather, who has thrown out his back. Something about the visit shakes her, stirring up some difficult memories and feelings for her. Luckily, Kyo is nearby to check on her.

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It's parent teacher conferencing time, which has the gang worrying about their futures. Some wonder what they will become… undergrad students, workers, models… and some wonder if there’s a future for them at all.

Mayuko has words of wisdom for all the kids AND Shigure, who attended Tohru’s conference on her grandfather’s behalf. Yuki Is almost forced to endure his overbearing mother’s presence, but a certain man among the two men who love their bother most in the world arrives just in time to make sure Yuki’s voice is heard, and Yuki takes a step toward asserting himself.

We’ll be back after a short winter break! Remember to eat some soumen with the people you care about while we’re away.

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We rejoin the problem child student council this week as we discuss chapter 73. The team chooses their colors for the battle against evil, Yuki and Kakeru yell at themselves together, and Kakeru attacks a box of innocent seedlings.

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Tohru learns the name of the mysterious man Uo met at her job over the summer… and really, how many Kurenos can there be in the world? She tries to speak to him at the Sohma house but chickens out at front the door, and a surprising accomplice helps her sneak inside. Tohru also learns more about Momiji, his sister Momo, and father’s relationship. Kyo finds Tohru on the roof after her expedition to the main house and she asks him—what do you wish for?

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When you wish upon a star: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4Dh4IU1iFQ 💫

Power Rangers in 5 minutes… just in case you wanted to know: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-x7Tcha5Po

—

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The gang heads to Kyoto for a school trip. Sights are seen, souvenirs are bought, crushes are confessed, snacks are eaten. Yuki simply hopes to build happy memories and his friendship with Kakeru and the student council grows. Tohru wonders why Kyo’s words can make her happy, or anxious…

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Sing nightingale in the Heian capital - http://joi-japonin.blogspot.com/2011/01/blog-post.html

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It’s all about Rin in chapters 78 & 79. Rin struggles to find more information about how to break the curse. Convinced that Shigure knows something, she comes to his house but faints, only to be discovered by Tohru. While passed out, Rin remembers dark times in her past.

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Rin and Tohru realize they have the same goal. Rin reluctantly (finally) gives in and cries to Tohru, and something about Rin’s pain stirs Tohru, who cries with her into the morning.

Machi destroys the council room again, and Yuki and Kakeru try to understand why. Yuki learn more about just how Kakeru and Machi are familiar with each other.

Kimi uses the PA and Nao complains. All this and more in chapters 80 & 81 of Fruits Basket!

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Tohru visits Rin in the hospital, and learns a bit more about the curse. A partnership is formed right?! Tohru, Yuki, Kyo, Uo, and Hana’s class discusses their plans for the school Culture Festival—spoiler alert, there won’t be any campfires. Yuki gets stuck in a storage room, but a friend a saves the day. All this and more as we discuss a core (perhaps the core?!) theme or idea of Fruits Basket—when good bonds go bad.

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We pick up where we left off last time as we discuss chapters 84–86 of Fruits Basket. Yuki gets some things off his chest to Kakeru—about his family, his isolated past living with Akito in the main house, his past encounter with and feelings about Tohru, his relationship with Kyo, and his hopes to find someone who needs him as much as he needs them.

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Class 2-D is all hustle and bustle preparing their play, but rehearsal is a disaster, since Tohru isn’t able to live up to her evil stepsister role. The kids decide the script must be changed to accommodate the casting.

Despite his starring role, Kyo is absent from rehearsal—he’s still grumpy about Yuki bringing up The Hat last chapter. Yuki confronts him outside the school, with a violent outcome.

Yuki has a run-in with Machi in the hall, and Kyo finds Tohru alone in the classroom after…

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It’s finally time for class 2-D’s play: Sorta Cinderella! Tensions run high on stage and outbursts reveal some of the kids’ deeper feelings… after the play, Hanajima meets Shishou, Yuki and Kakeru rescue Machi from a bullying situation, and Kyo and Tohru have an awkward post-play moment…

Special thanks to our friends who helped out with the play! 👏👏👏

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Extra play sounds were recorded by us, or royalty free from freesound.org

After the culture festival something continues to trouble Kyo. We learn more about what Kyo knows about Kyoko, her past, and her relationship with Tohru’s father, Katsuya Honda.

