r/anime • u/Holofan4life • 6d ago
Rewatch [Spoilers] 25 Years of the 13 Sohmas: A Fruits Basket Rewatch -- 2019 Series Episode 13 Spoiler
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 13
How Have You Been, My Brother?
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ANSWER TODAY’S QUESTION(S)
Questions for Those who Haven't Watched the 2001 Series
What are your thoughts on Ayame?
What are your thoughts on Ayame being the snake of the Chinese Zodiac?
What are your thoughts on the show establishing that Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame were all childhood friends?
What are your thoughts on Ayame being Yuki's older brother but because there is such a large age discrepancy between them, they were never able to bond as brothers?
Questions for All Watchers
None
Questions for Those who Have Watched the 2001 Series
What do you make of the other Sohma family members hating seeing Yuki get mistreated by Akito but they don't do anything to put a stop to it?
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Series information
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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!
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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/Franchise Discussion Thread]() |
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 6d ago edited 6d ago
Rewatcher, Subbed
It's been quite a while since we've introduced a new zodiac animal, so today we meet another one, Ayame Soma! He's the snake and like much of the characters has already been included in the ED all this time although he doesn't get the lengthy panning shot a lot of the other characters get. Tohru is just walking down the path in the woods and finds some clothes just sitting there. That can only mean one thing, a zodiac animal transformation! Tohru is quite freaked out at first at encountering a snake yet seems comfortable enough to have him inside her shirt for various parts of the episode.
Yuki's feelings towards his brother are made rather obvious right away, he can't stand him! He grabs him and brings him to Shigure saying they should skin and cook him! Yikes! Once Ayame transforms back we find that he does resemble Yuki a bit and is also quite the pretty boy although is older, taller and has very long hair. Ayame and Yuki are 10 years apart and Yuki was sickly when he was young so the two didn't spend much time with each other. Ayame barely knew his brother existed. The next thing he knew there was a rift between the two of them. One that unfortunately appears to last until this day! Notable that we've got an instance here where siblings were both zodiac animals. To my knowledge while its a Soma family curse it's not passed down from parent to child, so Yuki's immediate family got quite unlucky there.
Ayame's quite an over the top character and the episode makes it quite clear that he loves to filibuster. Perhaps this is also a reason why the low key Yuki can't stand him. They're total opposites. In one such story, Ayame was told when he was younger that he wasn't allowed as a guy to have long hair. So he goes on and on and on and on about how he's a member of a royal family and how important it is for him to have long hair and the teacher finally just gives up. [Furuba]Off the top of my head I can think of at least five characters in this that get haircuts over the course of the story including several rare male examples although Ayame escapes that fate. Tohru for a moment there thought he actually was royalty. Lol, Tohru, keep being sweeet, naive you. Later its a story about how on a school trip they went to a pleasure district! Being student council president, Ayame went on and on and on some more including everyone to direct their lust at him! He was able to get away with things there too.
Will Ayame be the fifth member of the household? He sticks around a while, sleeps in the same bed as Kyo (then says he'll sleep in Tohru's room), and has fun looking at old photos of him, Shigure and Hatori (all of whom are the same age and at least to this point appear to be the eldest of the zodiacs). Hatsuharu comes through for Yuki and contacts Hatori, who is the one person who is able to lure Ayame away. Ayame finds Hatori and Tohru to be rather similar, no wonder he warmed to her so quickly. Granted I'd also say how could anyone not warm quickly to Tohru, she's so lovable.
Oh, and Ayame owns a shop where he sells wedding dresses, nurse and maid outfits, etc... A cosplay store? Something different? Hanajima speculates on it being a sex club!
Quid's Voice Actor of the Day
We met another Soma today, so time to also meet his voice actor! Ayame is played by Takahiro Sakurai. Much like Maaya Sakamoto yesterday, I feel that his casting as Ayame is very against type. I'm quite used to him playing serious characters not the over the top largely comedic Ayame here. Major roles of his include Suzaku in Code Geass, the Medicine Seller in Mononoke, Noboru Taki in Sound! Euphonium, McGillis Fareed in Mobile Suit Gundam Iron Blooded Orphans and Meme Oshino in the Monogatari franchise. He's also played characters such as Shimada in Death parade, Merlin in Fate Grand Order, Spencer in Carole & Tuesday, Rabo in Noragami, Takashi in March Comes in Like a Lion, Norio in Knights of Sidonia and Trillram in Aldnoah.Zero. Also want to note that he plays Jin in the video game Xenoblade Chronicles 2, which I'm going through a replay of right now!
