Tohru Honda is a petite, youthful teenage girl with a delicate and slender physique. She has long, straight, and soft “milk brown” hair, which is a velvety shade of maroon beige. Her hair frames her face with a textured, choppy fringe that reaches just above her eyelids, accentuating her large, doll-like, cocoa-colored eyes, which give her a sweet, innocent look. Her lashes are thin and girlish, adding to her delicate appearance.

Tohru’s hairstyle varies, but she often adorns her hair with bows, typically in shades of pink or yellow, though sometimes in blue or purple. She might wear a large bow at the back of her head or smaller ones that pull back her front strands. Outside of school, she can be seen with her hair untied, in pigtails, a ponytail, or in braids.

Her school uniform is a classic, navy-style Japanese outfit. It consists of a blue pleated mini-skirt with ruffled hems and a white-and-blue top, paired with a blue jacket. She wears navy blue socks that come up to mid-shin, along with brown slip-on shoes. This uniform is the most recognizable part of her wardrobe, although she is also seen wearing other short dresses from time to time.

When not in her school uniform, Tohru dresses simply and practically. She often wears dresses or skirts, with her janitor work uniform consisting of a light blue shirt and pants, paired with white gloves and her hair in pigtails, covered by a white bandana. Her swimsuit is a cute baby pink one-piece with daisy patterns, reflecting her cheerful personality. The only time she truly dresses up is for special occasions or when others, like Ayame Sohma or Mine Kuramae, dress her. In the school play, she wears a large ballgown as part of her role as the “not-so-evil stepsister” in a Cinderella-esque production.

Tohru Honda is an exceptionally kind-hearted, gentle, and compassionate person who sees the best in everyone she encounters. Her optimism and selflessness are at the core of her personality, and she constantly seeks to help others without expecting anything in return. Even after enduring immense personal tragedies—losing her father at a young age, her mother in her teens, and living in a tent for a time—Tohru remains positive, always wearing a smile and maintaining a hardworking and sweet disposition. She is known for being polite, considerate, and airheaded, often putting the feelings of others before her own.

Tohru’s nurturing and empathetic nature make her someone people feel comfortable around, drawing others to her with her ability to make them feel understood and accepted. Her immense love and patience allow her to help the Sohmas with their traumas and emotional struggles, leading characters like Yuki and Isuzu Sohma to view her as the loving mother they never had. She is fiercely protective of her friends, always willing to stand up for them without hesitation, even in the face of her own fears and insecurities.

However, beneath her cheerful exterior, Tohru struggles with deep-rooted issues, particularly with self-esteem and her fear of abandonment. She tends to suppress her own feelings of worry, loneliness, and fear to maintain her role as an emotional support for others. Tohru finds it difficult to stand up for herself and often believes she doesn’t deserve kindness, accepting mistreatment without complaint.

Tohru also has a strong fear of being left alone. After the death of her father, she feared that her mother, Kyoko, would abandon her, leading her to adopt an overly polite speech pattern in an attempt to keep Kyoko’s affection. After her mother’s death, Tohru became overly attached to memories of Kyoko, unable to move on from the loss. She would not speak about her mother in the past tense and clung to photos of Kyoko, unable to fully let go.

Over time, however, Tohru learns to open up more, to voice her needs and allow others to help her. She gains the confidence to admit her insecurities and fears, particularly to Kyo, whom she comes to care for deeply. Her desire to break the Sohma family curse and free Kyo drives her to become more assertive, determined to stand up for what she believes is right. Tohru’s growth is evident as she becomes more willing to oppose Akito and others when necessary, even taking bold stands in difficult situations.

As the series progresses, Tohru admits that her desire to break the curse is not entirely selfless; it is driven by her deep love for Kyo, as she refuses to let him be taken away from her. She eventually learns to balance her love for Kyo with her enduring affection for her mother, allowing herself to grow and pursue her happiness without guilt. By the end of the series, Tohru has evolved into a strong-willed, self-assured individual, while retaining the kind-hearted and wise nature that has always defined her.

Tohru Honda’s appearance and certain events in the anime adaptations ofFruits Basketdiffer from the manga in several ways:

Appearance Differences:

• In the 2001 anime adaptation, Tohru is depicted with blue eyes, and her ribbons are blue. In contrast, both the manga and the 2019 anime adaptation show Tohru with brown eyes and yellow ribbons, especially during her debut.
• Tohru’s signature hat, which connects her to Yuki in the manga and 2019 anime, is completely absent in the 2001 anime, making the connection between them less apparent.

