The Value of Forgiveness In Fruits Basket | Yuki Sohma Character Analysis 

Somehow Yuki ended up with the most unique relationships out of anyone in Furuba. A hesitant but rekindling sibling relationship? Yep. An internal conflict over feeling like your friend is a mother instead of a girlfriend? Yes. An antagonistic best friend? Reluctant leader? Romantic interest and potential guide? Yep! Yuki’s grown so much and he’s one of my favorites in the series.

Something I've seen done so few times in fiction is the way Yuki goes about forgiveness. He's done blaming other people, like his mother and Akito, not because they don't deserve it but because by remaining angry and distraught he is giving them exactly what they want. He forgives them because anger and resentment are flames, and burning those who've hurt him isn't worth destroying himself to get it. Yuki recognizes that to be better, he needs to stop identifying as a victim. Even though his life is so hard, he chooses to continue doing the hard thing. To be vulnerable, to put himself out there. In so many other pieces of media, the end of a character's arc has them looking like Yuki at the beginning. Well spoken, quiet but mysterious, composed, able to defend themselves through physical fighting, driven. These are the favored traits. Yuki becomes messier. He admits he doesn't have all the answers, he starts to laugh and cry with less shame. He accepts the unflattering truths about himself and the world around him. Yuki starts to look less and less perfect. But he's more himself. And that's what matters most.

For me as a manga reader, who has read manga around 20 times, Yuki has been a true revelation in this rebooted anime. I did love him before, but I didn't really see or understand the whole mother thing (partly because of a terrible translation that was available to me then). I was happy though, because I was dreading a love triangle and whatever was the reason for them to avoid it, it made me happy. But with this anime I have seen so many things - that were there from the start. The mess in Yuki's room. His delicate but relatable thoughts and feelings. His gazes at Tohru when she was taking care of the kids. His growth was evident in manga too, but in anime I felt it so much deeper. I am happy that we got to see this. Thank you for the video. The amount of work you put into it is enormous. It is so well done! And your observations of the characters and the plot are always thought provoking.

Yuki's development is amazing. When i first saw the og anime and started the manga, i actually strongly disliked him. I didn't care about him at all, didn't want to see him on the screen or pages. But then he just... He grew and came out of his shell and became so completely his own person and now I want to hug him and be his best friend. The student council is definitely the biggest turning point and it is one of my favorite parts of the story now Love all your videos and deep thoughts. Cannot wait to see how you react to the final season and who you choose for your next in depth analysis

Great analysis video. Yuki story arc this season was really well done and I loved that they separated him from Tohru. It's like a baby leaving the nest to venture out into the world

This video is so true to Yuki's character, it still amazes me that you're anime-only... Can't wait for your reviews on Kyo and Akito. I know you'll do them justice! 💚

Great analysis! Yuki is one of my favourite characters and I’ve always tried to explain to people who hated him because he is “the prince” that he is not! He is lonely and sad who grew up abused and isolated form any decent human interaction! It is logical that he is quite and keeps distance from others! With Thoru and the rest of students council group he grew and knwo the meaning of family and friends 😢❤️ Honestly I am very excited for all of you new fans to see the 3rd season🥰 I would expect to see an updated version of Tohru analysis as well after the story concluded. It would be awesome 🙌🏻

"... and unfortunately both are more dense than door knobs, when it comes to their true feelings." *can't stop laughing* This video and analysis were very entertaining but also interesting. I also liked how you talked little bit about some characters around him. To me, it was clear that you had great time making this video and maybe this is one reason I had great time. I never watched your Tohru character analysis video (or at least I think so), because I found your channel later. I will probably go to check it later, but I wanted to first say this analysis was great and I hope you find time to do analysis with other Fruits Basket characters too~

Honestly, I was drawn to Fruits Basket partially as I was a teen and grew up in an abusive home. I and my siblings were often treated very differently to the point that it was at times difficult for my sister to realize what was happening. I only mention this as it left Yuki as a character I related a lot to and still do. It is a situation that unless you are in it can be pretty hard to fully understand, but you did explain how that affected him and actual people pretty well. I related a lot to him and Momiji both who are more complex than people realize. All the characters really are and I look forward to seeing you analyze more of the Sohma's. The series really dealt with trauma better than most series do and it helped me and a few other victims I know cope because it showed how while healing is slow and hard and at times even painful, it is possible. It showed growth and change super well.

