Machi Kuragi (倉木 真知 Kuragi Machi) is a fictional character in the popular anime and manga series Fruits Basket. She is voiced by Japanese actress Atsumi Tanezaki in the 2019 anime adaptation. Machi is a quiet and reserved girl who attends Kaibara Municipal High School with the other characters. She is initially introduced as a minor character in the series but gradually becomes more prominent as the story progresses.
Machi comes from a wealthy family and has a strained relationship with her parents, particularly her mother. She suffers from anxiety and has a habit of tearing apart paper when she is nervous. Machi is also revealed to have a connection to Yuki Sohma, one of the main characters in the series. Despite her reserved nature, Machi is a strong and independent character who is determined to overcome her personal struggles.
Contents
1. History
Machi Kuragi is a minor character in the Fruits Basket anime series. She is a student at Kaibara High School and is part of the student council. Machi comes from a wealthy family, but she has a strained relationship with her parents. She has a younger brother who is always sick, and her parents prioritize his needs over hers. This has led to Machi feeling neglected and resentful towards her family.
Machi’s past trauma has caused her to develop a fear of germs and dirt. She is often seen carrying hand sanitizer and wearing gloves to avoid touching anything that might be contaminated. Machi’s fear of germs also makes it difficult for her to form relationships with others. She is very guarded and avoids physical contact with others as much as possible.
Despite her troubled past, Machi is a hardworking and dedicated student. She is determined to succeed in school and hopes to become a doctor one day. Machi’s intelligence and dedication have earned her a place on the student council, where she works alongside Yuki Sohma.
Machi’s story is a reminder that everyone has their own struggles and fears. Her past trauma has shaped her into the person she is today, but it has also given her the strength to overcome her fears and pursue her dreams.
2. Personality
Machi Kuragi is known for her introverted and reserved personality. She is often seen as cold and distant, but this is due to her struggle with social anxiety and a fear of being judged by others. Machi is highly critical of herself and has a tendency to overthink situations, which can lead to her becoming overwhelmed and shutting down emotionally. Despite her struggles, Machi is a highly intelligent and perceptive individual who is able to see through people’s facades and understand their true intentions.
Machi is also fiercely independent and values her freedom above all else. She is not afraid to speak her mind and is not easily swayed by the opinions of others. Machi is highly self-reliant and prefers to solve her problems on her own, which can sometimes lead to her isolating herself from others. However, she does have a kind and caring side, which is shown through her interactions with Yuki and her desire to help others who are struggling with similar issues. Overall, Machi’s personality is complex and multifaceted, making her a compelling and relatable character in the Fruits Basket anime.
3. Appearance
Machi Kuragi is a young woman with a petite and slender build. She has short, straight, and choppy black hair that falls just above her shoulders, and her bangs are cut in a sharp, diagonal line. Her eyes are a deep, dark brown, and they are often downcast, giving her a somewhat aloof and guarded appearance. Machi’s fashion sense is simple and understated, and she is usually seen wearing a white blouse, a black skirt, and black tights. She also wears black loafers and a black choker around her neck.
Despite her unassuming appearance, Machi’s body language and facial expressions convey a sense of strength and resilience. She often stands with her shoulders squared and her chin held high, and she rarely smiles or shows much emotion. Her posture and movements are precise and deliberate, giving the impression that she is in control of herself and her surroundings. Overall, Machi’s appearance reflects her quiet and introspective personality, as well as her determination to overcome the challenges she faces in her life.
4. Relationships
Machi Kuragi is not a very social person and has a hard time making connections with others. However, she does have a few important relationships in her life. One of the most significant is with her father, who she has a strained relationship with due to his high expectations and criticism of her. Machi also has a complicated relationship with Yuki Sohma, who she initially dislikes and sees as a rival for her father’s affection. However, as they begin to understand each other better, they develop a deep bond and become close friends.
Another important relationship for Machi is with Tohru Honda. Although they don’t interact much at first, Tohru’s kindness and understanding eventually helps Machi open up and become more comfortable around her. Machi also has a brief but important interaction with Kakeru Manabe, who she meets during a school trip. Kakeru’s playful and carefree personality helps Machi let loose and have fun for the first time in a long while.
Overall, Machi’s relationships with others are complex and often fraught with tension. However, as she learns to open up and trust others, she is able to form deep connections that help her grow and develop as a person.
5. Role in the Story
Machi Kuragi is introduced in the second season of Fruits Basket as a new member of the student council. She is initially portrayed as a cold and distant character who avoids socializing with others. However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that Machi has a troubled past and suffers from anxiety and low self-esteem. Machi’s character arc revolves around her gradual transformation from a withdrawn and insecure person to someone who is more confident and willing to open up to others.
Machi’s relationship with Yuki Sohma, another member of the student council, is a significant aspect of her role in the story. Yuki and Machi share a mutual understanding of each other’s struggles and gradually develop feelings for each other. Machi’s presence in Yuki’s life helps him confront his own issues and move towards a healthier emotional state.
Overall, Machi’s role in the story is to provide a nuanced portrayal of mental health issues and their impact on personal relationships. Through her character arc, the anime explores themes of self-acceptance, healing, and the importance of genuine connections with others.
6. Trivia
- Machi’s name is written in kanji as “真知”, which means “true knowledge”. This is fitting for her character, as she is intelligent and perceptive, often noticing things that others miss.
- Machi has a fear of germs and contamination, which is known as mysophobia. This is likely due to her difficult childhood and the trauma she experienced.
- Machi is a skilled artist and enjoys drawing. She often carries a sketchbook with her and uses it to express her emotions and thoughts.
- Machi’s birthday is on December 3rd, making her a Sagittarius. Sagittarians are known for their honesty, optimism, and adventurous spirit, which are all traits that Machi displays at times.
- Machi is one of the few characters in Fruits Basket who does not have an animal zodiac sign. This is because she is not part of the Sohma family and therefore does not have a curse.
- Machi’s voice actress in the anime is Ai Kakuma, who has also voiced characters in other popular anime such as My Hero Academia, Haikyuu!!, and Sword Art Online.