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Finally--summer has arrived! While Tohru struggles through bipolar days of hope and anxiety, what will happen when Yuki comes face-to-face with the new member of the student council? Meanwhile, who is that Uo-chan's hanging out with? Is she c-r-a-z-y in love? In a bonus feature, Hana-chan's past is finally disclosed!

194 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2002

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About the author

Natsuki Takaya

153 books2,700 followers
Name (in native language) : 高屋奈月

Natsuki Takaya (高屋 奈月 Takaya Natsuki, real name Naka Hatake) is the penname of a Japanese manga artist best-known for creating the series Fruits Basket. She was born on July 7, 1973; (Tanabata). Takaya is left-handed and once revealed that she wanted to be a mangaka since first grade, when her sister started drawing.

She was born in Shizuoka, Japan, but was raised in Tokyo, where she made her debut in 1992. She enjoys video games such as the Final Fantasy series or Sakura Wars, or working on her different manga series, such as Fruits Basket, which is the second best-selling shōjo manga ever in Japan, and the top selling shōjo manga in North America. Fruits Basket has also been adapted into a twenty-six-episode anime series.

In 2001, Takaya received a Kodansha Manga Award for shōjo manga for Fruits Basket.

According to Takaya (in a sidebar of a Fruits Basket manga volume), she enjoys drawing girls (girly ones) more than she does boys. Takaya also enjoys electronics and music, but dislikes talking about herself. Also revealed in a sidebar of Fruits Basket, Takaya broke her drawing arm (left) after Fruits Basket volume six was published. She had to go into surgery, and as a result, had put Fruits Basket on a brief hiatus. Takaya made a full recovery, but complains that her handwriting had gotten uglier, due to the surgery. During her hospital stay, she gained an interest in baseball.

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5 stars
10,304 (60%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews
Profile Image for Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥.
651 reviews35.3k followers
November 7, 2018
I think I finally reached the point where I had to stop to read “Fruits Basket”. My inner teen is very happy to continue reading now. *lol* Especially because after all those years I really want to know if Akito is really that bad. XD

Highlights of this volume:

”I’m sorry. I spoke without thinking. I was happy, too… that you spoke to me. Really.”

I totally dig Uo-chan and Kureno’s love story. But urgh that ending! Please tell me everything is going to be alright!?!

”Parents always worry about their children. It’s what we do. It’s love.”

Bless Hana-chan’s parents!!! I love her family! They are so supportive and I love that they just wanted the best for her! Unlike many of the parents of the zodiac signs they actually cared about their kid and love her! <333 Mind you, Hana-chan is Tohru's friend and has nothing to do with the Sohma clan. just thought I'd need to clarify this. *lol*

”We’re so close. We’re becoming such good friends. I don’t want to be separated! There might still be a lot about you that I don’t know, but please don’t leave Hana-chan. Hana-chan I love you.”

Okay, that moment had me in tears. T_T I just adore Tohru! She always says the right thing and once she’s made a friend she sticks with that person through thick and thin. <333

”It’s all that thing’s fault. It’s that thing’s fault everything fell apart.”

This broke my heart! Kyo-kun’s dad calling him “a thing” and “a monster”. How could he? How can he speak about his own son like that?! My precious Kyo-kun deserves better than that!!! *grrr*

”No matter how much you hate him I am happy to see him grow. I could not possibly help you to confine him.”
“H-how dare you?! The head of the family won’t be happy when he hears about this!”
“I don’t care who is against me. I would protect Kyo single-handedly if I had to.”


And THIS , this made me heart combust with love and joy!!! I love Shishou!! <333 He’s the best thing that ever happened to Kyo-kun and I really hope that he’ll be able to help him when the time comes. He’s a better father than Kyo’s real father will ever be and boy, I’m so afraid for both of them. >_<
Profile Image for Mary ♥.
458 reviews112 followers
June 17, 2016
5/5 stars

In this world...
It's impossible not to be able to find someone who appreciates you


We learned Hana-chan's story. And it made my heart break in a million pieces in case you wonder.

description
356 reviews
June 29, 2017
5/5 Stars.
Whoa man...this volume was amaaaazing. It was interesting to learn about Hana and what she went through before she met Tohru and Arisa.
Profile Image for Luisa Maula.
108 reviews8 followers
March 26, 2020
An interesting twist for this volume, I didn’t see it coming at all. But then again, if we’re to consider their ages in this manga, chances are, they’d experience having romance in their lives sooner or later anyway.

