Kyo Sohma is a strikingly handsome teenager with a tall, muscular build that complements his fiery personality. His bright orange hair, typically worn at nape-length, is unruly with cowlicks and soft spikes that add to his distinctive look. His long bangs frame his face, often hanging over his sharp, orange eyes, which sometimes narrow into slit-like pupils when he’s agitated or deep in thought.

Kyo typically wears the standard male uniform from Kaibara High, which consists of a blue sweater with a white collar and edges, and a yellow shirt underneath (in the anime, the shirt is white). However, unlike most students, Kyo prefers to leave his uniform unbuttoned and forgoes the necktie, as he dislikes anything tight around his neck. When not in his school uniform, Kyo favors loose clothing, often opting for V-neck shirts and casual wear. His wardrobe tends to favor bold colors like red, orange, and yellow, reflecting his vibrant and fiery nature.

One of Kyo’s most notable accessories is a set of red and white Juzu beads (Buddhist prayer beads), which he wears around his left wrist. These beads, arranged in a distinctive pattern, serve as a reminder of his curse and the complex journey he’s on. In the 2001 anime adaptation, the beads were depicted as black and white.

Kyo Sohma is a complex character, known for his brooding, choleric nature, and quick temper. Stubborn, brash, and sharp-tongued, he often pushes people away with his harsh words and impulsive behavior. Despite his fiery exterior, Kyo is also charismatic and wears his emotions openly, which draws people to him. However, he rarely embraces this social side of himself, and his interactions often come off as abrasive or insensitive. He tends to be physically confrontational but has a firm moral code when it comes to girls, never resorting to violence against them.

At his core, Kyo is deeply self-sacrificing, and his harsh demeanor is a defensive mechanism designed to protect him from further pain. He fears making others unhappy or getting too close to them, which leads him to isolate himself and even hurt those who care about him in an effort to keep them at arm’s length. Kyo’s past is filled with rejection and sorrow, and this emotional burden shapes his interactions with others. For example, at one point, he even denied Kazuma Sohma’s fatherly role, fearing that Kazuma might be hurt by their connection.

However, Kyo’s character undergoes significant development through his relationship with Tohru Honda. Tohru’s patient, non-judgmental understanding allows Kyo to slowly open up and heal. Over time, he becomes calmer, more emotionally mature, and begins to shed the bitterness that once defined him. His love for Tohru helps him confront his own vulnerabilities, and he becomes more affectionate, supportive, and selfless—especially toward her. Kyo actively encourages Tohru’s happiness, even if it means sacrificing his own. His gentle, empathetic side is revealed through his interactions with those he cares about, though he is often embarrassed by his vulnerability and struggles to express his feelings. His tendency to act like a “tsundere” is rooted in his difficulty being open about his emotions.

Kyo is also incredibly determined and passionate when it comes to things that matter to him, such as martial arts, which eventually becomes his livelihood. His rivalry with Yuki Sohma, the Rat, is one of his defining traits in the beginning, fueled by years of resentment and his need for a scapegoat to channel his guilt and self-loathing. Kyo’s hatred for Yuki is less about Yuki as a person and more about Kyo’s own internal struggles. He uses Yuki as a focal point for his anger and self-disgust, driven by the scorn he has faced as the excluded “Cat” of the Zodiac and his deep-seated guilt over the tragic deaths of his mother and Kyoko Honda. Kyo’s sense of self-worth is so shattered that, at times, he even contemplates suicide as a means of escaping his overwhelming guilt.

This self-destructive mindset leads him to reject Tohru’s love when she confesses to him, believing he is unworthy of her affection. However, through his growth and the support of those around him, Kyo eventually recognizes the harm in his thinking and properly apologizes to Tohru. He also reconciles with Yuki, and the two develop a budding friendship. Kyo’s journey is one of redemption and self-acceptance, as he learns to live with his regrets, find peace, and embrace a brighter future. He resolves to face life head-on, challenging himself and engaging with the world in ways he never did before. As he continues to mature, Kyo becomes kinder, more affectionate, and emotionally grounded. He smiles more often and maintains a much more level-headed, laid-back demeanor, which Tohru sees as the true essence of Kyo—free from the weight of hatred.

