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224 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 2006

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About the author

Natsuki Takaya

203books2,633followers
Name (in native language):Cao ốc nại nguyệt

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

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

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

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

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
Profile Image for Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥.
597 reviews35.1k followers
June 5, 2019
I DON’T WANT THIS MANGA SERIES TO END!!!
Because I’m enjoying this way too much and all those characters grew on me and what am I even going to read after this?! *sobs* Volume 21… only two more to go. T_T
My heart is already breaking…

Thoughts to the highlights of this volume:

- Akito’s mental breakdown was quite intense! I do get that he is afraid of being alone though. I mean no one wants to be alone; we all want to be accepted and loved so this is only natural. The irony of his situation however isn’t lost on me. He was supposed to be the centre of their universe only to realize that being the centre is a very lonely position. He wanted them to revolve around him but forgot what this would entail. I always said I dislike Akito, now I just feel sorry for him. I mean he has a lot of things to atone for but he might be on a good way now.

- Shigure… after everything that happened between him and Akito he’s still so very gentle when he’s around him. T_T I love Shigure. I really do and of all those amazing Fruits Basket characters he’s the one who surprised me the most. <3

- Kyo and Yuki’s confrontation was one of the best things in this volume! I loved that they finally spoke about their feelings and gave each other a piece of their mind! It was about time they did this and I’m so glad they finally reached that point! XD

- Momiji! He has grown so much! And I’m not only talking about his appearance here! He’s so honest and good it makes my heart ache whenever I read a scene with him. The way he spoke with Akito and how he consoled him?! <333 Momiji you’re perfect!

- Kureno! Bless his gentle and soft heart! <333

-YUKI AND MACHI!!!They’ll be the death of me! More of those bittersweet moments and I’ll be nothing but a crying mess!THEY. ARE. ADORABLE!<333 And they are too much for my poor poor heart! T_T
Profile Image for Stephanie.
759 reviews92 followers
March 26, 2018
“HANAJIMA, MY SPEAR! BRING ME MY SPEAR!”
“You mustn’t, Arisa. You’ll leave physical evidence.”
Profile Image for Rain Misoa.
510 reviews69 followers
July 4, 2011
Yes! Epic! Epic! This volume was smexy! Dude, I was nearly shitting pickles there for a moment because the last volume ended on a very sad note. It was so sad I tasted emo in my mouth. [[Enter Flashback!]]*In the Corner of Woe cutting herself with a Spork whilst blubbering her eyes out*[[End Flashback!]] Yeah... it was not pretty. But this one! Dude, this one was so much better. Mind you, there were still a lot of parts that makes you want to run into traffic but it was necessary to get the good parts across. The beginning was the worst of it all. That was just... unbearable. I couldn't handle how Kyo was acting, how Tohru was hurting, how Akito was being a bloody douche. It was all a bunch of... BLAH! NOT GOOD! Towards the middle and then the end, oh man! That was wonderful! I am so glad it ended the way it did because... I couldn't handle another emo session... my Spork doesn't like working overtime. X3

My, my, Sensei. Your ablitity to balance things out makes me love you. It's no wonder I want to collect this series so bad. She was fully aware of the fact that last volume was an angst fest so she had to make this one at least a little bit light, ne? I appreciated that a lot. In this volume, there was the return of the side panels so we got more information on some of the characters. For example, the info about Manabe's landlord! That was pretty cool. Also, I want to comment on her story-telling abilities. This woman really knows life and she has some amazing lessons that she incorporates into her writing that I feel every single volume could help you grow into a better person, if only you are willing to take it in. This mangaka is pure awesomeness. I'm noticing that she is wrapping everything up in a nice way. It's fitting so perfectly. There's still a lot left to be done. A lot left. However, the way that she is making everything turn out, so far, is just amazing. I love you, Takaya-sensei. You make this fangirl giggle with joy~