Wow... I know you mentioned working hard on this video. Your hard work definitely paid off. I can tell you spent a lot of time thinking about this video and what to say. Thank you for such a beautifully written analysis. I can tell this is going to make the Furuba fandom- espeically manga readers like myself very happy. I loved your "bruised not broken" spiel because it really does describe the characters in this series very well. Yuki has been my favorite main character for a while now. When I began to break down the story it became clear to me that Yuki's character was not a mistake; Yuki's entire character arc was written to be analyzed. The worst mistake one could make, when watching Fruits Basket, it to think that him viewing Tohru as a mother was a cop out or a last minute idea. Yuki comparing his relationship with her to Kyo's is pivotal in Yuki's growth. I think we should all learn from Yuki, when falling in love. Do we want to be cared for? Or do we want something mutual in which we can give something back in return. Either way, I really enjoyed this video. When I first started watching your reviews I was hoping you would analyze Yuki, as he deserves it. The wait was certainly worth it :)

I wold be really interested in seeing an analysis abot Akito when we reach season 3 final. Yo have a way to sumarize aspect of a character by making the video enjoyable that I love. When I first read Furuba, I identify more with Tohr. I lost my mom when I was 11, I tend to care more abot other than myself... Bt as years past and things happened, especially by watching this new adaptation, I relate more with Yuki. Being akward in social sitation, a low self esteem... I know can say I sffer from abse and it help me see how Yki has grown from it. Given time and peoper care, anyone can feel better and start a new life. Yor title is right too. Forgiveness is a blessing and hatred only hrt yo more. I'm still not able to do it for the people that hrt me even if I really want to. I nderstand how things might have been how they were and I believe it's too easy to hold a grdge on people not knowing what they've been throgh. Absers are not that jst for being bad people. Everyone has a story and a way to deal with life. Edcation has a strng part in it and yo may jst reprodce what yo've been dealing with for yor whole life. If nobody show yo there's a better way to act or think, how are yo spposed to know it ? Knowledge don't know from nothing, yo have to learn it. And after reading the content for season 3 again after this season's end, I can totally agree with that kind of thoght.

I love every character but Yuki’s character development is the best I’ve ever seen in any media. It’s so beautiful to watch him grow and change.

I honestly find myself adoring yukis character solely on how mature he is because when I think of forgiving the same ppl who put him through hell I find it difficult. Just thinking about it and for him to actually go and do it is an amazing achievement in it of itself. I send my congrats to the people who make this anime such a godsend because it'll a classic for everyone to go back to and rewatch.❤❤

Thank you for this amazing analysis. Yuki is the best character in this show and no one can make me believe otherwise.

This review nearly made me cry. BEAUTIFULLY said!

This is the best Yuki analysis!! Thank you for adding the characters that surrounds him such as his mom, Tohru and Kyo, the student council esp Kakeru and Machi and most of all, Akito. Yuki was my og fave character back then, and I hated so much what the 01 fruba did to him lmao. He was my fave in the trio and tbh had the best character development in the show. As a manga reader, I can say you actually nailed the message of the entire story. The message of forgiveness was the reason I really love this show. When season 3 comes, I hope you make an Akito character analysis too. I want to know your thoughts about her, bcos to be honest her backstory for me is very interesting so I can’t wait for you to see it and know what you think. Hahaha. Thank you again for this!

I was actually very excited when you said you are anime-only. Don't get me wrong the manga is absolutely fantastic but as someone that has grown reading it (and thus cannot reread it anymore without the whole picture of the story being on the back of my mind) it's fascinating to see someone make an analysis when the story is still halfway through many plot points. This was great work and I cannot agree more that Yuki is a 10/10 fascinating character, I hope you make more of these!

Loved this video. In the 2001 anime my favorite character was Kyo, but with all his development in the new anime, Yuki has definitely become my favorite character in this series.

This was such an amazing analysis!! Both the analysis of character and the editing on this video! Wonderfully done

Amaaaazing, Brandom never let us down! Great analysis! Yuki grew on me as I got older and could undertand him better. Such a well made character, the author really nailed it!