Differences from the Source Material

Kyo’s appearance and certain plot points differ across the Fruits Basket manga and its various anime adaptations:

• Eye Color: In the 2001 anime adaptation, Kyo is depicted with sienna-colored eyes, while in both the manga and the 2019 anime, his eyes are orange.
• School Uniform: The 2001 anime shows Kyo wearing a black school uniform, whereas the manga and the 2019 anime feature a dark blue uniform.
• Zodiac Form: In the 2001 anime, Kyo’s Zodiac form has purple eyes, unlike the orange eyes seen in the manga and 2019 anime.
• Tohru’s Apology Scene: The 2001 anime omits a key scene where Kyo apologizes to Tohru after visiting Kyoko’s grave, a moment that foreshadows Kyo’s deeper emotional connection to Kyoko and his guilt over her death. This is an important aspect of Kyo’s character development that the 2001 anime does not fully explore.

Differences in the True Form Arc:

Kyo’s true form arc also varies between adaptations:

• In the 2001 anime, Tohru needs to be convinced by her friends to chase after Kyo when he runs away, whereas in the manga and 2019 anime, she does so immediately, despite her fear.
• In the 2001 anime, Yuki chases after Kyo and restrains him, signaling his care for Kyo, which marks the beginning of their evolving relationship. However, this development is not present in the original manga, where Kyo and Yuki do not begin to develop a friendship until the series’ conclusion.
• During a pivotal moment in the 2001 anime, Kyo tells Tohru that it’s okay for her not to love everything about him, including his true form. In contrast, in the original manga, Kyo expresses fear that even his mother could not love all of him, especially his true form.

Ending Differences: Since the 2001 anime did not cover the entire manga and was still airing while the manga was ongoing, the ending differs significantly:

• In the 2001 anime, the series concludes with Tohru being accepted by Akito, and the future appears bright as Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo return to the Sohma residence. This conclusion provides a sense of closure, but it does not align with the more detailed resolutions in the manga or the 2019 adaptation.

The Cat is an animal that was excluded from the Chinese Zodiac, but according to legend, it was originally meant to be included. The Cat’s exclusion is attributed to a trick played by the Rat, who deceived the Cat into arriving late for the ceremonial banquet where the Zodiac animals were chosen. As a result, the Cat was left out, and this betrayal lies at the heart of Kyo Sohma’s deep animosity toward Yuki, the current Rat. Kyo blames Yuki for all of his misfortune and mistreatment, which fuels his desire to defeat Yuki in a fight. Kyo makes a desperate deal with Akito Sohma: if he defeats Yuki before graduating high school, he will be accepted as part of the Zodiac. If he fails, however, Kyo will be confined to the Cat’s Room for the rest of his life, a fate he desperately seeks to avoid.

Kyo’s personality shares several traits with the traditional characteristics of the Cat in Zodiac mythology. For instance, he has a tendency to gravitate toward high places, often seen sitting on roofs or jumping from heights, much like a cat that loves elevated spots. He also possesses the ability to land on his feet effortlessly, as seen when he leaps from a second-floor window without injury. Kyo’s behavior also mirrors a cat’s: he tends to hide behind walls when he urgently wants to speak, and he is easily startled by loud noises, reacting like a frightened cat.

Kyo’s dislike for water further reflects his connection to the Cat. He has an aversion to swimming and the beach, as shown during the Sohma family’s summer vacation. Rain also greatly affects his mood, making him restless, irritable, and prone to agitation—yet, he lacks the energy to argue or fight. Additionally, Kyo favors loose clothing, especially t-shirts and jackets, as he dislikes anything tight around his neck (a common discomfort among cats who dislike collars). It’s also notable that Kyo enjoys drinking milk, another cat-like characteristic.

As a result of the curse placed upon him, Kyo’s appearance features orange hair and eyes, a trait inherited from the Cat spirit. His eyes often become slit-like when his emotions stir, particularly when he confronts Yuki, whom he sees as his “natural” enemy.

The Sohma family believes that Kyo’s “true form” represents the Cat’s anger, but in reality, the Cat was never filled with resentment. According to the curse, when the “God” reincarnated the Zodiac animals, the Cat did not wish to be reborn, as it had already enjoyed a good life. This refusal to participate in the rebirth led to the other Zodiac members shunning the Cat, creating the deep bitterness and ugliness that would come to define Kyo’s transformation. Unlike the other cursed members, Kyo is the only one who possesses a “true form”—a grotesque, foul-smelling, orange-colored monster (dark green with purple eyes in the 2001 anime) with sharp claws and teeth. This form grants him superhuman speed, strength, and agility, enough to cause immense destruction with a single blow, such as collapsing a stone cliff.