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We continue the tragic tale of Kyoko and Katsuya this week. We see their lives with baby Tohru, and the impact Katsuya’s death had on Kyoko. Kyo’s reminiscence takes a turn into a nightmare, revealing more about his and Kyoko’s past connection.

Hope everyone is well and staying safe out there!

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Having finished up their duties for the year, the student council goes out to celebrate. Machi isn’t keen but ends up joining them anyway, and we get a glimpse into her life outside of school. Yuki returns to the main house for the new year’s banquet, where he triggers Akito’s rage. He and Hatori have a little heart-to-heart after the incident. Shishou hosts Kyo, Tohru, and Rin for New Years, and Tohru shares her wish for the new year with us. We discuss the parallels between Yuki & Machi, and themes of change in chapters 94 & 95, and make a surprise announcement about episode 50! Details to come shortly on our social media!

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In this live-streamed episode we discuss chapters 96-99 of Fruits Basket. More dark secrets of the Sohma and the curse are revealed.

Akito has remained in bed and is still upset after Yuki’s defiant attitude at New Year’s. Shigure, who seems to be jealous of the attention Kureno is getting, suggests that Yuki be the one to pick up the pieces this time. We are introduced to another Sohma… one who Akito despises, perhaps, most of all.

Having watched the DVD that Momiji snuck to him at New Year’s, Kureno meets with Tohru. He reveals more about himself, the curse, and Akito, and explains why he can’t be with Arisa.

Tohru is so shocked after their conversation that Hanajima can feel her “calling” with her denpa, comes to find her, and whisks her away from the Sohmas for one night for a sleepover. At Hana’s house, Tohru and Uo have a much-needed heart-to-heart.

Kyo rescues a scarf and Shigure begs Yuki not to cook.

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Tohru struggles to find someone to talk to about what she learned from her meeting with Kureno. A flower-snatching indecent at school leaves Tohru and Kyo alone in the classroom, where she may be able to bring up he thoughts to him. Machi sees Yuki and catches up with him. We learn more about Shigure’s relationship with Akito, including a tender moment from their past, and more about Ren.

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Season 2 of Fruits Basket is finally here! 🎉 In this season opener, Yuki meets two of the new student council members—Kakeru Manabe and Machi Kuragi. Their strange behavior initially leaves him speechless, but something Kakeru says surprises him at the end of their first meeting.

Motoko Minagawa and the Prince Yuki club harass the current student council president for the names of the new members, which he keep closely guarded. In their pursuit of knowing who the new members are, Motoko and another member attempt to break into the council room, but find it unlocked with Yuki inside. After a brief and awkward conversation, Motoko runs out. Yuki follows and consoles her a bit.

Fun times are in store this season!

Opening/ending theme lyrics translations by lilyginnyblackv2 on Tumblr:
“Prism”: https://lilyginnyblackv2.tumblr.com/post/614830166547546112/furuba-s2-op-prism-english-translation
“ad meliora”: https://lilyginnyblackv2.tumblr.com/post/614743345637523456/fruits-basket-s2-ed-ad-meliora-english - -

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In chapters 102 and 103 of Fruits Basket, Machi is called out for her odd destructive behavior again, and girls from her class inform the student council of a nasty rumor about her. Kakeru thinks that Machi might open up to Yuki about what’s going on with her, so they pay a visit to her apartment.

As graduation draws nearer, Yuki receives love confession after love confession—much to his chagrin. A specific summons of Yuki’s causes Nao to jealous, but everyone is able to get what they wanted to say off of their chests.

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Upcoming career counselling have the kids all nervous about the future—the juunishi especially, because there futures are not as clear as their classmates. Tohru and Kyo visit Shishou for lunch, and Tohru learns more about Kyo’s childhood. Shishou has to live suddenly to speak to Kyo’s biological father, and they discuss Kyo’s future. On another evening, Kyo and Tohru talk about the future and their anxieties, and Shigure gives Tohru advice.