Romance is a fickle and unpredictable emotion. You never know when it’ll strike and you can’t be too ready for it, especially when it decides to show without warning. This also explains why love knows no boundaries when it comes to interested parties.

Personally, having huge age differences doesn’t suit my preferences, but if the parties involved are happy at each other’s company regardless of this fact, I say, let them be. We have no right to rob someone of their happiness, especially if they aren’t doing any harm to the people around them, that is.

Moreover, I’m liking this volume a lot, so far. Other than because of the different pacing with the story’s progression, we’re finally given an idea about how it went with some character’s past life, specifically with Tohru’s friend, Saki Hanajima.

I used to not give her much thought from the previous volumes since Saki isn’t exactly an open book when it comes to showing emotions, making her presence an unpredictable one. That is, until now. I admire Saki for staying strong and remaining adamant to do her best after getting a glimpse of what her past life is like.

The mysterious Rin Sohma makes another unexpected arrival, but we still yet have to find out her intentions on the next volumes, probably.
Profile Image for Caroline.
1,201 reviews165 followers
December 14, 2008
I enjoyed this volume more than I had a few of the previous, possibly because she finally gave the back-story on Saki Hanajima, who up until now was a pretty mysterious character. She's been a very intriguing character for me, it was nice to actually get an idea for her character. A great volume!
Profile Image for Bethany Pratt.
24 reviews4 followers
December 18, 2018
I really liked how throughout the book, the author added many more characters. I also liked how we finally got to see what Hanajima's past was like and how she came to be friends with Tohru and Uotani.
354 reviews133 followers
August 10, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. I loved learning more about the characters. I can't wait to continue on with this series.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,018 reviews76 followers
March 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this volume, though it had it's ups and downs with me. I wasn't that interested in the part with Yuki and the student council members. I wasn't really sure what was going on there anyway. I'm glad someone made Yuki feel good though. After years of begin brainwashed by Akito, it was time for him to hear something good about himself. It's also nice to see him confiding in Tohru a little more. He's really starting to open up to her.

Uo meets a guy that seems interested in her. I'm a little worried about him though. It appears he might be a Sohma. I'm not sure how much of a coincidence that can be. I'm eager to see how that will pan out. We also get a really nice look into Hana's terrible past. She had a rough time when she was younger. Of course, Tohru and Uo helped her through it when they met. Tohru seems to just light up everyone's life again. It's nice that they're all aware of how wonderful she is. I wish she was a little more aware of it.

Tohru goes with Kyo to visit Shishou at the dojo. Of course, they're left alone to make lunch and flirt and laugh. Shishou is called away by Kyo's father to discuss Kyo's future. Let me say, I really hate Kyo's father. I may not know the whole story of what happened to his mother, but if Shishou thinks his father shouldn't blame Kyo, it's probably true. I'm glad Shisou stands up for Kyo. He knows Tohru is good for him. Kyo isn't the same angry boy he used to be, and it's because of her. I really don't think Kyo should have to go through the same lonely life Shishou's grandfather had. Especially not when he has someone who loves him so much, even knowing his darkest secrets.

Read more reviews at Owl Tell You About It.
Profile Image for Kailey (Luminous Libro).
3,581 reviews546 followers
September 17, 2025
In this volume, Yuki is taking up his duties as the new student body president, and he meets his vice president and treasurer, who have some strange behavior, sleeping on the job and creating chaos among the class papers. I'm not sure what is up with those two, and I think Yuki is just as confused.

I loved reading about Hana's backstory, and how she was mistreated at her previous school before she met Tohru. Apparently, she used to be able to hear voices in addition to manipulating electrical waves. That girl is full of delicious mystery!

Uotani meets a special guy at her workplace, and sees him again on the street. The two sit down for a meal together and have a little romantic moment. Seeing this softer side of Uotani is completely adorable and sweet!