Because of the severity of the curse, Kyo is often viewed as the scapegoat of the Zodiac, with his suffering serving to make the other cursed members feel better about their own burdens. His curse is the most painful, and his only purpose, as dictated by the curse, is to endure immense suffering. To keep from transforming into his true form, Kyo must wear his Juzu bead bracelet, made from human blood and bones, at all times. The bracelet serves as a crucial barrier against the transformation.

When Kyo’s curse finally breaks, he is subconsciously aware of it. Upon removing his Juzu beads, he is relieved to find that he does not transform into his true or regular cat form. This moment, when Kyo hugs Tohru and confirms that his curse is broken, is a poignant turning point in his character development. His curse is the fourth to break overall, symbolizing a significant shift in his life and the end of his long suffering.

Kyo Sohma was one of the first three characters developed by Fruits Basket creator Natsuki Takaya. She has mentioned that Kyo’s character was inspired by a real person who “really transformed into a cat” and had to wear a bracelet to prevent turning into a monster. Takaya emphasized that this concept was created “without any hesitation.”

In designing Kyo, Takaya intentionally gave him distinct personality traits and tastes to set him apart from the other characters, especially Yuki. For instance, Kyo’s wardrobe was deliberately chosen to reflect his fiery, rebellious nature, contrasting with Yuki’s more refined, elegant style.

Takaya also described Kyo as a character with deep anger issues, which she used to introduce an element of humor into the story. Despite his anger, Kyo became a central, driving force in the Fruits Basket narrative, pulling the plot forward with his intense emotions and personal growth.

Family

Father
Kyo is estranged from his biological father, who blames him for his mother’s death. From the moment Kyo was born as the Cat of the Zodiac, his father’s resentment towards him grew. His father’s emotional and verbal abuse led to Kyo being rejected, and when his mother committed suicide, his father placed all the blame on Kyo. This disregard for his son’s well-being extended to the point where Kyo’s existence made his father uneasy, referring to him as “it” and wishing for him to be locked away in the Cat’s Room forever.

Kyo, deeply affected by his father’s actions, grew up harboring anger and resentment towards him. While he initially wished his father would die, over time, he grew distant, unwilling to engage with him further. Even though Kyo later became willing to apologize for his role in his mother’s death, his father rejected the reconciliation violently. Kyo ultimately saw his father as a pitiful figure but never truly reconciled with him. InFruits Basket Another, it’s implied that Kyo’s son, Hajime, also despises his biological grandfather, further suggesting unresolved issues between father and son.

Mother
Kyo’s mother, though deeply protective and loving, was also afraid of him due to his true form. She constantly checked his Juzu beads, fearing that without them, he would transform into a monster. Despite her genuine love, Kyo felt that her affection was forced and pitiful, which contributed to the strain in their relationship. After her suicide, Kyo blamed himself and refused to shed tears at her funeral. This guilt haunted him for years, and he sometimes believed he might have been an indirect factor in her death. However, as he matured, Kyo began to understand the loneliness and pain his mother endured and came to sympathize with her. By the end of the series, Kyo’s feelings toward his mother shifted, and he expressed a desire for her to have lived and not given up on herself.

Kazuma Sohma
Kazuma, Kyo’s adoptive father, took him in after his biological father rejected him. Kazuma had a deep understanding of Kyo’s struggles, as his grandfather had been the previous Cat of the Zodiac. Initially driven by pity, Kazuma grew to love Kyo as his own son, providing Kyo with a stable home and a sense of belonging. Despite the Sohma family’s shunning of Kyo, Kazuma never wavered in his support and never overprotected Kyo. This unconditional love became a source of strength for Kyo, and as he grew older, he developed a strong bond with Kazuma, wishing he could be his biological father. Though Kyo struggled with this sentiment and refrained from calling Kazuma “Dad” to avoid bringing trouble, Kazuma’s love ultimately helped Kyo find direction and purpose in life. By the time Kyo is an adult, he proudly refers to Kazuma as “Dad.” InFruits Basket Another, Kyo inherits Kazuma’s dojo, and his son Hajime refers to Kazuma as his grandfather, solidifying the enduring familial bond between them.