After watching the new anime and re-reading the manga right after, Yuki’s character development has been such a wonderful revelation. Kyo has and will always be my favorite, I was a sucker for him from day one, but I have so much more appreciation for Yuki revisiting the series years later. I love that the reboot is giving him the proper depth he deserves and showing how complicated a person he is behind that perfect facade. I can’t wait for the anime to finish so people who haven’t read the manga can see what a stunning character growth he has. Amazing videos! Please please do one on my boy Kyo❤️🥰

Awesome video! This is why Yuki, of all the Sohmas has a special place in my heart, I love his growth 💙🐭

yuki's character arc blew my mind and want to hold him and hug him. it's done so well.

Hello Brandon..... That’s about all I have to say, can’t think of anything else.

Wonderful analysis. seeing both ur yuki vid and tohru vid, i'm really excited for season 3. yuki's theme seems to be that receiving help and love from someone can really start the process of healing, and loving yourself is difficult in a vacuum, having others reach out and love you makes it much easier. while on the other hand, i suspect tohru's journey will be partially about how she gives so much of herself to others and doesn't ask for help (for her own bruises, to borrow your language) in return, can't wait to see these two things merge if i've been picking up on the author's intent correctly.

Tohru Best Mom

Great video analysis on Yuki I really enjoyed it. I hope to see more videos on Fruits basket characters and during season 3 or at the end to see you make an analysis on Akito since she's my favorite character.

I agree I think the author did a great job describing traumatic situations, abuse, etc. Great analysis by the way!

This is great! Also, I saw a lot of requests for Akito; /please/ wait to do Akito until after season 3. There’s a lot coming, and the final third of the manga is by far the best.

ahhh i’m so happy you made this because you perfectly summarized all my thoughts on yuki i love this video and i really appreciate you putting your time and effort into this video and i hope you know it shows :))

his healing was the most beautiful

Just watched your analysis with tohru and I quickly watched this after. Both videos are amazing and well explained. I am looking forward for more furuba analysis esp kyo, akito and maybe shigure too? I love this!

This was great! I feel like you really hit the nail on the head! I’m usually not a big fan of introducing main side characters half way through series, but fruba did a great job with matchi and her bro

Amazing analysis, I love your work with Tohru and this analysis with Yuki cemented some of the ideas I have about his character since season 1. I enjoyed this, thank you! I watched all the ads, hoping this can help you even a bit. XD

Very nice, keep up the good work!!!!!!!

This is such a fantastic analysis on Fruits Basket.

This was amazing!! Thank you for your the deep analysis. Spot on!!!! 👍

Yuki not my favorite character but I was impressed with his growth in this season so I have 2 give him credit for that.

This review was so well done! His true persona is shown so delicately with subdued hints in the beginning. His progress is truly well written building brick upon brick of his inner strength. He’s one of the more complex characters in Furuba for sure.

Bravo!

Amazing video glad it showed up on my recommendations. Happy to say you earned a subscriber.

great video about my lately fav anime

Love this, hope you do Kyo next year

I love your character analysis on tohru and yuki hope you will do more suggestively kyo next pls

I feel like yuki is an underrated character bcuz most fandom focus more on kyo and momij more thinking yuki isn't good and interesting enough but I have 2 disagree since yuki did grow and evolve over the course of this season.

The 2019 anime did a better job showing yuki's willingness to forgive ayame then the old anime. I know the old one didnt have many episodes but the one where tohru and yuki visit ayame's work in the new one you can see yuki is trying to understand ayame unlike the old anime in that same episode, it felt like nothing happened.

I like to see myself as someone whose incredibly analytical especially when it comes to character development and you beat me to something that never even crossed my mind: Yuki seeing Tohru as a mother figure.

Fruits basket was the first manga I've ever read and I was super young when I read it. There was parts I didn't understand fully but I felt. The scene where kyo's dad holds him up in the air and says "From now on, you'll have to breathe the air of higher places." I grew up with a single parent household and reading that made something click in my brain. A deep feeling of understanding of my mom and why she worked so hard for my brother and I. This manga has shaped me as a person and my understanding of love. It taught me that love is complex but beautiful. It comes in all shapes and sizes. All colors and ways. It taught me that change is ok. Change is natural and scary. But good. Even when you have bad change. Even if you lose something or someone you love, even when it feels like there is no hope and that nothing will get better. Even in our darkest moments its ok. You'll be ok. It taught me that everything ends eventually. And that's such a scary thought but that's what makes it beautiful. If everything was forever then we wouldn't understand how beautiful and precious life is. We wouldn't understand the space and magnitude that the people we love hold in our hearts and mind. I have a space on my shelf of this story, the whole collection, and it'll remain there until it gets passed on. I hope everyone gets a chance to read this manga and learn the lesson of life and love and changing that it holds.

Thank you for this very enjoyable and well thought off video analysis. Yuki is one of my top favourite characters, behind Akito and Shigure, and you touched upon core themes of the story here. As an aside, and even though they will take a while to come, I can tell you that the first two episodes of next season are going to be. WILD.

This was a great video!! Loved it!! That scene between yuki and kakeru with football always makes me laugh🤣🤣 comedy gold that scene...also I don't think Tohru and Kyo are dense in their feelings per se...I think they are aware...but in denial...as someone who has been reading Skip Beat!(manga) for a long time...I see denial when I see it😅😅😅😅 BTW if u like slow-burn romance I recommend it..but it still ongoing so read slowly😅😅😅

Yuki deserves all the love in the world!

I think if Yuki and Tohru had been the endgame then Yuki would’ve become too dependent on Tohru and Tohru would’ve ignored her own needs too much. They work so much better as a familial relationship and it’s clear that Kyo looks after Tohru and makes sure she doesn’t take on too much. These characters are so well done ❤❤❤

Hey! Curious if you checked out Given yet or ever plan on doing reviews for it? I appreciate your perspective on anime, especially drama/slice of life.

Oregairu ended today it would be awesome if you can do a series analysis or a character development appreciation analysis 👍🏼

Finna ready to see Tohru breaking some curses, someone better bitchslap Akito, Kyo and Tohru BETTA STAHP with their trying to smother their LoVeiNg in 2021 (IM TALKING FULL CONFESSIONS HERE) someone needs to yell at shigure too because damn

Make another one!

🙏

Please do Kyo!! ✨✨

I grew up with the 2001 animation which really didn't do the story that much justice, I also was only 11 years old when I came across it, maybe a little to young to actually grasp the true context of this amazing story. When I grew a little older I start to collect the manga in my own language and they discontinued the series after volume 11 out of 26. I still wasn't that fan of Yuki. So much attention on him for what reason. It was like I was ignorant to his pain and suffering. However I was over joyed when they announced the re animation of the serie. Now 23 I started feeling for Yuki so much more and understanding his growth as a human being with a dark past. Dare I say he is gone from one of my least favorite to one of my favorite written characters

Your video sums up why Yuki is one of my top 14 characters in Fruits Basket! Anyway, question: why didn't you wait to release this analysis until episode 25? I see scenes from episode 24 in your video analysis, but not the final episode of Season 2.

So toru best milf

Even more?

Spoilers= Yuki has become my favorite character in fruits basket. At first I thought he was just the rat, the preferred zodiac member who's better than everyone at everything, is treated like a prince, and arrogant and thought he looked down on kyo. I didnt like any romantic scenes with him and tohru, it just felt creepy and forced and didnt think he was a good match for her. Then we slowly realize that none of thats the case. Yukis very insecure and thinks everyone is better than him. He was a very kind person who initially tried to befriend kyo despite him being the cat but it was kyo who rejected him and caused their rivalry (because of his mother situation, you cant really blame him but still). But kyo thought yuki had a perfect life. But Yukis family were completley indifferent to him especially his mom who sold him to akito who was extremely abusive to him. Everyone else in the zodiac disliked him for his apparent preferential treatment. But they were wrong, yuki was abused and neglected without anyone to turn to. And he was always very kind despite this. Im glad he decided he didnt like tohru romantically and she was fulfulling his motherly role instead because the scenes with them just felt weird like they had no chemistry. And it turns out the author intended it. And it was good seeing him grow, and work through his problems deciding to face them and not blame anyone else.

with how close machi looks to tohru, my guess is at least in one stage of the story the mangaka couldnt decide who would win the love triangle and she made what started as a 2nd tohru for yuki. but as things went on machi became the type of person yuki needed more

I love every character but Yuki’s character development is the best I’ve ever seen in any media. It’s so beautiful to watch him grow and change.