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If you also find yourself needing an animal break, this is the video that we were talking about: https://twitter.com/reesewaters/status/1250815749721141250

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Hiro is finally able to talk to Haru and Kisa about things he knows about Akito—what Akito did to Rin, why Akito lashed out at Kisa. Haru starts to connect the dots and barges in to the main house to confront Akito about where Rin really is, and admits that his involvement with her was part of what drove Akito to abuse her. Kureno confronts a maid who he has seen visiting an isolated part of the house… and finds out exactly where Rin has been.

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Yuki take s step toward learning more about his older brother Ayame by visit his shop, accompanied by Tohru. While Mine, Ayame’s assistant, whisks Tohru away to dress her up, the brothers get a chance to chat. Though he gets a chance to talk to someone about his future and career concerns, the visit is a little overwhelming for Yuki. He and his brother may never understand each other, but one thing is clear—he’s not alone anymore.

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We finally learn how Rin ended up angering Akito before last episode. Disoriented, Rin runs away from the hospital. Her deal with Ren fallen through, she’s failed in her mission to free Haru. Just the right person finds her and brings her back to reality.

Kureno has a legitimate disagreement with That One Maid about what happened between Akito and Rin, and more is revealed about the family dynamic of the Sohmas.

Shigure brings Rin good news—it’s possible that the curse may break eventually, but that might not be soon enough for some people…

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Haru creates a stir after going “black” and tearing up the classroom. He’s eventually calmed with Great Teacher Mayuko’s intervention. Haru’s rough treatment of Tohru during the confrontation makes Kyo question is own responses to her her.

Yuki talks to him after he gets scolded by the teachers—Haru was dumped. The relationship was a secret until now, but he doesn’t understand why he was dumped. Yuki tries to cheer him up, even going to the main estate on his own to visit him. He sees Rin on grounds but can catch up to her.

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Shigure catches up with Tohru after her fight with Rin, and tells her more about what he thinks the fate of the cursed is. Kyo finds her, still upset, and gives some advice.

On the anniversary of Tohru’s mother’s death, Kyo tries to visit her grave again but can’t muster up the courage. He runs into Tohru’s grandfather in the graveyard, who lets him on a secret she’s been keeping. At home he finds her doing laundry. He’s able to get her divulge the secret and comfort her.

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Uo meets a man in a convenience store, Kureno. When she runs into him again, they have lunch, but it doesn’t go well. Uo leaves. The man catches up to her on the street. The share an intimate moment, but the man suddenly leaves without saying anything.

The kids go to a haunted house and nearly get in trouble, but Haru’s touching story about the figures in the haunted house saves the day.

After the events of chapter 109, things are a little awkward between Kyo and Tohru. Yuki leaves to escape the awkwardness and visits Ayame’s shop, randomly running into someone who knew Ayame in high school on the way.

Shigure visits Akito, but doesn’t make any progress with her. Shigure talks to Hatori and we get some insight into his mysterious character.

Momiji has grown taller and struts around the school in the boys’ uniform, though with very much the same child-like attitude. Hiro, Kisa, Momiji, Haru, Yuki, Tohru (and eventually Kyo) end up hanging out together at Shigure’s. Kyo and Tohru’s blossoming relationship and the challenges posed by Kyo’s curse are a hot topic of conversation…

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Momiji invites everyone to a beach trip at one of the Sohma family’s vacation homes. After the kids leave, Rin visits Shigure, convinced he can help her find what she is looking for. Shigure visits with Akito, who is annoyed about the trip. He encourages Akito to join everyone…

The kids’ arrival at the beach is full of fun in the sun, but dredges up some of the pain from Yuki & Tohru’s pasts. What’s being kept beneath the tightly closed lid?

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Yuki gives Machi a gift for bearing with visiting Ayame’s shop. It causes a stir in the council room, and even triggers a Kimi flashback. Machi loves the gift and thanks Yuki for it later.