Tohru Honda
Kyo’s relationship with Tohru begins when he was a child and a friend of her mother, Kyoko. Although they did not meet directly, Kyo was aware of Tohru through photographs, and he developed a quiet affection for her. However, after the fall-out with Kyoko, Kyo distanced himself from Tohru. When Tohru later discovers the Sohma family secret, Kyo’s guilt over Kyoko’s death resurfaces, and he treats Tohru coldly at first.

Despite his initial resistance, Kyo’s feelings toward Tohru change as she shows him kindness and acceptance. Her unconditional support, particularly when she expresses that she likes him for being the Cat of the Zodiac, leads Kyo to develop deep feelings for her. He vows to protect her and cherish their time together. As their relationship deepens, Kyo grows increasingly protective and emotionally invested in Tohru, though he struggles with his own feelings of worthlessness, believing he doesn’t deserve her love due to his past.

Kyo’s fear of rejection reaches a breaking point when Tohru sees his true form. Though initially pushing her away, Tohru’s insistence on staying by his side begins to heal Kyo’s emotional scars. In turn, Kyo comes to realize how deeply he loves Tohru. Despite his inner turmoil, he resolves to cherish her, and they become a devoted couple after the curse breaks. Together, they marry, have children, and grow old together, exemplifying the love and acceptance that Kyo had always longed for.

Hajime Sohma
Hajime is Kyo’s eldest son, and while their on-screen interactions are minimal, it is clear that Kyo is a loving father. Hajime admires Kyo deeply, wearing his Juzu bead bracelet in tribute to his father’s journey. Kyo, in turn, is protective of Hajime and trusts him with the truth of the Sohma family’s curse and his own history as the Cat. Though Kyo’s past was marked by rejection and isolation, his relationship with Hajime is one of love and respect. Hajime’s admiration for his father is evident, and Kyo’s affection for his son suggests that their bond is as strong as the one Kyo shares with Kazuma.

Friends

Kyoko Honda
Kyo’s relationship with Kyoko Honda, Tohru’s mother, is a significant one. They met when Kyoko was a young woman, and she was persistent in forming a connection with the initially hostile and mistrustful Kyo. Over time, Kyoko became a motherly figure for Kyo, offering him comfort, support, and understanding, especially given the similarities in their painful upbringings. She shared much about her past, including her troubled youth, her relationship with her late husband Katsuya, and her reasons for living after his death. Kyo, in turn, became someone Kyoko trusted deeply. However, their relationship was strained after an argument in which Kyo accused Kyoko of siding with Yuki, but despite this, Kyoko’s words to him remained supportive. Kyo was devastated when Kyoko tragically died after being struck by a truck, an event he witnessed but could not prevent due to his curse. His grief and guilt over her death, coupled with unresolved feelings, led Kyo to avoid visiting her grave for a long time. In the end, Kyo makes peace with his past, reaffirming his promise to Kyoko to protect Tohru, which Kyoko had asked of him. Tohru assures Kyo that Kyoko’s final words to him, “I’ll never forgive you,” were not born of hatred but of a desire for him to keep his promise. This understanding helps Kyo to accept his guilt and move forward with his life.

Arisa Uotani
Kyo and Arisa have a playful yet contentious relationship. Arisa regularly teases and even physically hits Kyo, which often leads to arguments. Despite this, Kyo seems to respect Arisa and values their friendship. He is also fond of the nickname “Kyon” that Arisa gives him, although he is much less fond of “carrots.” Arisa acknowledges Kyo’s kindness, even though she sometimes thinks he’s a bit foolish. She later expresses her hopes for Kyo to make Tohru happy when the two begin dating.

Saki Hanajima
Saki and Kyo share a more casual relationship, although Kyo finds her mysterious and unsettling due to her psychic abilities and “waves.” Despite her teasing, especially regarding her crush on Kazuma, Kyo respects Saki. He’s also uneasy when Saki senses the emotional chaos he feels in the presence of Kyoko’s grave, and he tries to avoid situations where her abilities might make him uncomfortable. Nonetheless, they share a mutual respect, and Kyo grows to understand Saki’s emotional turmoil when he begins dating Tohru.

Hiroshi and Yusuke
Kyo spends a fair amount of time with Hiroshi and Yusuke at school, even though he’s sometimes irritated by their behavior, particularly Yusuke’s teasing and Hiroshi’s nickname for him, “Kyon-kyon.” Despite his occasional annoyance, Kyo appreciates their company, and they are among the few people Kyo feels comfortable enough to spend time with, especially after the curse is broken and Kyo begins to socialize more freely.