Kyo's Shishou, Kazuma, is called in for a conference with Kyo's father, where they discuss the possibility of Kyo being imprisoned at the "inside" Sohma house after his graduation (as his grandfather was imprisoned), because his true form as the cat is supposedly too dangerous to be left free. Scary stuff!! Why do you think you have the right to imprison someone in the family home? These people are beyond domestic abuse at this point! I was glad to see that Kazuma sticks up for Kyo to protect him, though the issue was left unresolved and Kyo was not told about any of it.

In the last chapter, Momiji starts planning a trip to a summer resort, and the elusive Rin shows up begging Shigure to "promise" her something. All very mysterious!
Profile Image for Merb.
629 reviews66 followers
November 27, 2017
🐍 This volume is Ayame 🐍

This volume of Fruits Basket ventures through Tohru's best friends stories, providing a new story to take place in future volumes. The relationship between Kyo and Tohru truly begins to become romantic, and we see the bleak and hopeless future that is ahead of Kyo.

I enjoyed being able to see Tohru's friends have their own stories, it is so rare for female characters to have healthy friendships in stories, let alone friends who also have their own stories outside of the lead character. I was a squaking fangirl reading the Tohru and Kyo scenes, I am always so moved to see the impact Tohru ends up having on Kyo. We see him go from an easily aggravated guy who pushes everyone away in order to issolate himself, to becoming someone who controls their anger more and learns to laugh. I cannot wait to keep reading now that ro,ance is beggining to kick in more!

🐯 Next volume is Kisa! 🐯
Profile Image for sage (semi-hiatus).
578 reviews75 followers
Read
February 25, 2022
i don't know what it is about this volume but I think this has been one of my favorites. All the chapters were just so well thought out and they blow by so fast. This one totally got me hooked right back on to Fruits Basket.
Profile Image for Yehudit.
294 reviews39 followers
December 12, 2015
So much cutsie abounds! Just this image: Tohru and Kyou cooking together in Shishou's house. It's enough to give me bliss for a lifetime. <3
Profile Image for TheBookishHobbit.
674 reviews12 followers
October 6, 2022
In this volume we finally get to read how Tohru and Hana-Chan become best friends. I thought the story was emotional and a beautiful tale of friendship. Then we have Uo-Chan finding herself a mysterious man... but this romance I have an issue with since he is twenty-six and she is I think sixteen or fifteen. I noticed that a lot with Shojo manga, that men are far older and it seems predatory to me now as an adult. Otherwise, this was a wonderful volume.
Profile Image for David Doel.
2,429 reviews6 followers
July 31, 2025
I gave this five stars because of the backstory about Saki Hanagima. It was an interesting and moving story.
Profile Image for Rain Misoa.
510 reviews70 followers
June 17, 2011
Talk about a lot happening in a single volume! So much was happening in this book that I have no idea where I should start! This was filled with a lot of short stories. They were there to expand on what was hinted at in previous volumes but wasn't really in depth. Did that make sense to you guys? I hope so... oh well. XD It's basically just going on about the characters experiences during their summer off school. I thought it was a nice touch. Especially since you got little hints about what happened to them and then you finally get to see it. I always liked that about this series. Not everything is revealed completely as soon as it is mentioned. It actually takes quite a while for you to see what happens... for you to get the whole picture. I feel that it adds to the experience.

Takaya-sensei just proved that she is epic sauce! Not that she wasn't before but in this volume she mentions someone that I've only recently become familiar with because of my friends. Here's a bit of back story: So my friends are obsessed with this manga called V.B. Rose and they are dying for me to read it. Let me tell you, I am as well. They talk about it so much that I am completely hyped up. Well, anyway, I wanted to read it but it's not like I was in a rush. That was before I read Fruits Basket. Whilst reading this lovely volume, I stumble upon a note that says Hidaka-sensei, creator of V.B. Rose, created the outfit that Momiji was wearing! Now isn't that just epic, man? I thought it was! These two great mangaka artists actually know each other and are fans of each others work! Now I know it's destiny for me to read V.B. Rose. I cannot wait to get my hands on those manga! Thank you, friends and Takaya-sensei for showing me a new manga to get my hands on! XD