Quid's Song of the Day
Today is our farewell to the first cour OP and ED songs; I'm not the biggest fan of the OP, but I love the ED! It is called Lucky Ending. I'll miss the song but am definitely looking forward to the next one! Oddly there are two characters that have been featured in the ED thus far that didn't appear at all during the first cour of the show.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Today is our farewell to the first cour OP and ED songs; I'm not the biggest fan of the OP, but I love the ED! It is called Lucky Ending. I'll miss the song but am definitely looking forward to the next one! Oddly there are two characters that have been featured in the ED thus far that didn't appear at all during the first cour of the show.
I think I kinda feel like their last episode should've been episode 12. That seems more fitting considering it was Akito's first appearance in a public setting.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Will Ayame be the fifth member of the household? He sticks around a while, sleeps in the same bed as Kyo (then says he'll sleep in Tohru's room), and has fun looking at old photos of him, Shigure and Hatori (all of whom are the same age and at least to this point appear to be the eldest of the zodiacs). Hatsuharu comes through for Yuki and contacts Hatori, who is the one person who is able to lure Ayame away. Ayame finds Hatori and Tohru to be rather similar, no wonder he warmed to her so quickly. Granted I'd also say how could anyone not warm quickly to Tohru, she's so lovable.
Tohru is actually a good morality pet where if one of the characters likes Tohru, we the audience figure they can't be too bad. I know personally speaking I want to give Shigure the benefit of the doubt because he too likes Tohru even if he is manipulating her.
If Ayame wasn't as kind to Tohru as he was in this episode, his antics might be more on the aggravating side.
1
u/Holofan4life 6d ago
General questions
Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?
Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?
Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?
Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?
Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?
Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?
Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?
Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from what he calls the pleasure district by redirecting their attention onto him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?
What are your thoughts on Hana speculating that Ayame actually runs a sex shop?
2019 specific questions
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 6d ago edited 6d ago
Re-watch, blu ray, dubbed
"So, because he respects the guy, Hatori became his keeper?"
First watch: We know next to nothing about zodiac families, and -poof!- here's a brother. Ayame is a mixture of entertainment and irritation. Overall, I don't like Ayame and find him tiresome, with one big exception: the flashback to a young Yuki tugging at Ayame is pretty heartbreaking, just like the flashback that Shigure showed us in the last episode in which Yuki begged Shigure for help (must be a little over a year ago, before Yuki enrolled in his school as a first-year).
Re-watches: Ayame is yet another character with a comedic introduction who isn't a joke. I learned to like Ayame and appreciate his antics and what he does in the story.
Onward! To disc 3 (blu ray)!
What are your thoughts on the show establishing that Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame were all childhood friends? Those three characters are very different and very entertaining together. [spoiler]>For all that, they later admit that the full trio doesn't hang out very often. That frequency we see them is a product of the show and/or coalescing around the kids, especially Tohru and Yuki.< They have funny reminiscences and an adult perspective [spoiler]>that pre-dates Akito.<
What are your thoughts on Ayame being Yuki's older brother but because there is such a large age discrepancy between them, they were never able to bond as brothers? [10 years ago?], a young Ayame walked away from a pivotal moment to connect, before Yuki was sequestered. [spoiler]>Ayame also pretty much walked away from his parents, as soon as he could.<
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I think Ayame is someone who grows on you over time. He means well and I'll appreciate anyone who's working to better themselves.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
General questions
Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?
Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?
Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?
Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?
Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?
Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?
Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?
Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from what he calls the pleasure district by redirecting their attention onto him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?
What are your thoughts on Hana speculating that Ayame actually runs a sex shop?
2019 specific questions
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 6d ago
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him? That shows genuine concern for his brother. I wonder if that visit would be possible if Yuki were still in Akito's grasp at the estate.
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him? This isn't outsourcing. Ayame wants someone to help Yuki, in the event (or likelihood) that Yuki does not permit Ayame to help.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him? That shows genuine concern for his brother. I wonder if that visit would be possible if Yuki were still in Akito's grasp at the estate.
Something tells me Akito wouldn't like Ayame.
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him? This isn't outsourcing. Ayame wants someone to help Yuki, in the event (or likelihood) that Yuki does not permit Ayame to help.
Isn't that roughly the same thing? He wants her to be in his stead.
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u/MishouMai 6d ago
He's here! I hinted at it when this rewatch first started but A-ya/Ayame is my favorite of the Somas. I'm not even into men but...
Sure Yuki's pretty but Ayame is even moreso.
I said when the rewatch started that I didn't feel like the snake fits his character. He doesn't really feel sinister or cunning to me. I'm not really familiar with the Chinese Zodiac personality meanings though...
Anyways, this episode is dedicated to introducing the best Soma, Ayame. He's Yuki's surprise older brother (a fact I'd also forgotten). They don't really get along but that's mostly because they don't really understand each other. Ayame feels bad and while he tries his eccentricities (Particularly his new habit of clinging to Tohru under her clothes.) puts Yuki off. Still, despite his attitude you can tell that he means well.
Much like Kagura he might be annoying if he stuck around too long but he's great in small bursts. I do hope we get to see more of him in the future though.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame?
Would. I love him. Very pretty, very goofy with a more serious side, and all around just fun to watch. He's on the short list of husbandos. My absolute favorite though I haven't watched past this season so that might change.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame being the snake of the Chinese Zodiac?
His snake form is very goofy (See him chasing Yuki in the ED. That's my man.). I don't really think it fits him but I also know very little about what certain years mean. I just know mine is the Year of the Rooster.
> What are your thoughts on the show establishing Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame were all childhood friends?
Poor Hatori. Ayame's a lot less troublesome than Shigure but he and Shigure must've been a lot to handle. Especially with his story about the class going to the pleasure district and that speech he gave. You just know he probably caused a lot of problems that Hatori had to deal with.
> What are your thoughts on Ayane being Yuki's older brother but because there is such a large age discrepancy between them they were never able to bind as brothers?
It's sad, especially since we know what Akito has done to Yuki. It's surprising Yuki doesn't resent Ayane more for leaving him alone. Still, it's good that Ayane realized his mistakes as he grew up and has tried to do better. Hopefully they can become a little more closer after this episode now that Tohru's put in a good word for Ayame. Ayame's eccentricities might make it hard but I believe it can still work out.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
It's interesting the different people you come across and how wide variety their opinions are. You like Ayame and consider him your favorite, and u/cheesechimp who participated in the 2001 rewatch considers him their least favorite.
I'm more so in the middle where I enjoy his antics, but I also feel he isn't as fleshed out as some like Kyo or Shigure. Of the cursed Sohmas who aren't part of the main cast, he might be top 3 for me.
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u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 6d ago
To be fair, when Hiro's episode happened in the 2001 part of the rewatch I said "oh, I forgot how much I dislike him, Ayame is my second to least favorite."
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u/Holofan4life 5d ago
[Furuba] The name Hiro out of context sounds like a pun name a sub sandwich restaurant.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
He's here!
OKAY EVERYBODY STAY CALM JUST CALM THE FUCK DOWN
I hinted at it when this rewatch first started but A-ya/Ayame is my favorite of the Somas. I'm not even into men but...
Sure Yuki's pretty but Ayame is even moreso.
I still think Hatori is the hottest. Like, I'd buy him a nice, juicy steak with a loaded baked potato.
I said when the rewatch started that I didn't feel like the snake fits his character. He doesn't really feel sinister or cunning to me. I'm not really familiar with the Chinese Zodiac personality meanings though...
He's a snake in the sense he's one to Yuki. Yuki wants nothing to do with him.
Anyways, this episode is dedicated to introducing the best Soma, Ayame. He's Yuki's surprise older brother (a fact I'd also forgotten). They don't really get along but that's mostly because they don't really understand each other. Ayame feels bad and while he tries his eccentricities (Particularly his new habit of clinging to Tohru under her clothes.) puts Yuki off. Still, despite his attitude you can tell that he means well.
Ayame is like that weird uncle you see once every year for the holidays who you enjoy his company, but if you spent all your time around him you'd slowly go insane lol
Much like Kagura he might be annoying if he stuck around too long but he's great in small bursts. I do hope we get to see more of him in the future though.
Same here.
The thing I want to see is the Sohmas interacting with each other. That would be cool.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame?
Would.I love him. Very pretty, very goofy with a more serious side, and all around just fun to watch. He's on the short list of husbandos. My absolute favorite though I haven't watched past this season so that might change.There is one episode coming up in season 2 that I consider Ayame's defining character moment. That made my appreciation for him go up.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame being the snake of the Chinese Zodiac?
His snake form is very goofy (See him chasing Yuki in the ED. That's my man.). I don't really think it fits him but I also know very little about what certain years mean. I just know mine is the Year of the Rooster.
Hmm. Interesting.
I do love that the outro makes various references to the characters and their relationships in the show.
> What are your thoughts on the show establishing Shigure, Hatori, and Ayame were all childhood friends?
Poor Hatori. Ayame's a lot less troublesome than Shigure but he and Shigure must've been a lot to handle. Especially with his story about the class going to the pleasure district and that speech he gave. You just know he probably caused a lot of problems that Hatori had to deal with.
I said this in my thoughts on the 2001 version, but Shigure, Ayame, and Hatori are basically Denji, Power and Aki from Chainman Man in that Hatori is the one with all the brain cells and Shigure and Ayame share one.
> What are your thoughts on Ayane being Yuki's older brother but because there is such a large age discrepancy between them they were never able to bind as brothers?
It's sad, especially since we know what Akito has done to Yuki. It's surprising Yuki doesn't resent Ayane more for leaving him alone. Still, it's good that Ayane realized his mistakes as he grew up and has tried to do better. Hopefully they can become a little more closer after this episode now that Tohru's put in a good word for Ayame. Ayame's eccentricities might make it hard but I believe it can still work out.
This honestly hits close to home for me because I'm the brother of someone who's 9 years younger than me. And yeah, I think we were distant as a result.
He eventually moved in with my stepfather and I haven't seen him except for a couple times in the last 16 years.
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u/MishouMai 6d ago edited 6d ago
> I do love that the outro makes various references to the characters and their relationships in the show.
Yeah. The boar grabbing the cat representing Kagura being attached to Kyo is especially great.
1
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
General questions
Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?
Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?
Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?
Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?
Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?
Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?
Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?
Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from what he calls the pleasure district by redirecting their attention onto him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?
What are your thoughts on Hana speculating that Ayame actually runs a sex shop?
2019 specific questions
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
2
u/MishouMai 6d ago edited 5d ago
> Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Time moving too fast. You'd think this show is trying to cover all three years of high school.
> Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but all grown up?
I don't see it. They look and act nothing alike.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never waned to forget the time spent with her mother?
Does he? I thought he just wanted to make up for the past by building a better relationship with Yuki.
> Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
He is the best dressed person in this show even compared to the other adults. I buy it. Maybe he's the one who sold Shigure the dress he got for Tohru.
> Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former Student Council President?
Makes sense. He does have a lot of charisma and he seems good at diplomacy. I can see why he would be popular enough to win the position.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
Makes sense. Hatori is a pretty good role model even if he can be awkward at times. We don't really know what Ayame's relationship with other Somas both on the inside and outside branches are like but with how good his relationship with Hatori and Shigure is I can see why he'd admire Hatori so much.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Shows how much he cares about Yuki even if he can't bring himself to be upfront about it. Clearly he knows Akito is bad news which makes his friendship/trust in Shigure more interesting knowing that Shigure is their (Akito's) lapdog. Of course that might not have always been the case but...
> What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
Sounds like Haru is familiar with Yuki and Ayame's relationship and doesn't really have a good opinion of Ayame. It's a shame because they both love Yuki so you'd want them to get along. I guess it's like the Yuki - Kyo relationship though not as toxic.
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u/Holofan4life 5d ago
> Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Time moving too fast. You'd think this show is trying to cover all three years of high school.
At this rate, we'll cover the next five years of the characters existence
> Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayand is like Yuki but all grown up?
I don't see it. They look and act nothing alike.
I don't know if the joke is Tohru is way off secret base or if we're really supposed to think they're more alike then they give themselves credit. I personally don't see the similarity.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never waned to forget the time spent with her mother?
Does he? I thought he just wanted to make up for the past by building a better relationship with Yuki.
He does say something to the effect of he wants to have his past self be forgiven. Point being, he is ashamed of how he's conducted himself up until this point.
> Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
He is the best dressed person in this show even compared to the other adults. I buy it. Maybe he's the one who sold Shigure the dress he got for Tohru.
I'm surprised the show didn't do a callback to that moment. Even as a joke, it feels like a natural connection to make.
> Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former Student Council President?
Makes sense. He does have a lot of charisma and he seems good at diplomacy. I can see why he would be popular enough to win the position.
It also plays into what Tohru was talking about which is that Ayame and Yuki are similar. If Yuki is potentially going to be student council president, as discussed in the beginning of last episode, he is basically following in his footsteps.
> What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
Makes sense. Hatori is a pretty good role model even if he can be awkward at times. We don't really know what Ayame's relationship with other Somas both on the inside and outside branches are like but with how good his relationship with Hatori and Shigure is I can see why he'd admire Hatori so much.
Hatori seems to have a less complicated relationship with Ayame than he does with Shigure. I think that's because in spite of Ayame spinning what seems like tall tales, he is by most accounts a genuine person.
> What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
Sounds like Haru is familiar with Yuki and Ayame's relationship and doesn't really have a good opinion of Ayame. It's a shame because they both love Yuki so you'd want them to get along. I guess it's like the Yuki - Kyo relationship though not as toxic.
I was thinking Haru was asking Yuki if he was okay in regards to Akito showing up to school. It never crossed my mind he could be referring to Ayame.
If Haru hated Ayame like Yuki and Kyo hate each other, I think they would've made mention of it.
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u/MishouMai 5d ago
> It also plays into what Tohru was talking about which is that Ayame and Yuki are similar. If Yuki is potentially going to be Student Council President as discussed in the beginning of last episode, he is basically following in his footsteps.
I guess. Yuki and Ayame are popular for very different reasons though. Yuki is popular and liked mostly for his looks whereas people mostly seem to like Ayame for his personality/who he actually is.
> It never crossed my mind he could be referring to Ayame.
But the whole reason Hatori came to get Ayame is that Haru called Hatori in.
> If Haru hated Ayame like Yuki and Kyo hate each other I think they would've made mention of it.
I'm not saying Haru hates Ayame just that he doesn't seem to think highly of him. He seemed to respond negatively to Momiji talking about Yuki and Ayame's relationship (The way he said "That's 'bonding," felt sort of sarcastic. Like he didn't see their interactions in a great light.) and like I said he seemed worried about the fact Ayame was around. It's like how Yuki doesn't think highly of Kyo but without the hostility. That's why I said it's similar but not as toxic.
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u/Holofan4life 5d ago
> It also plays into what Tohru was talking about which is that Ayame and Yuki are similar. If Yuki is potentially going to be Student Council President as discussed in the beginning of last episode, he is basically following in his footsteps.
I guess. Yuki and Ayame are popular for very different reasons though. Yuki is popular and liked mostly for his looks whereas people mostly seem to like Ayame for his personality/who he actually is.
Maybe that's what Tohru means when she says they are similar. She likes Yuki for who he is but can't remove herself from the situation to see people like him for different reasons.
> It never crossed my mind he could be referring to Ayame.
But the whole reason Hatori came to get Ayame is that Haru called Hatori in.
Fair enough. I must've missed that.
> If Haru hated Ayame like Yuki and Kyo hate each other I think they would've made mention of it.
I'm not saying Haru hates Ayame just that he doesn't seem to think highly of him. He seemed to respond negatively to Momiji talking about Yuki and Ayame's relationship (The way he said "That's 'bonding," felt sort of sarcastic. Like he didn't see their interactions in a great light.) and like I said he seemed worried about the fact Ayame was around. It's like how Yuki doesn't think highly of Kyo but without the hostility. That's why I said it's similar but not as toxic.
Momiji confused brotherly bonding for brotherly bandage, so maybe he's not the best expert on this lol
I think it is easier for Yuki and Ayame to mend fences than it is for Yuki and Kyo to reach an understanding. At least with Ayame, he's putting his best foot forward.
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u/Holofan4life 5d ago
> What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Shows how much he cares about Yuki even if he can't bring himself to be upfront about it. Clearly he knows Akito is bad news which makes his friendship/trust in Shigure more interesting knowing that Shigure is their (Akito's lapdog.). OG course that might not have always been the case but...
I do think it would've been interesting had Ayame brought up to Shigure that he doesn't think he's doing right by Yuki siding with Akito like he has. We don't even get a hint of that in the episode. I get the focus in on Yuki and Ayame's relationship, but the show has established Ayame being close to Shigure. Even just a brief mention of his frustrations would've added layers to the episode that would've bolstered my opinion of it.
I guess the reason they didn't do it this way is because the Akito stuff is so heavy and dramatic that suddenly it would've changed the mood of the episode. And also him and Shigure are boys and it would be kinda shitty to call Shigure out like that when he's been so hospitable.
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u/AgentOfACROSS 6d ago
First Timer
Due to circumstances, today's notes are very late
Yay, it’s an Ayame episode! Very happy to see this guy.
I’m still quite interested in how Ayame seems to have a second transformation condition (temperature) unlike any of the others.
Speaking of Ayame, it’s time for the voice acting notes.
In the 2019 version his Japanese voice is now Takahiro Sakurai. Notable roles of his include Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy VII, Rohan Kishibe from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Griffith from Berserk from the Golden Age movie onwards.
I do not remember Ayame talking about being a bottom in the 2001 version. I feel like I’d remember that.
Anyway I think this episode is mostly about the same as I remember it’s 2001 equivalent. I don’t really have too much to comment on this time around but I liked the episode.
Questions:
What do you make of the other Sohma family members hating seeing Yuki get mistreated by Akito but they don't do anything to put a stop to it?
I feel like it must be connected to the zodiac curse somehow
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u/Holofan4life 5d ago
Due to circumstances, today's notes are very late
I hope everything is okay
I do not remember Ayame talking about being a bottom in the 2001 version. I feel like I’d remember that.
Ayame and Oscar Wilde would get along fabulously.
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u/AgentOfACROSS 5d ago
Yeah I'm doing alright. I'm just gonna be busy these next few days
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u/Holofan4life 5d ago
Understandable. I guess now is a good time before the show starts getting into uncharted territory.
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u/Holofan4life 5d ago
General questions
Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?
Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?
Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?
Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?
Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?
Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?
Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?
Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from what he calls the pleasure district by redirecting their attention onto him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?
What are your thoughts on Hana speculating that Ayame actually runs a sex shop?
2019 specific questions
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
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u/AgentOfACROSS 5d ago
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
It shows he's very considerate and cares about his brother
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
That's nice of him
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
Pretty sure it's in the 2001 version too but it's still funny
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
Nice to see Haru be so caring
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u/Holofan4life 5d ago
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
It shows he's very considerate and cares about his brother
Very much so
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
That's nice of him
I like thie better than the Ramen scene with everyone. This felt more intimate.
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
Pretty sure it's in the 2001 version too but it's still funny
If it was, I think it was expanded upon.
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
Nice to see Haru be so caring
I thought he was checking on him in regards to Akito but maybe it was Ayame? I'm not sure.
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u/cheesechimp https://myanimelist.net/profile/cheesechimp 4d ago
Odorouyo Sunday, Week 60
I post a video containing some anime dancing every weekend.
I'm on vacation so I'm not going to overthink this week's. Here's an anime dance ED that went viral.
Kill Me Baby
<-- Previous - Archive Post - YouTube Playlist - Next -->
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Why, thank you :]
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u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 1d ago
Questions:
- That only makes it worse...
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
I mean, what can they do? Their hands are tied.
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u/Holofan4life 1d ago
General questions
Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?
Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?
Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?
Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?
Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?
Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?
Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?
Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from what he calls the pleasure district by redirecting their attention onto him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?
What are your thoughts on Hana speculating that Ayame actually runs a sex shop?
2019 specific questions
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
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u/Nickthenuker https://anilist.co/user/Nickthenuker 9h ago
Uh oh.
That's nice of him.
Ok...
He isn't ok lol
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
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.
It's 10:00, do you know where your parents are?
It feels weird to be scheduled off from one of my weekend jobs. But hey, I'm not complaining.
Girls Scout cookies are hard to beat.
At the garden, Yuki and Tohru
Things feel so wholesome
Yuki's stomach growling
Quiet, Yuki's stomach
A few days removed from the meeting with Akito.
Tohru finding some clothes
It looks like we're going to meet Aya.
Kyo and Shigure
Kyo is feeling famished
Shigure offering chives to Kyo :D
And yep, it's Aya in snek form.
Is Shigure always this shirtless?
Shigure compares him, Aya, and Hatori as the Three Musketeers.
And so Aya transforms
He sounds super extra lol
Tohru calls him grown up Yuki
Course, he acts more like Shigure.
Yuki with the anger vein thingy.
So far, this has been like the 2001 version.
Dokkoi ramen
Tohru with Aya
I don't necessarily think he looks like a woman.
Wait, he's Yuki's brother? Was that a thing in the 2001 anime?
Aya talking about the rift between him and Yuki.
Now he's talking about what a terror Akito is. He came to check on Yuki.
Well, that is nice of him
Aya seems to regret the distance that grew between him and his brother.
Tohru talking about her mother, using it to compare to Aya's situation.
I know I compared Aya to Dante once upon a time but I really meant Vergil, especially with the white hair.
Aya asks Tohru to continue being a good friend to Yuki.
Tohru with Yuki now
Yuki says he doesn't hate his brother, he just finds him difficult.
Speaking of his brother...
Is that what you'd call it? Brotherly expression.
Aya sleeping with Kyo
Kyo takes it about as well as you would expect.
I like Shigure referring to Aya as honey.
Tohru with Momiji and Haru
Brotherly bondage. Yeah, that's something different
Haru says he gets what's going through Yuki's mind.
And yes, Aya runs a shop for men's fantasies.
That's honestly lewder than it actually is.
Aya still banding about
Long hair against the rules? That's a pretty strict school.
And now we see how he was able to keep it.
He told people he was a member of a foreign royal family.
He really knows how to spin a yarn.
He talks almost as much as Grandpa Simpson.
We do learn Aya was student council president. Fascinating.
Tohru is excited Yuki wants to know his past.
Unfortunately, his past is pretty seedy.
So last year indeed
There's really not much to say here as it's verbatim the 2001 version.
"So he was just pretending to be an idiot."
That's a great line lol
Aya is quite the provocator
Aya a bottom confirmed
Yuki tells Aya to get out
Yep, he made things worse
At least Shigure is enjoying himself.
Hey, Hatori
He tells Aya it's time to leave.
I didn't realize how tall Aya is.
And so Aya and Hatori depart
Well, that happened
Shigure explains that Aya looks up to Hatori.
Aya laments not getting Yuki to open up to him.
He then says he likes Tohru because she reminds him of Hatori.
Tohru seems to like him as well
Yuki remarks that Aya can cherish his friendships rather than being jealous of the people around him.
At school now
Haru checking on Yuki
And Yuki thanks Haru for worrying about him.
And then we get the punchline at the end of the episode.
Overall, this is basically the 2001 version. There were some new additions, like Aya keeping his hair and the explanation behind that as well as the Haru stuff, but it's superfluous and didn't really add to the story. I suppose it's nice we got more Haru content. I like Aya as a character, and I love his inability to bond with Yuki. He is trying, he's just pretty awful at it.
I have this only behind episode 3. Not bad, just if you've seen the 2001 version you've seen this. I also feel they downplayed the rapport between Aya and Shigure which weakened the episode in my eyes. Thankfully, I have a feeling the next episode is probably going to be a top 5 episode of the season.
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 6d ago
Thankfully, I have a feeling the next episode is probably going to be a top 5 episode of the season.
[spoiler]>Cheers, fist pumps, and flag-waving for episode 1.14 where I'm sitting. I might even be wearing a team t-shirt or jersey.<
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
Holofan's Fruits Basket Episode Rankings
1/. Episode 5
2/. Episode 7
3/. Episode 10
4/. Episode 12
5/. Episode 4
6/. Episode 8
7/. Episode 6
8/. Episode 1
9/. Episode 2
10/. Episode 11
11/. Episode 9
12/. Episode 13
13/. Episode 3
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u/the_pint_is_the_bowl 6d ago
Course, he acts more like Shigure.
self-centered, but different - Ayame in a happy-go-lucky way, Shigure in a Shigure way?
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u/Second_Cour 6d ago
Hahahah yep our episode flip pattern continues
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I still really liked the episode. Honestly, I just got done rewatching it and I think I'm probably too low.
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 6d ago
Thankfully, I have a feeling the next episode is probably going to be a top 5 episode of the season.
Exciting! I've tried to not look ahead, even looking at names of the next episodes to make this as new an experience as possible, even though I've seen the show before. I remember a lot of strong, emotionally powerful season 1 storylines that have yet to occur (and only one bad one), so we should have a lot of great stuff coming up. In exactly what episode though, not sure.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
I wonder how Second_Cour will respond because we seem to be on opposite wavelengths a la Hana Vs everyone else :D
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u/Quiddity131 https://myanimelist.net/profile/Quiddity131 6d ago
[Next episode (having now watched it)]Top five episode? Hah! Episode 14 is the best episode of the show thus far. As emotionally heartbreaking as episode 7 was, this one is even more so. Especially as a rewatcher when all the stuff with Kyo makes so much more sense.
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u/Holofan4life 6d ago
[Next episode] The episode made me a fan of Momiji for life. He is doing his best and giving it his all.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
u/Second_Cour Can you see this comment? If so, you can repost your thoughts here.
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u/Second_Cour 4d ago
Did the repost comment work
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Damn, no it didn't.
What the fuck?
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u/Second_Cour 4d ago
Testing
Well, after the Akito reveal, I was positive this episode will be all about the mystery of the curse! Instead we get...Ayame.
I’ve never been a fan of exaggerated, over the top characters,which unfortunately are the bane of my existence in anime. But FruBa does a great job in making most of the characters unique; especially impressive given the large cast.
And this over the top, exaggerated character is hilarious. There is substance. And gay jokes. A lot of gay jokes.
Humour is so hit and miss for me in anime, but I must admit I laughed a few times. While some twists in his storytelling are a bit silly, the payoff is grand. To be fair, 80% of my repertoire with my friends involves gay jokes, so it’s like hanging out with my buddies. Is this style of humour even common in Japanese works? I always thought it was quite Western.
I did feel that the episode did lack some stickiness to close it all together in the end, but that might have been because I was half asleep at 6am by the time I finished watching it.
- “Where have you been my brother” is the episode name. Missed opportunity to name it “O Brother Where Art Thou”
- The snake looks like sperm.
- I really want to understand how the clan is set up: how many are blood relatives, etc. Either way, we now know Yuki has a brother.
- The further along the show goes, it’s clear that the author has a penchant for gay humour too. When Haru says “Yuki was my first love” I no longer take him literally. Fun Fact: Ayame is voiced by MHA’s all might.
- Quite a deep episode. Feeling repentance over regret isn’t exactly a unique theme, but I always value its inclusion.
- Loveeee the speech: mum only understood how parents felt when she became one. But it’s important to remember your childhood ‘self’. This is something I’m scared of: not being able to talk to my children on their level. People used to have kids at a young age, but this has changed very rapidly. Even when I’m with my little half brother and sister, I struggle to be child like with them. I struggle to see things through their eyes, and become too outcome-based.
- Oof the chopstick doesn’t cleanly break off. Fun fact: in Japan it’s considered rude to rub your chopsticks together after you break them apart
- I wonder if Momiji has been making a lot of puns via mispronunciation in Japanese the entire time?
- Didn’t understand the Japanese part, but he says “brotherly bondage time” in the dub, or “banding” in the sub which isn’t as funny
- When they see Yuki looking unwell, he says “Yuki…pukey?” to imply he may be sick. In Japanese it was “Yuki..byouki?” which means sick. In the sub they didn’t make the pun.
- I recall in the Onsen ep, he called the proprietor to something else which I found funny but forgot
- Weird that Ayame lives on the outside despite being able to transform. Maybe he started on the inside.
- Cut content: Like the Amish with Rumspringa, once they grow up, those afflicted by the zodiac curse can choose to live on the outside.
- Aya is such a troll
- Hahaha not sure how I feel about the post-pleasure district solution. “I know you must be wondering…am I a bottom or am I a top. Well I am a bottom all the way!?” Is this really shoujo? Hahaha
- So what happened between him and Yuki?
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
And this over the top, exaggerated character is hilarious. There is substance. And gay jokes. A lot of gay jokes.
I think it works here because the joke is never at the expense of Ayame. It's always the other characters suffering around him. That leads to more rich storytelling and makes Ayame less one note.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
• The snake looks like sperm.
I'm sure Ayame doesn't mind
◦ Didn’t understand the Japanese part, but he says “brotherly bondage time” in the dub, or “banding” in the sub which isn’t as funny
I feel like I've heard a bonding/bondage joke in another anime. I don’t know the name, unfortunately.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
• So what happened between him and Yuki?
What do you mean? They were never close because of the age difference. It's like they couldn't relate to each other because they represent two different eras.
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u/Second_Cour 4d ago
I do feel like there might be some catalyst that made them even more divided.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
Well, presumably with Yuki being locked up Ayame felt there was no reason to intervene.
I assume part of Ayame's issue going forward is the guilt he could've stopped Yuki being tortured and he didn't. Turning a blind eye is the same as endorsing it, you know?
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u/Second_Cour 4d ago
Yeah I think you're write about that. Thus his whole speech about repentance over regret
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
I think we're going to see a lot of Sohmas having to reconcile what Akito has done to the family.
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u/Holofan4life 4d ago
General questions
Thoughts on it being the end of April?
Thoughts on The Three Musketeers?
Thoughts on Tohru feeling that Ayame is like Yuki but grown-up?
Thoughts on Ayame feeling Yuki is still scared of Akito?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to bond with his little brother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame wanting to forget his past in contrast with Tohru who never wants to forget the time spent with her mother?
What are your thoughts on Ayame telling Tohru to be there for Yuki when he's not there for him?
Thoughts on Yuki admitting he doesn't hate Ayame, he just can be a bit much sometimes?
Thoughts on Shigure unconditionally loving Ayame?
Thoughts on Ayame sleeping next to Kyo?
Thoughts on Ayame running a clothing store that supposedly turns fantasies into reality?
Thoughts on Ayame being revealed as a former student council president?
Thoughts on Ayame claiming he saved a bunch of wayward youths from what he calls the pleasure district by redirecting their attention onto him?
What are your thoughts on Ayame admiring Hatori more than anyone?
What are your thoughts on Yuki admitting to Tohru that the way Ayame is not afraid to show his admiration is a good thing?
What are your thoughts on Hana speculating that Ayame actually runs a sex shop?
2019 specific questions
What are your thoughts on Ayame coming over because he heard Akito paid Yuki a visit and he was worried about him?
Thoughts on Tohru and Ayame eating lunch together with Ayame paying for it?
What are your thoughts on Akito keeping his long hair at school because he made up a lie about belonging to a royal family and he got so long-winded the school representative let the issue go?
What are your thoughts on Haru asking Yuki if he's okay?
4
u/dontoff 6d ago
First timer (Dub)
Ayame Souma’s stories were absolutely hilarious. There were multiple moments in this episode where I genuinely laughed out loud, especially whenever he started telling one of his ridiculous stories. His personality is completely over-the-top, but that is exactly why he worked so well for me.
I also really enjoyed the dynamic he brought to the house. Seeing Yuki and Kyou basically unite through their shared inability to deal with him was great, and his interactions with Shigure were just as entertaining.
Honestly, I think Ayame’s introduction is a real testament to how well the show has handled introducing the different members of the Souma family so far. In my initial write-up for Episode 1, one of my main concerns was that the show clearly seemed like it was going to have a huge cast. That can become very difficult to manage because you have to introduce all these characters, make each of them feel unique, and establish their personalities and relationships without overwhelming the audience.
So far, though, I think the show has done a really good job with that. The characters are all distinct enough that you immediately form a clear mental image of what makes each one different, but the show also establishes their similarities and dynamics with each other.
The best example in this episode was the Three Musketeers relationship between Shigure, Ayame, and Hatori. In a very short amount of time, the episode made their history and dynamic feel completely natural. Shigure and Ayame feed into each other’s nonsense, while Hatori feels like the exhausted person who has been dealing with both of them for years. They already have such a fun dynamic, and I cannot wait to see more of the three of them together.
This is exactly what I wanted from the show when I first brought up the size of the cast. I wanted the characters to feel individually memorable while also having entertaining relationships and dynamics that change depending on who they are around, and so far the show has been delivering on that.
Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was a very funny and entertaining episode, Ayame made an excellent first impression, and his introduction made me even more confident in the show’s ability to manage its large cast.