Hatsuharu Sohma (草摩 はつはる, Sōma Hatsuharu) is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Fruits Basket created by Natsuki Takaya. He is one of the members of the Sohma family, a clan cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex or under stress. Hatsuharu is the Ox of the zodiac and has the ability to transform into a black-and-white-spotted ox.
Hatsuharu is known for his calm and collected demeanor, but also for his mischievous and playful personality. He is a fan-favorite character among Fruits Basket fans for his unique personality and his relationship with Yuki Sohma, his cousin and fellow member of the zodiac. Throughout the series, Hatsuharu plays an important role in helping the other members of the Sohma family come to terms with their curse and find a way to break it.
Contents
1. History
Hatsuharu Sohma is one of the recurring characters in the Fruits Basket anime series. He is a member of the Sohma family, who are cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Hatsuharu is the ox of the zodiac and has the ability to transform into a black and white ox. He is known for his calm and collected demeanor, which is a stark contrast to his alter ego, the “Black Haru,” who is wild and unpredictable.
Hatsuharu’s past is revealed in the anime, where it is shown that he has a complicated relationship with his parents. His mother was emotionally abusive and his father was absent from his life, leading him to feel neglected and unloved. This caused him to develop a split personality as a coping mechanism, where he would switch between his calm and collected self and his wild and unpredictable alter ego. Despite this, Hatsuharu is a loyal and caring friend to those he considers close to him, particularly his cousin Yuki Sohma and his love interest Rin Sohma.
Throughout the series, Hatsuharu plays a significant role in helping the other characters come to terms with their own personal struggles and accepting themselves for who they are. He is often seen as a mediator between the various members of the Sohma family, using his calm and collected demeanor to diffuse tense situations. Overall, Hatsuharu is a complex and multifaceted character who adds depth and nuance to the Fruits Basket anime series.
2. Personality
Hatsuharu Sohma is a complex character with a unique personality. He is often described as having two distinct personalities, one being the “white” Haru and the other being the “black” Haru. The white Haru is calm, collected, and gentle, while the black Haru is wild, unpredictable, and aggressive. These two sides of his personality are often in conflict with each other, causing Haru to struggle with his emotions and behavior.
Despite his inner turmoil, Haru is a loyal and caring friend to those he holds dear. He is particularly close to his cousin Yuki and his best friend Rin, whom he has known since childhood. Haru is also fiercely protective of his loved ones and will go to great lengths to keep them safe.
Haru’s personality is further complicated by his zodiac animal, the ox. Like the ox, Haru is strong-willed and determined, with a stubborn streak that can sometimes get him into trouble. However, he is also dependable and hardworking, traits that make him a valuable member of the Sohma family.
Overall, Hatsuharu Sohma is a multifaceted character with a complex personality. His inner turmoil and conflicting emotions make him a compelling and relatable character, while his loyalty and determination make him a valuable ally to those he cares about.
3. Appearance
Hatsuharu Sohma is a tall, lean-built young man with striking features. He has short, choppy black hair that is parted in the middle and falls over his forehead, framing his face. His most noticeable physical feature is his heterochromia, where his left eye is a bright, sky blue color and his right eye is a deep, onyx black. This unique characteristic is due to his zodiac animal, the ox, and is a trait shared by all oxen in the Sohma family.
Hatsuharu is often seen wearing his school uniform, which consists of a white button-up shirt, a black blazer, and black pants. He also wears a black choker around his neck, which he claims is a “fashion statement.” When not in school, he can be seen wearing a variety of casual clothing, such as graphic t-shirts and ripped jeans.
Despite his striking appearance, Hatsuharu is known for his laid-back and carefree attitude. He often wears a relaxed expression on his face, giving off an air of nonchalance. However, his demeanor can quickly change when he is angered or upset, and his eyes become piercing and intense.
4. Relationships
Hatsuharu has a complicated relationship with his mother, who suffers from a mental illness. Despite her abusive behavior towards him, he still cares for her and tries to understand her struggles. He also has a close relationship with his cousin Yuki, who he sees as a brother figure. However, his relationship with his other cousin, Kyo, is more strained due to their history of fighting and rivalry. Despite this, Hatsuharu still cares for Kyo and tries to help him reconcile with the other members of the Sohma family.
Hatsuharu also has a romantic relationship with Rin Sohma, a fellow member of the Zodiac. They have a tumultuous relationship due to Rin’s own mental health issues and Hatsuharu’s struggle to understand and support her. However, they still deeply care for each other and try to work through their problems together.
Overall, Hatsuharu’s relationships are complex and nuanced, reflecting the complicated dynamics within the Sohma family and the challenges of living with the curse of the Zodiac.
5. Role in the Story
Hatsuharu Sohma is an important character in the Fruits Basket anime as he plays a significant role in the lives of the main characters. He is the closest friend of Yuki Sohma and is also a member of the Zodiac. Hatsuharu is known for his calm and collected demeanor, which makes him a reliable source of comfort and support for those around him.
Throughout the series, Hatsuharu acts as a mediator between the different factions within the Sohma family. He is often the voice of reason in heated situations and is able to diffuse tense situations with ease. Hatsuharu’s presence is felt throughout the story, as he is always there to lend an ear or a helping hand to those in need.
In addition to his role as a mediator, Hatsuharu also plays a key role in the romantic relationships of the main characters. He is the first person to notice the growing feelings between Tohru Honda and Kyo Sohma, and he encourages them to pursue their feelings for each other. Hatsuharu’s support is instrumental in bringing the two together and helping them overcome their fears and doubts.
Overall, Hatsuharu Sohma is an important character in the Fruits Basket anime, as he provides a steady presence and support for the main characters. His role as a mediator and his support in the romantic relationships of the main characters make him an essential part of the story.
6. Trivia
- Hatsuharu’s name means “first spring,” which is fitting for his character as he represents the transition from winter to spring in the Chinese Zodiac.
- Hatsuharu is one of the few characters in the series who has a dual personality. His “black” side is more aggressive and prone to violence, while his “white” side is more gentle and caring.
- Hatsuharu is skilled in martial arts and often uses his skills to protect his friends and family. He is also shown to be a talented artist, with a particular interest in abstract painting.
- Hatsuharu’s zodiac animal is the ox, which is known for its strength and determination. This is reflected in his personality, as he is often described as being stubborn and persistent.
- Hatsuharu has a close relationship with his cousin Yuki, despite their initial rivalry over Tohru’s affections. He also has a complicated relationship with his girlfriend Rin, who suffers from mental health issues.
- Hatsuharu’s voice actor in the Japanese version of the anime, Yuma Uchida, is also known for his roles in other popular anime series such as My Hero Academia and Haikyuu!!.