Akira Sohma (草摩 明, Sōma Akira) is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Fruits Basket created by Natsuki Takaya. He is the father of the Sohma family head, Ren Sohma, and the late husband of the former family head, Akito Sohma. Akira was known for his kind and gentle personality and his love for his family, especially his wife and daughter. Despite his important role in the Sohma family, Akira’s character is shrouded in mystery and very little is known about him.
Throughout the series, Akira is only briefly mentioned and appears in flashbacks, leaving much of his character and history up to interpretation. However, his presence remains significant as his legacy and influence continue to affect the Sohma family and the story’s plot. Despite his absence, Akira’s kind and loving nature is remembered by those who knew him, and his memory serves as a reminder of the importance of family and love.
Contents
1. History
Akira Sohma is a deceased character in the Fruits Basket anime series, and the father of the current head of the Sohma family, Akito Sohma. He was known to be a powerful and influential figure in the Sohma family, and his death had a significant impact on the family’s dynamics. Akira was born with a weak constitution, and as a result, he was often bedridden during his childhood. Despite his physical limitations, he was a gifted artist and poet, and his works were highly regarded by his family members.
Akira was married to Ren Sohma, who was also his cousin, and they had one child together, Akito. However, their marriage was tumultuous, and Ren’s jealousy and possessiveness often caused problems between them. Akira’s health continued to deteriorate, and he eventually passed away when Akito was just a child. His death had a profound effect on Akito, who became even more isolated and emotionally unstable after losing her father.
Despite his absence, Akira’s legacy continued to influence the Sohma family, and his memory was revered by many of his relatives. His artwork and poetry were cherished by his family members, and his influence on the Sohma family’s traditions and beliefs was significant. Overall, Akira Sohma played an important role in the Fruits Basket anime series, and his impact on the story and characters was significant.
2. Personality
Akira Sohma is a complex character whose personality is shrouded in mystery. He is known to be a strict and traditionalist figure who is heavily invested in the Sohma family’s legacy. Akira is also shown to be a loving father who values his children’s happiness above all else. His love for his family is evident in the fact that he was willing to sacrifice himself to save his son, Yuki, from the curse of the Zodiac.
Despite his love for his family, Akira is also portrayed as a cold and distant figure who is hard to approach. He is known to be a man of few words and often keeps his emotions to himself. Akira’s strict upbringing has made him a stern and unyielding figure who is not easily swayed by others. However, his love for his family and desire to protect them from harm has softened his edges and made him a more sympathetic character.
Overall, Akira Sohma is a complex and multi-layered character whose personality is shaped by his upbringing, his love for his family, and his desire to uphold the Sohma family’s legacy. Despite his flaws and shortcomings, Akira is a character who is deeply respected and admired by those who know him.
3. Appearance
Akira Sohma is described as a tall and handsome man with a regal bearing. He has long, flowing black hair that he keeps tied back in a ponytail, and piercing blue eyes that seem to look right through people. He is often seen wearing traditional Japanese clothing, such as a kimono or hakama, which only adds to his air of elegance and sophistication. Despite his age, Akira appears to be in excellent physical condition and is still very active, often practicing martial arts and other physical activities.
One of the most striking features of Akira’s appearance is the large scar that runs down the left side of his face. The origins of this scar are unknown, but it is believed to have been inflicted during a past conflict. Despite the scar, Akira remains a handsome and imposing figure, and his presence commands respect and admiration from those around him.
Overall, Akira Sohma’s appearance is a reflection of his status as a powerful and influential member of the Sohma family. He exudes an air of authority and confidence that makes him stand out from the other characters in the series.
4. Relationships
Akira Sohma had a strained relationship with his wife, Ren Sohma, due to her possessive and controlling behavior. This ultimately led to their separation and Akira’s deteriorating health. However, Akira deeply loved his son, Akito Sohma, and believed that Akito was the only one who could inherit the leadership of the Sohma family. He also had a close relationship with his other children, particularly Shigure Sohma, who looked up to him as a father figure.
Akira’s death had a significant impact on Akito, who became increasingly unstable and possessive of the other members of the Sohma family. This led to strained relationships with many of the other zodiac members, including Yuki Sohma, Kyo Sohma, and Tohru Honda. However, Akira’s legacy continued to influence the Sohma family, as his teachings about the importance of family and loyalty were passed down through the generations. Despite his absence, Akira’s presence was still felt by those who loved him, and his memory continued to shape the lives of those he left behind.
5. Role in the Story
Akira Sohma is a significant character in the Fruits Basket anime as he is the head of the Sohma family and the father of Akito Sohma. His absence in the story is felt throughout the series as his death has a significant impact on Akito and the Sohma family. Akira was a strict and demanding father who raised Akito to believe that she was the only one who could control the curse of the Zodiac. His teachings and beliefs influenced Akito’s behavior and actions throughout the series.
Akira’s death is the catalyst for the events that unfold in the story. After his death, Akito becomes more erratic and unstable, causing chaos within the Sohma family. His death also leads to the revelation that the Zodiac members are not bound to the curse for life, and they can break free from it if they choose to. This realization brings hope to the characters and gives them the motivation to break free from the curse.
Overall, Akira’s role in the story is significant as he is the one who created the curse and influenced the beliefs of the Sohma family. His death is the turning point of the story, leading to the eventual resolution of the curse.
6. Trivia
- Akira Sohma’s name means “bright” or “clear” in Japanese, which is ironic considering his character’s dark and tragic past.
- Akira was originally planned to be a female character, but the author changed it to male to avoid complicating the already complex gender dynamics of the Sohma family.
- Akira’s illness and death are never fully explained in the anime or manga, but it’s hinted that he suffered from a hereditary disease that affected the Sohma bloodline.
- Akira’s influence on the Sohma family is still felt long after his death, as his legacy and teachings are passed down through the generations. He is often referred to as the “founder” of the Sohma clan.
- Despite being a minor character in the series, Akira’s role in shaping the Sohma family’s history and dynamics cannot be understated. His tragic fate serves as a reminder of the dark consequences of the family’s curse and the importance of breaking free from it.
- Akira’s character design and mannerisms are heavily inspired by traditional Japanese culture, particularly the samurai and shogunate eras. His clothing, hairstyle, and speech patterns reflect this influence.