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TOHRU AND KYO ARE SO SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET TOGETHER!!!! <33333333 *Ahem* Sorry... I had a moment. But... uh... they were so cute! Dude, I was so worried that things were heading towards the stupid. Kyo was acting up and I was getting ready to smack him but things are okay. I mean, of course they are! It's Tohru and Kyo! Things are just working out so well for them. There's still a couple of things they need to work out but it's getting there. Slowly but surely. Which is good. Kyo was really being a dumbass for a while there. So much so that Yuki actually stepped in and kicked his ass, which I am very happy about. Not only that, Uo and Hana was giving him hell, too. It's all for the best. They just wanted to open his eyes and I felt that it worked great. Speaking of Yuki... HE AND MACHI ARE LOVE! They had a nice moment, too! In fact, they are the ones that close the volume! I love it. They are growing so much and you're seeing that they are finding their happiness with each other. Their relationship is one that was really built from scratch up. It makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. X3 Oh, something really bad happens to Tohru and you get to see the reactions of all the Zodiac members. It's nice getting to see how they all care about her...

...speaking of Zodiac members... you know what's coming next... Akito. That's right... "God." *Rolls eyes* Ugh... I don't know what to say about him. I feel like I should lighten up and not give him so much hell but... I just can't forget all the crap that he's pulled. Sure, things are very much explained as to why he is the way he is and sure... we get to see him open up... but it's just too damn hard for me to forgive him. He did a lot of horrible things so... how can I forgive him? It's just not possible. I can say this though, even though my hatred for him has not died down and I still want him dead, I can appreciate the fact that he went to look for help when Tohru needed it. I can also see that he's slowly changing. He's not trying to be a dick anymore and that's all thanks to our lovely girl, Tohru... but... eh... I just wish I could bring myself to forgive him and like him. I know he went through shit. We all do. I still can't feel any love towards him. I want him dead. That's the only way I feel I can maybe come to understand him. Dead and buried. >_< Shigure cares for him in his own twisted way but I still have trouble seeing how he could. I guess what I'm trying to say is, I know how he must've felt, he went through a lot, and he's grown up with this certain type of mentality (no thanks to his parents) and I can see that he's trying to change... but... considering what he did to the other characters: to Yuki, Haru, Rin, Kyo... I can't bring myself to like him... not one bit. Hopefully you guys have a better experience with this than I had.

Holy crap. Am I really done with this volume? Am I really only two more away from the end? Why, yes I am. This is so exciting. I see now that things are getting to a better end. Thank god. I felt that I was going to have to eat the stupid and I don't like eating stupid. Oh dear... I wonder what Kyo is going to do now. He needs to make every single thing right now and there's still the fact that he's not "free." I know Tohru is not going to give up on him... and now that he's being pushed in the right direction... I don't think Kyo will give up either. This is going to be a fun ride. We are most likely going to see the climax next and then the stunning conclusion in the last volume. This is going to be good! Please, guys! We made it this far! Might as well continue to the very end! I'll see you in the 22nd volume ofFruits Basket!See you soon~
Profile Image for Courtney.
208 reviews1 follower
February 26, 2009
A great, quick read. This is the first manga series I have ever read (thanks to an NPR review of Comicon), and I have been so charmed with the whole experience. I love shojo for its complexity and for the overwhelming number of characters and character relationships. I have also decided I am partial to a particular manga drawing style. I have no idea what you would call that, but I like clean lines as opposed to sketchy action stills.

FB 21 was paced quickly and really pushed to move Kyo + Honda-san's relationship forward. Kyo struggled to work past his issues with love + death. Honda was her "too perfect" self and helps to save Akito at her own physical expense. Akito (God) struggles to make sense of a world where bonds are broken. In a very loving gesture, Momiji relates the tale of the happy traveler. Yuki explodes on Kyo and in a pivotal fight explains what protecting Tohru means. Finally, Yuki & Machi start to realize that they are not alone; together in their quiet corner of the universe, they are not alone.
Profile Image for Saraí Elvir.
333 reviews15 followers
May 19, 2023
Me hizo sentir feliz y melancólica.
*me la pase llorando*
Profile Image for megan.
606 reviews99 followers
April 26, 2021
*screams like pterodactyl at the ending of this volume* Also love the growth of Kyo opening up about his feelings and it was so crazy to see how he was involved in Tohru's mother's death!
Profile Image for Kailey (Luminous Libro).
3,327 reviews505 followers
May 21, 2016
OMG, things happening! What is happening in this plot?! Murder and mayhem, secrets and betrayal... I'm on the edge of all this suspense, and I can't handle it all!

In this volume, we get to see even deeper into Akito's soul, and it is a weird messed-up soul. I mean, I always knew Akito was insane, but really... can someone get us a padded cell over here, please?!

So many plot things that happened in the last volume are resolved a bit in this volume, especially since a bunch of people are congregating at the hospital. Why is everyone always getting injured and in the hospital?! Can't we have a plot without half-killing the characters every other volume?! I mean, it makes for good drama, but I want my babies to be safe and happy.

Yuki is amazing in this volume. He is perfection! He tells it like it is, takes care of business, and kicks butt, and falls in love, and then gets home in time for tea. I love this boy so freakin much!
Profile Image for Laura.
1,018 reviews77 followers
March 17, 2017
We start back where we left off, which is unusual for this manga. Kyo finishes his story about his childhood friendship with Tohru's mother. He tells more about her death and how he couldn't deal with the grief. He admits he moved on by blaming everything on Yuki. It's unclear to me whether Yuki overhears this or not. He sees them talking, but I could never decide if he could hear them. After he's done with his story, Tohru tells him she loves him. Being Kyo, he says the wrong thing and she runs off crying. Yuki is furious with Kyo for making her cry.

Akito finds Tohru on the cliff, where they've both run away to. Akito has some little fit about things coming to an end and hurts Tohru. But Tohru, of course, just offers her friendship. Akito is ready to accept it. Then, inconveniently, the cliff crumbles and Tohru falls. Akito calls for help. Yuki and Kyo find Tohru, and Kyo freaks out and kisses her. It's so cute and it's been my desktop background for months. Anyway, Tohru has to go to the hospital. Again, I'm amazed by the crazy shit going on in this volume. Akito has a chat with Momiji, and I think it really helps her turn herself around. It's amazing how I've gone from hating her, to feeling sorry for her, to kind of liking her.

Kyo and Yuki get into it about Tohru. It's about time some of that was said. I've been waiting for this argument for the past few volumes. It was great. I appreciated Haru stepping in with Shigure as the comic relief. Also, there's some major cuteness going on with Yuki and Machi.

Read more reviews atOwl Tell You About It.
Profile Image for Audra PC.
212 reviews2 followers
October 9, 2024
A general review on the series as a whole.

I remember watching the anime. The first time I saw it, was the pilot episode on a DVD that I got with a print magazine.

If that statement doesn’t date me, I’m not sure what will.

Fast forward to present. Showed my daughter the anime and realized I used to have the Manga. Scoured the internet and found the OG TokyoPop covers. Bought the whole series and shared with my kiddo. Was amazing bonding time. We laughed at the characters and their banter. It was wonderful to share this piece of my life with her.

My mother, kids grandma, went through a box of my old stuff. She found a large plush Kyo doll still with tags and the black/white bracelet I made for him. It now sits pretty in her room.
I am forever thankful for this series in any format.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
634 reviews27 followers
December 20, 2020
"Not forgiving you or forgiving you. Is that it? Are those the only choices I have left?...
Okay? Even with all that. No matter what happens... I love you Kyo-Kun. Why can't you just accept that? "

This was such an intense and drama filled volume. The above quotes are everything!!!
Profile Image for Jen.
138 reviews21 followers
April 2, 2012
Favourite Character:Shigure

Kyo tells Tohru that her mother's last words were "I won't forgive you," and asks how Tohru could forgive him if he cannot forgive himself. Tohru rejects the either/or choice along with her mother's supposed judgment, saying she loves him. He runs away, Yuki chases after him, and as Tohru follows she meets Akito, still carrying the knife. Akito tells Tohru she must feel triumphant that she has won, and cuts her on the arm. Tohru, thinking that she still loves Kyo despite his rejection, tells Akito she must be lonely amid all his fears. She offers a fresh start, introducing herself and asking if they can be friends. Before Akito can take her hand, the cliff she stands on crumbles and she falls. Shigure and Yuki respond to Akito's cry for help. Kyo returns to the house and learns of Tohru's accident, and runs to where she lies unconscious; Yuki is there first. She wakes long enough to tell him she is okay before falling unconscious, and he kisses her. That evening, Yuki confronts Kyo for not going to the hospital with Tohru. Kyo says it was better that Yuki was there, as he cannot protect her himself. As they fight, they each admit they envy and admire the other for different reasons, an argument Yuki wins by saying Kyo is the only one who can make Tohru happy and he doesn't have to protect her like a super hero would. Hanajima and Uotani, however, are not as forgiving and ban Kyo from visiting her until he proves he is sorry. At the hospital, Momiji tells Akito that to make up for her deeds, she needs to cherish Kureno and Tohru, after which Akito visits Tohru. Yuki, feeling lonely and needing to reach out, buys Machi a gift—a figurine of an anime character, Mogeta, she especially likes. They admit they are glad they found each other and hold hands.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kazza.
106 reviews16 followers
June 16, 2014
This is one heck of a volume. Ahhhh.

Excuse me while I go fangirl.

Perhaps one thing I'll nitpick is the fact that Martyr Tohru makes her appearance again in this volume. I mean yes, there are people like her out there, but her treatment towards Akito in this volume... Maybe I'm a far more flawed human being than her, because I just cannot see myself doing the same thing as her. I don't know, I think she was a tad unrealistic here.The concern that the other zodiac members (including Rin, how cute:D and poor Ritsu and his non-appearance... Did Takaya-sensei forgot his existence?) showed for Tohru really warmed my heart, and it's so telling how she changed their lives.
Profile Image for Dani ❤️ Perspective of a Writer.
1,512 reviews5 followers
May 27, 2015
I really, really love how she's winding this down! Its so in line with the tone of the series, its characters and really the main character, Tohru has come full circle.

I enjoyed seeing Tohru come to terms with her feelings, how she extends her love to Akito too. I loved finally understanding Shigure a little more and there were several Mabudachi Trio exchanges! Plus Yuki and Kyo come to terms with each other. "We have to accept who we are and face ourselves. We don't have a choice." And Momiji makes my heart ache for him and the acceptance he passes on in the form of a handkerchief.

Yuki to me is the best by product of Tohru as he's passing on her heritage of love and affection to others. Fans want to see Tohru with Yuki but I totally disagree, he needs someone who will make him better, not more comfortable. (Much how Tohru makes Kyo want to be better!)

BOTTOM LINE: Beautiful!
Profile Image for StrawberryShojo.
275 reviews37 followers
January 14, 2022
Let's just get one thing straight. Yuki is the star of this series for me. Takaya told his story perfectly, and now that all the loose ends of his part of this story feel neatly wrapped up, boy am I a satisfied customer. Yuki's role in this series has been masterfully told from start to finish. His story feels the most genuine to me; I really wouldn't be surprised to learn that Takaya had based his experiences off of something in real life because his story feels more real than any other character.

We also get some wrap up on the tragedy of the last volume. Kyo and Tohru are quite sweet together and I really believe that they are both deserving of happiness. It's great seeing Tohru finally accept her mother's death, and finally, let go of her past as she looks toward her future.
Profile Image for Lara.
4,192 reviews346 followers
December 23, 2008
Kyo finishes telling Tohru his story about her mother, and then acts like a jerk and walks away when Tohru says she forgives him. Ohhhh, Kyo, you idiot. Tohru then runs into Akito and has an accident. Yuki is pretty awesome in this one, attempting to whip Kyo into shape, without mincing words. And he and Machi finally realize their feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Kyo attempts to visit Tohru in the hospital and is turned away by Arisa and Saki, who tell him he needs to grow up and be a man. Ha! So yeah, lots of drama in this one!
Profile Image for TheBookishHobbit.
634 reviews9 followers
November 24, 2022
Okay can I just say with Kyo and Tohru and their “moment” FINALLY! I have been waiting 21 volumes for that kiss and I finally got it lol. As always great story that kept me at the edge of my seat and eager to finish the last two volumes tomorrow!
Profile Image for Amanda.
196 reviews1 follower
March 31, 2019
The look on Akito’s face when Tohru shows her love and acceptance is precious.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5,870 reviews141 followers
March 22, 2019
Fruits Basket, Vol. 21continues where the previous tankōbon left off and contains the next six chapters (120–125) of the on-going manga series.

