Arisa Uotani (魚谷 有理紗 Uotani Arisa) is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Fruits Basket. She is voiced by Yuka Imai in the Japanese version and by Meredith McCoy in the English version. Arisa is one of the close friends of Tohru Honda, the main protagonist of the series. She is a former gang member who has a tough exterior but a kind heart. Arisa’s character is inspired by a real-life gang member whom the author, Natsuki Takaya, met and befriended during her high school years.
Arisa’s past is marked by a difficult upbringing, which led her to join a gang in order to survive. She met Tohru when the latter was working at a convenience store and helped her fend off some delinquents. Arisa was impressed by Tohru’s kindness and began to see her as a role model. With Tohru’s encouragement, Arisa left the gang and enrolled in high school. Despite her tough exterior, Arisa is a loyal and caring friend who will go to great lengths to protect those she cares about. She is also shown to have a soft spot for children and animals.
Contents
1. History
Arisa Uotani, also known as “Uo-chan,” is a secondary character in the Fruits Basket anime. She is a former gang member who attended the same middle school as Tohru Honda and Kyo Sohma. Arisa’s past is a troubled one, as she was abandoned by her parents at a young age and had to fend for herself. She eventually joined a gang for protection and a sense of belonging, but left after a falling out with the leader.
After leaving the gang, Arisa became friends with Tohru and eventually moved in with her and her grandfather. She quickly became a protective and supportive friend to Tohru, often standing up for her and offering her a place to stay when her home life became difficult. Arisa also developed a close relationship with Kyo, who she sees as a younger brother figure.
Throughout the series, Arisa’s past and tough exterior are explored, but she ultimately learns to open up and trust others. She even becomes a role model to Tohru, who admires her strength and resilience. Arisa’s loyalty and devotion to her friends make her a beloved character in the series.
2. Personality
2. Personality: Arisa Uotani is a tough, independent, and loyal character in Fruits Basket. She has a rough exterior and is not afraid to speak her mind, often using harsh language and physical force to protect those she cares about. However, underneath her tough exterior, Arisa has a kind heart and a deep sense of loyalty towards her friends. She is fiercely protective of Tohru Honda, whom she sees as a little sister, and is willing to do anything to keep her safe. Despite her tough exterior, Arisa is also shown to have a vulnerable side, particularly when it comes to her past and her relationship with her mother. She harbors a deep sense of guilt over leaving her mother and younger brother behind, which has led to her reluctance to form close relationships with others. Overall, Arisa is a complex and multi-dimensional character who adds depth and richness to the world of Fruits Basket.
In the anime, Arisa’s tough exterior is shown through her rough language and her willingness to use physical force to protect those she cares about. However, as the series progresses, we see glimpses of her softer side, particularly in her relationship with Tohru. Arisa’s loyalty and protectiveness towards Tohru are some of her most defining traits, and she is willing to go to great lengths to keep her safe. Despite her tough exterior, Arisa is also shown to be deeply vulnerable, particularly when it comes to her past and her relationship with her mother. Her guilt over leaving her family behind has led to her reluctance to form close relationships with others, which adds a layer of complexity to her character. Overall, Arisa is a dynamic and multi-dimensional character who adds depth and richness to the world of Fruits Basket.
3. Appearance
Arisa Uotani is a tall, athletic girl with short black hair and brown eyes. She is often seen wearing her school uniform or casual clothes, such as a hoodie and jeans. Arisa’s appearance reflects her tough and tomboyish personality, as she often wears her hair in a messy bun and has a no-nonsense attitude. However, she can also be seen wearing more feminine clothes, such as a dress, when attending formal events.
One notable feature of Arisa’s appearance is the scar on her forehead, which she received from protecting her mother from her abusive father. This scar serves as a reminder of her past and the strength she gained from overcoming it. Despite her tough exterior, Arisa has a gentle side, which is reflected in her caring for her friends and her love for animals.
Overall, Arisa’s appearance reflects her complex personality and the struggles she has faced in her life. Through her tough exterior and gentle heart, she is a unique and memorable character in the Fruits Basket anime.
4. Relationships
Arisa Uotani has a few important relationships throughout the series. The first is with her best friend, Tohru Honda. Arisa and Tohru have a close bond and Arisa often acts as a protector for Tohru, especially when it comes to her relationship with the Sohma family. Arisa also has a strong bond with Kureno Sohma, who she meets while working at a convenience store. Kureno’s kindness and understanding nature help Arisa to open up about her past and the struggles she has faced.
Another important relationship for Arisa is with her former gang members, Kyoko and Kyo. Kyoko is the one who helped Arisa turn her life around and leave her gang days behind. Arisa is deeply grateful to Kyoko and sees her as a mother figure. Kyo, on the other hand, is someone who Arisa initially dislikes due to his abrasive personality. However, as she gets to know Kyo better, she comes to understand him and even develops a soft spot for him.
Overall, Arisa Uotani’s relationships in Fruits Basket are characterized by loyalty and protectiveness. She cares deeply for those close to her and will do anything to help them, even if it means putting herself in danger.
5. Role in the Story
Arisa Uotani, also known as “Uo-chan,” plays a significant role in the story of Fruits Basket. She is introduced as Tohru Honda’s best friend from her previous school and is initially portrayed as a tough and intimidating delinquent. However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that Arisa has a kind heart and a troubled past.
Arisa’s past is explored in-depth in the second season of the anime, where it is revealed that she was physically abused by her mother and had to fend for herself at a young age. Her tough exterior is a defense mechanism she developed to protect herself from getting hurt again. When Tohru learns about Arisa’s past, she becomes determined to help her friend heal and move on from her trauma.
Throughout the series, Arisa serves as a supportive friend to Tohru and the other members of the Sohma family. She is fiercely protective of those she cares about and is not afraid to stand up to anyone who tries to hurt them. Her loyalty and bravery are highlighted in several key moments, such as when she confronts Akito Sohma to protect Tohru.
Overall, Arisa’s role in the story of Fruits Basket is that of a loyal friend and protector. Her troubled past and tough exterior serve as a reminder that everyone has their own struggles and that it is important to be kind and understanding towards others.
6. Trivia
- Arisa’s nickname, “Uo-chan,” is a play on her surname Uotani, which means “fish valley.”
- Arisa’s voice actress in the Japanese version of the anime, Yuka Imai, also voiced another tough girl character, Tomboy in Project A-ko.
- Arisa’s English voice actress, Laura Bailey, is known for her roles in numerous popular anime, including Tohru Honda in the Fruits Basket reboot, Lust in Fullmetal Alchemist, and Shin Nohara in Crayon Shin-chan.
- In the manga, Arisa is shown to have a tattoo on her back, which is a symbol of her past gang affiliation.
- Arisa’s favorite food is takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food made of octopus balls.
- Arisa’s birthday is on September 12th, making her a Virgo. In astrology, Virgos are known for their practicality, diligence, and analytical skills, which are traits that Arisa also exhibits in her personality.