Changes in the Meeting with Akito:

• The first meeting between Tohru and Akito also differs across the adaptations. In the manga and 2001 anime, Tohru’s first official encounter with Akito takes place by the window at the Sohma estate. However, in the 2019 anime, Tohru first sees Akito in the car alongside Kureno Sohma.

Changes Surrounding Kyoko’s Tombstone:

• In the 2001 anime, certain elements involving Tohru visiting her mother Kyoko’s grave a year after her death are altered. For example, since Tohru’s hat is absent in the 2001 anime, Yuki does not see the baseball cap in Tohru’s room—a key moment in the manga, where Yuki realizes that Tohru is the girl he saved when they were young, which leads to him confronting his true feelings for her.
• The 2001 anime also omits Kyo’s important apology to a sleeping Tohru after visiting Kyoko’s grave, which serves as foreshadowing for Kyo’s past connection with Kyoko and his guilt over her death.

Differences in the True Form Arc:

• In theTrue Formarc, Tohru’s actions and responses differ between the manga and the 2001 anime. In the manga, upon learning about Kyo’s true form, Tohru is deeply shaken and feels compelled to visit her mother’s grave for comfort. She needs encouragement from Saki and Arisa to pursue Kyo afterward.
• In the 2001 anime, Akito’s taunting of Tohru is shown, and she is only able to escape once Shigure intervenes, begging Tohru to save Kyo. Tohru eventually finds Kyo, but her rescue is depicted with Yuki’s assistance in the manga.

Ending Differences:

• Since the 2001 anime adaptation did not cover the entire manga (which was still ongoing), the ending features several notable changes. In the 2001 anime, Tohru requests permission from Shigure to speak with Akito, and Yuki, Shigure, and Hatori accompany her to the Sohma estate. After an initially timid exchange, Akito lashes out and grabs Tohru’s hair in anger. Yuki and Shigure intervene to prevent further harm, and Tohru, sympathizing with Akito, tells him that he still has a life to live. This prompts Akito to release her and realize that Tohru accepts the curse.
• The series concludes with Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo back at the residence, signifying a hopeful and bright future.

Tohru Honda was the first character created by Fruits Basket author Natsuki Takaya, followed shortly by the introduction of Yuki and Kyo Sohma. When Takaya was asked about the inspiration behind Tohru’s personality and background, she shared the following:

“I thought that for a girl to accept other people’s feelings so wholeheartedly, she’d have to have a slightly unusual way of looking at things so that she wouldn’t be crushed by having so much empathy. But I still worried that I needed something else to flesh her out. And then the thought, ‘Oh, yeah—I’ll make her use super-polite language, and use it incorrectly!’ came to me all at once. After that, her character was completed in no time.”

It is also said that Tohru’s father, Katsuya, chose her name because it brought out her “hidden flavor, like adding salt to sweet things.” Takaya deliberately gave Tohru a name that is typically masculine, as she enjoys using such names for her female characters to “balance them out.” Additionally, Takaya had other characters refer to Tohru as “Tohru-kun,” a masculine honorific, believing it to be “a more dignified form of address.”

Voice actress Laura Bailey, who portrayed Tohru in the Funimation English dub, has spoken about how playing Tohru influenced her positively: “I was so inspired by her character, by her joy and outlook on life, that, you know, you wanna emulate that.”

Family

Kyoko Honda
Kyoko is Tohru’s beloved late mother, and their bond is central to Tohru’s character. Despite Kyoko’s abandonment of Tohru during her childhood, their relationship was marked by deep love and affection. Tohru feels she was born to meet her mother and views Kyoko as the most important person in her life. When Kyoko passes away, Tohru is devastated, fearing that her mother’s legacy would be lost. She vows to keep Kyoko in her heart forever, cherishing their memories and promises. Tohru continues to hold her mother in high regard and often turns to her emotional wisdom in times of uncertainty.

However, Tohru’s inability to fully move on from Kyoko’s death complicates her emotional life. She treats Kyoko’s memory as though her mother is still with her, refusing to allow anyone else into her heart. This changes when Tohru begins to fall in love with Kyo Sohma. She initially struggles with guilt, believing that loving Kyo would somehow betray her mother’s memory. Over time, Tohru learns to let go of this guilt, allowing herself to love Kyo while still keeping a special place for her mother in her heart. By the end of the series, Tohru has made peace with both her parents, acknowledging that neither Kyoko nor Katsuya was perfect, but they both loved her deeply.

Katsuya Honda
Tohru’s relationship with her father, Katsuya, is complicated by his death when she was only three years old. His passing left Kyoko devastated, and Tohru secretly resented him, fearing that he might take her mother away from her. This fear led Tohru to mimic Katsuya’s formal speaking mannerisms, thinking that this would bring her closer to Kyoko. After Kyoko’s death, Tohru rarely speaks of her father but keeps a picture of him alongside her mother’s. She eventually comes to terms with her feelings, realizing that Katsuya was a kind and loving father. In adulthood, she no longer views him as a villain but remembers both parents fondly.

Grandfather
Tohru’s grandfather is the person she lives with after Kyoko’s death. Tohru is determined to be self-sufficient, not wanting to burden him. Although he occasionally refers to Tohru as “Kyoko-san” to remember her mother, Tohru understands that this is for his own emotional comfort. Despite the pain, she doesn’t protest and continues to care deeply for her grandfather, especially when he experiences health issues. Tohru also appreciates his support when she faces difficulties with her extended family, and her concern for him deepens after he injures his back.

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Friends

Arisa Uotani
Arisa, known as “Uo-chan” to Tohru, is one of Tohru’s closest friends. Their friendship began in middle school when Arisa was still involved in a gang. Despite initial friction, Tohru’s kindness and unwavering support eventually won Arisa over. Tohru values Arisa deeply and considers her a surrogate mother, always wanting to support Arisa’s happiness. When Arisa faces heartache with Kureno Sohma, Tohru is there to help her, even if she feels powerless to change the situation. Their bond is strong, with Arisa and Saki often looking out for Tohru, and Tohru feeling grateful to have them both in her life.

Saki Hanajima
Saki, affectionately called “Hana-chan” by Tohru, is another of Tohru’s best friends. They first meet in eighth grade, and despite Saki’s initial reticence, they quickly become inseparable. Saki is the first person outside her family to accept Tohru fully, and they form a deep, unspoken bond. Tohru is grateful for Saki’s friendship and support, seeing both Saki and Arisa as surrogate parents. Tohru can always count on Saki to lend an ear, and they have a mutual understanding of each other’s feelings. InFruits Basket Another, Tohru and Saki remain close and continue to maintain their strong friendship.

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Sohma Family

Shigure Sohma
Although Shigure laughs when discovering that Tohru lives in a tent on their property, he offers her to live in his house. They bond over living under the same roof and develop a friendship, with Tohru considering Shigure, Yuki, and Kyo as her family. Shigure becomes very protective and doting of Tohru, to the point where Saki and Arisa liken him to a grandfather spoiling his granddaughter. He also acts like a fun-loving older brother figure to Tohru and often gives her advice when she is overwhelmed and worried about the future, and Tohru takes his advice to heart and often thinks back to them when she feels anxious again.

However, it is later revealed that Shigure is actually using Tohru to break the Sohma curse, which Tohru is oblivious to as she continues to trust him completely and treats him with kindness. Despite this, while he once only considered her a pawn in his plans, her kindness eventually truly endears to him, and he comes to genuinely care for Tohru, to where he is disgusted for still using her in his plans and manipulations. Tohru’s influence also changes Shigure and restores the conscience and heart Shigure had buried deep in him. Ultimately, Shigure decides to stop deceiving and manipulating her and coldly but honestly tells Tohru that while they both share the same goal of breaking the curse, it’s still quite possible for Kyo to be locked away before it breaks, even claiming that he and the others consent to his imprisonment. While Tohru never realizes the extent of Shigure’s manipulations, his coldness and bluntness leave her emotionally hurt. However, after the curse is broken and both have reached their respective goals, it is implied that their bad blood wanes, and Tohru and Shigure remain good friends.

Yuki Sohma
Tohru has been classmates with Yuki since high school, but they grow close only after she starts living with the Sohmas. Initially nervous around him due to his popularity, Tohru enjoys Yuki’s kindness and accepts him despite the curse. He is the first real friend she makes, and she even says that, should her memories of him fade, she still wants them to remain friends. Tohru is aware of Yuki’s trauma and supports him, including offering her friendship, and even protecting him from Akito. As their friendship grows, she comes to consider Yuki as family.

It is later revealed that Tohru had met Yuki as a child, where he saved her, and although she doesn’t recall his identity, she calls him her “first love.” Yuki, realizing she was the girl he had saved, eventually acknowledges that she holds great significance for him. Although Yuki initially thinks of her as a romantic interest, he later understands that he was seeking a mother figure in Tohru. After this realization, Yuki grows to support her happiness, even encouraging her relationship with Kyo. Tohru, in turn, continues to cheer for Yuki as he matures and becomes more independent. As time passes, they remain close friends. Yuki visits her more than anyone when she’s hospitalized, and by the series’ end, their bond is stronger than ever. Yuki even thanks Tohru for shaping him into the person he has become.

Kagura Sohma
Initially, Kagura views Tohru as a love rival for Kyo’s affections. However, Tohru treats Kagura with kindness, and the two women bond over their shared experiences. Despite a brief confrontation where Kagura slaps Tohru for not telling Kyo about her feelings directly, they maintain a mutual respect for each other. Tohru views Kagura as a close friend, and their friendship helps Tohru realize that she must face her feelings for Kyo.

Momiji Sohma
Tohru and Momiji share a deep friendship. While Tohru is initially surprised to learn that Momiji is only a year younger than her, they become close friends and enjoy each other’s company. Momiji often refers to their connection as a married couple dynamic, and Tohru sees him as one of her closest friends, caring deeply for him. When Momiji develops romantic feelings for Tohru, he quietly accepts that she is in love with Kyo and continues to support her happiness. Their friendship remains strong even as Momiji moves on from his unrequited love.

Hatori Sohma
Although Tohru initially fears Hatori due to his role in erasing memories, she soon grows to care for him deeply, especially after learning about his tragic past. She comes to view him as an incredibly kind person, and Hatori reciprocates her kindness, vowing to protect her smile and keep her from suffering the same fate as Kana, his former lover.

Hatsuharu Sohma
Tohru is initially impressed by Hatsuharu’s maturity but is shocked by his “Black Haru” persona. Despite his erratic behavior, Tohru continues to treat him kindly. Over time, Hatsuharu comes to appreciate her gentleness and support. Tohru’s kindness helps ease the strained relationships between Yuki, Kyo, and Haru. She also supports his relationship with Rin, Haru’s girlfriend.

Akito Sohma
Initially terrified of Akito, Tohru treats her with respect but stands up to her when she harms others, such as Yuki and Momiji. After Akito’s true nature and tragic past are revealed, Tohru’s understanding deepens, and she offers Akito her friendship. Akito, who had once viewed herself as above others, comes to recognize Tohru’s empathy and begins to change. By the series’ end, the two women have formed a genuine friendship.

Ayame Sohma
Despite Ayame’s flamboyant nature, Tohru is kind and supportive of him. She helps him mend his relationship with his brother, Yuki, and assures him that he is a good older brother. Their bond grows as they share a deep care for Yuki’s well-being.

Kisa Sohma
Tohru treats Kisa with affection from the moment they meet, even when Kisa initially rejects her. Through patience and understanding, Tohru helps Kisa regain her voice and confidence. Over time, Kisa grows deeply attached to Tohru, calling her “Onee-chan,” and the two develop a strong, sisterly bond.

Ritsu Sohma
Upon meeting Ritsu, Tohru is supportive of him despite his feminine attire and self-doubt. She encourages him to find his own purpose and becomes one of the first people to genuinely understand his struggles. Ritsu is deeply moved by her kindness, and Tohru’s compassion helps him in his own journey to self-acceptance.

Hiro Sohma
Hiro initially treats Tohru with disdain, even stealing her wallet and making harsh remarks. However, Tohru never holds a grudge and continues to treat him kindly. Her positive influence gradually softens Hiro’s attitude, and by the end of the series, they share a more respectful, albeit still playful, relationship.

Isuzu Sohma
Tohru’s relationship with Rin starts off rocky due to Rin’s hostility, but over time, Tohru’s compassion helps Rin open up. As Rin begins to trust Tohru, they form a close friendship. Tohru provides comfort during Rin’s emotional struggles, offering her empathy and support. Despite occasional conflicts, their bond grows stronger, and Tohru continues to care deeply for Rin’s well-being.

Kureno Sohma
Kureno is the last of the Sohma family members that Tohru meets. Their bond grows gradually, as they share similar values of kindness and sincerity. Tohru helps reconnect Kureno with Arisa, though he initially rejects her efforts. Despite this, their relationship is rooted in mutual respect, and Tohru’s compassion plays a role in Kureno’s eventual healing.