Kyo Sohma tells Tohru Honda that her mother's last words were "I won't forgive you," and asks how Tohru could forgive him if he cannot forgive himself. Tohru rejects the either/or choice along with her mother's supposed judgment, saying she loves him. He runs away, Yuki Sohma chases after him, and as Tohru follows she meets Akito Sohma, still carrying the knife.

Akito tells Tohru she must feel triumphant that she has won, and cuts her on the arm. Tohru, thinking that she still loves Kyo despite his rejection, tells Akito she must be lonely amid all her fears. She offers a fresh start, introducing herself and asking if they can be friends. Before Akito can take her hand, the cliff she stands on crumbles and she falls.

Shigure Sohma and Yuki respond to Akito's cry for help. Kyo returns to the house and learns of Tohru's accident, and runs to where she lies unconscious. She wakes long enough to tell him she is okay before falling unconscious, and he kisses her.

That evening, Yuki confronts Kyo for not going to the hospital with Tohru. Kyo says it was better that Yuki was there, as he cannot protect her himself. As they fight, they each admit they envy and admire the other for different reasons, an argument Yuki wins by saying Kyo is the only one who can make Tohru happy and he doesn't have to protect her like a superhero would. Saki Hanajima and Arisa Uotani, however, are not as forgiving and ban Kyo from visiting her until he proves he is sorry.

At the hospital, Momiji Sohma tells Akito that to make up for her deeds, she needs to cherish Kureno Sohma and Tohru, after which Akito visits Tohru. Yuki, feeling lonely and needing to reach out, buys Machi Kuragi a gift – a figurine of an anime character, Mogeta, she especially likes. They admit they are glad they found each other and hold hands.

This tankōbon is written and illustrated by Natsuki Takaya. For the most part, I really liked the direction of the narrative. The series is heading toward the end, while no more of the Zodiac Cursed has been broken, the love story between Kyo Shoma and Tohru Honda are progressing, albeit ever so slowly. It is good to see Yuki Sohma has found a partner in Machi Kuragi.

All in all,Fruits Basket, Vol. 21is a wonderful continuation to a series that seems intriguing and I cannot wait to read more.
1 review
May 7, 2019
The chapter 122 was great: tragic with Tohru's fall, but holding promises about the future at the same time. Indeed, it was evident that Tohru wouldn't die, putting things into context and observing each character's moves was enough to get convinced of that.

But, starting chapter 123, things started running down the hill VERY fast. Yuki gets to the hospital and makes sure Tohru is in good hands, but Kyo just stays there... Why? Such an attitude is contradictory with the one he showed at the end of preceding chapter!
As for their confrontation, it's mediocre; seeing Yuki punching Kyo has always gotten on my nerves; but, in the end, Kyo manages to block his blows, showing he is actually at the same level. This raging mania from Yuki can be seen as the Rat's malicious spirit showing himself one more time.

Then we have Hana and Uo...
-Bring me my spear!
-You can't, Arisa, you'll leave physical evidence...

I'm sorry, was that supposed to be funny?
What the hell was Takaya thinking here? What was her goal?
If it was to make a "lighter" chapter, after the emotions we got through in the last five, then why has it to be at Kyo's expense? You reveal the full tragedy behind him (and we already knew a small part of it...) so that any decent human can only feel compassion for him and, at least, understand why he was so reticent to have Tohru get any closer to him.
But, immediately after, you give him as a scapegoat to the three morons (Uo, Hana and Yuki) and give him hell. What for?
If the goal was simply to delay Kyo and Tohru's reunion, then it comes to admitting you gave in on the editor's pressure to delay that reunion as much as possible, at your story's expense.

I'm inclined to think it is the second option; but whichever one it is, it was the worst possible thing to do. This chapter 124 (and the 127 later) are enough to spoil Fruits Basket's entire ending; but of course, you had to throw other things to the already bad soup: Yuki and Machi falling in love, out of nowhere, just because the end was getting close.

So, in this volume, I keep the disgusting taste of injustice: the injustice of Kyo being made fun of, for the worst reasons possible, by characters who don't have a clue about what he's been through. And even worst, there wasn't even an apology after that! Kyo takes it and doesn't even start any retribution!
I'm sorry, but I can't leave a higher note when I see so much inconsistencies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews

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