So new characters! First, Manabe and Machi. They are part of the student council that Yuki is on. Let me tell you... I love them already! Manabe is just like Ayame except I'm fine with it because he's not a Snake... at least I don't think he is. XP And Machi is a bit on the quiet side and has a weird aura about her but it's not bad. I actually enjoyed her very much. We only got to see them for only a chapter but we did get to see a pretty nice side of them in that one chapter. Plus, they are going to be getting on Yuki's nerves so it works out! *Totally loves seeing people get hassled* X3 I like Manabe for getting on Yuki's nerves the most! XD Also, we got to see Rin! She's very pretty. And I know she's sexy as hell! As in she could beat your ass to a bloody pulp! It pleases me. *Smirks* The only thing is... you don't very much get to see her badassery because she appears at the end... AGAIN! The only think you know is the fact that her and Shigure are close... THAT'S ALL I'M SAYING!!!

Some of the backstory we get are from Uo and Hanajima. I know! I'm excited, too! They got more epic! Okay, so Uo's story is mostly showing that guy she mentioned meeting that one time. His name is Kureno (another character XD) and he, too, is part of the Sohma family (although Uotani doesn't know this yet) and they share such a nice relationship. I'll admit that I thought they rushed into it a bit but I feel that they have such strong personalities that it works out in the end. I hope they both are able to find what they are looking for. *Smiles* Hanajima... man... we really got to see her past. I mean when she was in elementary school and middle school, when she met Uo and Tohru, and when she finally came to peace with herself. It was great. I really do love her as a character and seeing how far she came, the love of her family and friends, and just how she learned not to let anyone push her down was an amazing treat indeed. I appreciated it a lot. Another thing we got to see was Kyo and his Shishou. Cutest father/son pairing ever! I love these two! Ugh... but what happened in that chapter was just digusting. Let's just say Kyo's real father is a pig. *Gags* But I want to point out... Kyo smiles much more easily now... and he looks... divine. *Smiles warmly*

SHORT STORY GALORE! Man, I love this manga! The characters just keep growing! They never stop and that just goes to show you that this is truly an amazing series. When things don't stop and they keep going in a nice even pace, you know it's something worth your while. I'm going to repeat myself because it deserves to be repeated. Go. And. Read. This. Manga. Right. Now. It's too epic not to get your hands on. Even if you can only check it out of the library, do it! It's not like you'd be wasting your time on it. I love the more I read, the further I get to finding out what everything really is. Because I'm telling you... I'm confused as hell as to why some things are happening. Why, Takaya-sensei!? Just tell me what's going to take place already! *Slaps self* Anyway, I highly recommend this series. It's really really beautiful! (Plus, Kyo, Haru, and Hatori are hot as hell!) <33333
Profile Image for Corina.
8 reviews
November 12, 2024
Learning more about the hat mystery 🥰 excited to read the next book!
Profile Image for Elaine.
81 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2012
I hate to be a downer, but I just wasn't feeling this volume. The bumped-into-you-again-oh-isn't-it-fate-and-now-can-say-I-love-you-to-a-complete-stranger story between Arisa and Kureno felt too far-fetched to me. Maybe I wasn't paying attention the first time I read this years ago, but the story feels very formulaic and I wasn't really moved by it. As a character, I find that Kureno seems to resonate with his kind of resigned sadness that seeps into your bones, but I found his declaration of love a little hollow.

For the most part I liked Hana-chan's back story, but I felt cheated out of a satisfactory climax with the super awkward dialogue as Hana-chan and Tohru reaffirm their friendship. I'm not sure if it was the translation that was awkward or if that's just the way it was written originally.

I can see all the set-up that's going on for later volumes and I'm excited for that, but for me this unfortunately wasn't a volume that grabbed me in any way.
Profile Image for ♥Bree♥.
44 reviews
April 11, 2008
I've read 3 manga series in my life and this is in my top two.
Profile Image for Sally.
24 reviews
January 7, 2009
Ahahaha Ayame is sooo much cooler then Yuki but but Yuki is still awesomes
Displaying 1 - 30 of 254 reviews

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