While going to borrow a book from Yuki, Kakeru runs into Tohru. Tohru finally remembers where she knows him from. Kakeru invites Yuki to meet his girlfriend, Komaki. Yuki learns more about Kakeru’s past.

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The beach vacation continues! The kids have much to celebrate with a watermelon smashing contest… but nothing but fists to smash with. Tohru continues to struggles with her feelings about her mom, and Yuki struggles with the feelings he had been keeping deep down under the “closed lid”. Akito arrives with Kureno and Hatori in tow to shake things up.

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Tohru visits Rin at Shishou’s house. Kagura, who’s also visiting, initially hides from her but the three end up in a confrontation after something Shishou says sparks Kagura’s concern for Kyo. Tohru admits something she’s been keeping deep down for a long time…

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The juunishi, save for Kyo, get pulled away again by Akito, leaving Tohru alone with him. They make the most of their time together by spending time on the beach, playing in the sand. Rin sneaks her way to the beach as well.

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Ren confronts Akito over the box, threatening her life. The confrontation turns violent but is interrupted. We see the the bonds that tie the juunishi and Akito start to weaken, and see how the seeds of Akito’s insecurity were sown by her parents and incubated by the inner circle of the Sohma family.

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Akito continues to shake things ups the beach by calling Kyo over for a visit as well and dredges up past trauma of his. Akito questions him about his feelings for Tohru.

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In chapters 119-122, Tohru has finally gathered the courage to confess to Kyo, but before she can he divulges the things he’s been keeping secret from her about his past and his connection to her mother. When she finally is able to respond to his confession, he runs off.

Akito confronts Tohru about the way Tohru has been taking the juunishi away, and her fears of a world filled with strangers and no guarantee of love. Tohru realizes they’ve been struggling to preserve the same things. Akito lashes out but Tohru is able to finally get her to come around… but after a freak accident during the confrontation, it might be too late for anyone to reconcile…

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The beach trip comes to a close and the kids get ready to celebrate it with a bang! Akito’s efforts to stay and seep the fun to a minimum are cut short by an urgent matter at the main estate,

But, Akito is ready to leave without seeing Tohru. In the confrontation, Tohru learns something new about the curse that bings the juunishi and Akito, and something dark about Kyo. At the end of the trip, Tohru makes a resolution to do what she can to protect them all.

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In aftermath of the accident from last time, Yuki argues with Kyo about why he didn’t go to the hospital with Tohru. The argument blows up into a much bigger confrontation about how they feel about each other.

Akito goes to the hospital and attempts to make amends for the events of chapters 119–122. Akito starts to realize how toxic her relationships, especially with Kureno, have become. Momiji sees her at the hospital and gives some advice.

Yuki reflects on how he’s grown, and how the people in his life, Machi and Kakeru, help him to stay strong. He has an impromptu rendezvous with Machi.

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Tohru visits Shishou to ask him what he knows about the curse. Rin makes an appearance at Shishou’s as well. Kyo and Kagura have things to say to each other. Kagura demands that they go on a date, but ends up confessing to more than she planned…

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Kyo confronts his father about his plans for the future. His father argues and blames him again for everything that’s happened to him, but something his father triggers a memory for Kyo that clarifies a moment in his past.

Uo & Hana meet Akito while visiting Tohru in the hospital. Uo eventually seizes the opportunity to visit Kureno. Akito starts to make things right for the juunishi, starting with Kyo.

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In a not-so-chance encounter while working in her parents’ bookstore over summer break, Great Teacher Mayuko reunites with Hatori Sohma, who she knows through Kana. She remembers what happened tragically between the two of them in the past, but maybe this reconnection is the chance for a new beginning…

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Kyo and Tohru are finally reunited after the accident, and Kyo finally gets the chance to tell her how he really feels. Yuki resolves to tell Machi about the family secret, but in the end, he doesn’t need to. The impact of Akito’s resolve to change is felt by all the juunishi, and we learn the true story behind the curse.

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