Akito Sohma (草摩 慊人, Sōma Akito) is a fictional character from the manga and anime series Fruits Basket. Akito is the head of the Sohma family and the “God” of the Zodiac. In the story, the Sohma family is cursed, and members of the family transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Akito is the main antagonist of the series, and their actions drive much of the conflict in the story.
Akito’s gender is initially ambiguous, and they are referred to as male in the Japanese version and female in the English version. However, it is later revealed that Akito was born female but was raised as a male to fulfill their role as the head of the family. Akito is a complex character who struggles with their own insecurities and the pressure of being the leader of the Sohma family. Their actions are often cruel and manipulative, but they also have moments of vulnerability and compassion.
Contents
1. History
Akito Sohma is the head of the Sohma family and the main antagonist of the Fruits Basket anime. He is also one of the Zodiac members, representing the God of the Zodiac. Akito is born as a male, but he is raised as a female by his mother, Ren Sohma, who is also a member of the Zodiac. Akito’s upbringing is filled with abuse and neglect, which shapes his cruel and manipulative personality.
Akito’s power over the Sohma family comes from the curse of the Zodiac, which causes the members to transform into their respective animals when they are hugged by someone of the opposite gender. Akito has the ability to control and manipulate the Zodiac members, using their fear of the curse to keep them in line. This power dynamic is challenged when Tohru Honda, a kind and compassionate outsider, enters the picture and starts to form bonds with the Zodiac members.
Throughout the series, Akito’s history is slowly revealed, including his troubled relationship with his mother and his fear of being abandoned. Despite his cruel actions towards the other characters, it becomes clear that Akito is a victim of the curse as well, and his actions are driven by his own pain and insecurities.
2. Personality
Akito Sohma is a complex character with a deeply troubled personality. He is known to be cruel, manipulative, and abusive towards the members of the Sohma family. He has a deep-seated fear of losing control and will go to great lengths to maintain his power over the family. He is also deeply insecure and struggles with feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, which he tries to mask through his aggressive behavior. Despite his harsh exterior, Akito is deeply lonely and longs for genuine connection and love.
Akito’s personality is largely shaped by his traumatic upbringing and the pressure of being the head of the Sohma family. He was raised in isolation and taught to believe that his position as the “God” of the Zodiac was the most important thing in the world. This has led to a deep sense of entitlement and a belief that he is above the rules that govern everyone else. At the same time, he is deeply afraid of being abandoned and will lash out at anyone who he perceives as a threat to his power or his sense of security.
Overall, Akito Sohma is a deeply flawed and troubled character who is both a victim and a perpetrator of abuse. His story is a tragic one, as he is unable to break free from the cycle of abuse and find true happiness and fulfillment.
3. Appearance
Akito Sohma is a striking figure with his tall stature, sharp features, and piercing eyes. He has long, dark hair that falls in loose waves around his face and down his back. His skin is pale and flawless, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. Akito is often seen wearing traditional Japanese clothing, such as a kimono or yukata, which adds to his regal presence.
Despite his intimidating appearance, Akito is often described as having a fragile and delicate appearance, which is emphasized by his slender build and soft facial features. This contrast between his physical appearance and his aggressive behavior towards others is a recurring theme throughout the series.
In addition to his physical appearance, Akito also has a distinctive scar above his left eye, which is often covered by his hair or by a bandage. The origin of the scar is shrouded in mystery, and it is only later revealed in the series. The scar serves as a symbol of Akito’s inner turmoil and the emotional wounds that he carries.
4. Relationships
Akito Sohma is the head of the Sohma family and has a complicated relationship with the other members. He is feared and respected by them, and they are often at his mercy. Akito has a particularly close relationship with Shigure Sohma, who is his assistant and confidant. Shigure is one of the few people who can speak to Akito in a familiar manner, and their conversations are often cryptic and filled with hidden meaning.
Akito’s relationship with the other members of the Sohma family is more complicated. He has a strained relationship with his mother, Ren Sohma, who is often critical of him and his decisions. Akito also has a complicated relationship with his cousin, Yuki Sohma, who he views as a threat to his power. Akito is jealous of Yuki’s popularity and often lashes out at him in anger.
Akito’s relationship with Tohru Honda is also complicated. At first, Akito sees Tohru as a threat to his power and tries to intimidate her. However, as he gets to know her, he begins to see her as a potential ally. Akito is intrigued by Tohru’s kindness and compassion and begins to question his own actions. Ultimately, Akito’s relationship with Tohru helps him to grow and change as a person.
5. Role in the Story
Akito Sohma plays a significant role in the story of Fruits Basket as the head of the Sohma family and the “God” of the zodiac curse. He is initially portrayed as a cruel and manipulative character who controls the lives of the zodiac members and their families. Akito’s actions and words often cause emotional turmoil for the other characters, particularly for those who are closest to him, such as Shigure, Hatori, and Yuki.
As the story progresses, Akito’s true nature is revealed, and the reasons behind his behavior are explored. It is revealed that Akito is also a victim of the curse and has been raised to believe that his role as the “God” is essential for the well-being of the Sohma family. Akito’s character development is one of the most significant aspects of the story, as he learns to confront his past and his fears and accept the possibility of change and growth.
Akito’s relationships with the other characters are also crucial to the story. His interactions with Tohru, in particular, are significant, as she challenges his beliefs and helps him to see the world in a new light. Akito’s story is one of redemption and forgiveness, and his journey is an essential part of the overall message of the series.
6. Trivia
- Akito’s name means “bright person” in Japanese, but it’s ironic considering his dark and manipulative personality.
- In the manga, Akito is revealed to be intersex, meaning that he has both male and female reproductive organs. This fact is not explicitly stated in the anime, but it’s hinted at through his androgynous appearance and ambiguous pronouns.
- Akito’s zodiac animal is the dragon, which is considered to be the most powerful and majestic of all the zodiac animals. However, Akito’s dragon form is depicted as a grotesque and monstrous creature, reflecting his inner turmoil and self-loathing.
- Akito’s voice actor in the Japanese version of the anime, Maaya Sakamoto, also sings the opening theme song “Again” and the ending theme song “One Step Closer” for the second season. This is not the first time Sakamoto has contributed to the music of a anime she’s acted in, as she’s also known for her roles in Escaflowne and Evangelion.
- In the 2019 reboot of Fruits Basket, Akito’s character design was updated to be more androgynous and less traditionally feminine. This change was made to better reflect his intersex identity and to avoid perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes.