The Genki Bunny Boy Who Loves Everyone
- Episodes: 25
- Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama, Romance, Fantasy, Shoujo
- Airing Date: April 2019—currently airing
- Studio: TMS Entertainment
Fruits Basket Preview (No Spoilers)
Down-on-her-luck high schooler Tooru Honda suddenly finds herself living with three members of the Souma family, a clan which harbors a strange secret—13 of them can transform into animals of the Chinese Zodiac when they’re hugged by someone of the opposite sex. As Tooru learns more about her new friends, dark secrets begin to emerge...
Momiji Highlights (Spoilers Beyond This Point)
1. A Rare German/Japanese Hybrid
Momiji stands out even more than the rest of the Soumas because of his mixed-race heritage. His mother is German and his father is Japanese, so Momiji regularly peppers his speech with German words and occasionally completely switches languages just to mess with people (including some delinquent girls in a hilarious anime-only scene). He also has a unique outsider’s perspective on Japanese cultural standards like overworking—he’s the one who actively encourages Tooru to take care of herself more.
2. The Very Personification of Cuteness
The rabbit of the Zodiac is, unsurprisingly, constantly bouncing with energy and positive vibes. He takes advantage of his small frame and androgynous appearance by wearing adorable outfits decked out with bunny accessories whenever he can and even wears the girls’ uniform when he’s at school. If you ever need a dose of cuteness to cheer you up, Momiji is happy to help!
3. Watches Over His Family From a Distance
Most of the Zodiac members have strained relationships with their families, and Momiji is no exception. His mother was horrified that her son would transform into a rabbit every time she tried to hug or hold him, so she quickly grew to resent him. Overwhelmed by the ordeal, she had Hatori erase her memories so that she wouldn’t remember “giving birth to that creature.” Now Momiji quietly watches over her and his little sister, never revealing that he’s part of their family. It tears him up inside, but he buries the pain and tries to be happy for them.
4. Gets the Best Glow-Up Ever
Later in the story, Momiji hits his growth spurt and turns into a strikingly handsome bishounen boy to rival the other Souma hotties. It seems like Haru was right when he said that Momiji would look amazing in the boys’ uniform one day! He still keeps his cheerful personality and cutesy fashion sense, but mellows out and matures to the point where he can confront his past and move forward.
5. Wants His Beloved to be Happy
Momiji has always been affectionate with Tooru (jumping to hug her at every opportunity, even though he knows he’ll transform), but it isn’t until he grows up that he realizes he truly loves her. However, he’s well aware that Yuki and Kyo are much better suited to be with Tooru, so he gracefully backs off and promises to find “the best girlfriend in the world” someday. How thoughtful!
Final Thoughts
Over the course of the story, Momiji matures from a cheerful child to a budding adult. We love him at both stages, but what do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing older Momiji in the new anime? Who are your other favorite Fruits Basket characters? Let us know in the comments, and thanks so much for reading!
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