Sohma Family

Yuki Sohma
Yuki and Kyo’s relationship is one of rivalry and resentment, built up over years of jealousy and misunderstandings. Kyo initially blames Yuki for all his misfortunes, including his cursed form and his painful past. The rivalry comes to a head when Kyo believes that defeating Yuki will bring him happiness and acceptance. Despite this, Kyo secretly admires Yuki’s perceived perfection, while Yuki envies Kyo’s ability to make friends. Over time, Kyo’s attitude begins to soften, particularly as they both care deeply for Tohru. When Kyo is struck with guilt over his past actions, including his mistreatment of Yuki, their relationship begins to evolve. By the series’ end, Kyo and Yuki have reconciled, understanding that their mutual hatred was based on misplaced feelings. Their relationship becomes one of mutual respect, and they eventually remain close friends. They continue to communicate after the curse is broken, with their sons growing up like brothers.

Shigure Sohma
Kyo shares a somewhat distant and antagonistic relationship with Shigure. While Shigure occasionally offers advice, he also enjoys teasing Kyo, particularly in relation to his feelings for Tohru. Kyo does not fully trust Shigure, who he believes hides a more sinister side behind his playful demeanor. However, after the curse is broken and their respective goals are achieved, Kyo and Shigure’s relationship becomes less hostile, though Kyo remains wary of Shigure’s manipulative tendencies.

Kagura Sohma
Kyo and Kagura share a complicated history. As children, Kyo viewed Kagura as an older sister, but their relationship soured after Kyo’s true form was revealed, and Kagura, unable to accept it, distanced herself from him. This rejection deeply hurt Kyo, and he began to push her away. Kagura, however, developed an obsessive love for Kyo, believing she could accept his cursed form. Despite her forceful affections, Kyo rejects her advances and is terrified of her violent tendencies. Eventually, Kagura confesses that her feelings have evolved from pity to genuine love, but Kyo is unable to reciprocate. Nevertheless, Kyo expresses his gratitude for the love she showed him as a child, and he comforts her when she becomes emotionally overwhelmed. They eventually reach a peaceful understanding, and Kyo no longer fears her or avoids her.

Akito Sohma
Kyo’s relationship with Akito is extremely strained. Akito, as the head of the Sohma family, mistreated Kyo and perpetuated his isolation, viewing him as inferior because of his cursed form. She was emotionally and physically abusive towards him, often making him feel worthless and disgusting. Kyo, in turn, holds Akito in deep contempt. However, after the curse is broken, Akito begins to change, and Kyo, while still conflicted, comes to appreciate her transformation. Though they don’t reconcile fully, Kyo seems to forgive Akito to some degree, and he expresses regret over the violence he previously directed toward her.

Momiji Sohma
While Momiji is cheerful and affectionate towards Kyo, Kyo is often irritated by his overly energetic and unpredictable behavior. Despite this, Kyo respects Momiji, even if he doesn’t always show it. They share a bond, and Kyo cares for him, especially when Momiji is troubled. The tension between them increases when both realize they have feelings for Tohru, but Momiji, recognizing Kyo’s deep love for her, encourages him not to give up on pursuing Tohru. By the end of the series, Kyo and Momiji’s relationship is strengthened, with Kyo showing genuine concern for Momiji’s well-being.

Hatsuharu Sohma
Kyo and Hatsuharu have a friendly rivalry, particularly in martial arts. While Kyo admires Haru’s abilities, he is sometimes annoyed by his laid-back attitude and Haru’s “Black Haru” persona. Despite their differences, Kyo and Haru share a mutual respect for each other, with Kyo acknowledging Haru’s skills and Haru admiring Kyo’s tenacity. They remain friends, though Kyo remains uncomfortable with Haru’s overly affectionate nature.

Hiro Sohma
Kyo and Hiro are often at odds, with Hiro’s sarcastic remarks and tendency to scold Kyo often leading to arguments. However, as they grow older, their relationship becomes more understanding, and despite their continued teasing, they learn to work together when necessary. Both have strong protective instincts, particularly when it comes to Tohru, and they eventually form a mutual respect for each other.

Isuzu Sohma
Kyo’s relationship with Rin is initially hostile due to his jealousy and fear of losing Kazuma’s affection to her. However, over time, they develop a more neutral dynamic. Kyo seems supportive of Rin’s friendship with Tohru and even expresses his approval of their bond. They are not particularly close but share a quiet respect for each other.