Kazuma Sohma (草摩 桜満) is a fictional character from the popular anime and manga series Fruits Basket. Created by Natsuki Takaya, the series follows the story of Tohru Honda, an orphaned high school student who stumbles upon the Sohma family’s dark secret. The Sohmas are cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Kazuma Sohma is one of the members of the Sohma family and plays a significant role in the story.
Kazuma is a martial arts instructor who has a deep connection with the Sohma family. He is known for his calm and collected demeanor, and his ability to help others overcome their fears and insecurities. Kazuma’s past is shrouded in mystery, but it is revealed that he was once a member of the Sohma family and has a special bond with the zodiac members. He becomes a mentor to Kyo, the cat of the zodiac, and helps him come to terms with his curse and find a sense of belonging. Kazuma’s relationship with Tohru also develops throughout the series, as he becomes a trusted confidant and friend to her.
Contents
1. History
Kazuma Sohma is a character from the anime series Fruits Basket. He is a skilled martial artist and a member of the Sohma family, who are cursed to turn into animals from the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Kazuma was the one who trained Kyo Sohma, the cat of the zodiac, in martial arts and became his mentor and father figure.
Kazuma’s past is shrouded in mystery, but it is revealed that he was once a troubled and violent young man who struggled with his own anger issues. He met Kyo when the latter was a child and recognized his potential as a martial artist. Kazuma took Kyo under his wing and trained him in the hopes of helping him control his inner rage and become a better person.
Kazuma’s relationship with Kyo is a complex one, as he sees him as both a student and a surrogate son. He cares deeply for Kyo and wants to protect him from the Sohma family’s cruelty and discrimination towards the cat of the zodiac. Kazuma is also one of the few people who knows about Tohru Honda’s involvement with the Sohma family’s curse, and he supports her in her efforts to help the Sohmas break free from it.
2. Personality
Kazuma Sohma is a calm and collected individual who rarely loses his temper. He is a wise and patient mentor to Tohru Honda and Kyo Sohma, often providing them with guidance and support. Kazuma is also a skilled martial artist, having trained Kyo in the art of hand-to-hand combat. He is deeply compassionate and empathetic towards others, often putting their needs before his own. Kazuma has a strong sense of justice and is willing to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means going against the Sohma family’s traditions.
Despite his composed exterior, Kazuma has a complicated past that has left him with emotional scars. He struggles with feelings of guilt and regret over his relationship with Kyo’s mother, which contributed to her tragic fate. Kazuma’s experiences have given him a unique perspective on the Sohma family and its traditions, allowing him to empathize with those who have been ostracized or mistreated by the family. Overall, Kazuma is a complex and multifaceted character who plays an important role in the lives of those around him.
3. Appearance
Kazuma Sohma is a tall and lean young man with short black hair and piercing blue eyes. He has a calm and collected demeanor that is reflected in his appearance. He is often seen wearing traditional Japanese clothing, such as a hakama and kimono, which adds to his composed and refined image. His clothing is usually dark in color, with a preference for black and navy blue.
One of Kazuma’s most striking features is his tattoo, which covers his entire back and arms. The tattoo depicts a dragon, which symbolizes strength, power, and wisdom. The tattoo is often hidden under his clothing, but when it is revealed, it adds to his mysterious and enigmatic aura.
Kazuma’s appearance is a reflection of his character. He exudes a sense of calm and strength, which is reflected in his clothing and tattoo. His appearance also reflects his traditional values and his connection to his Japanese heritage. Overall, Kazuma’s appearance is an integral part of his character and adds to his depth and complexity.
4. Relationships
Kazuma has a close relationship with his former student, Kyo Sohma, whom he considers like a son. He is the only person who has been able to understand Kyo’s true nature and has helped him overcome his fear of the Cat’s Curse. Kazuma is very protective of Kyo and will do anything to ensure his safety and happiness.
Kazuma also has a good relationship with Tohru Honda, whom he views as a kind and caring person. He is impressed by her ability to bring people together and her unwavering optimism. Kazuma respects Tohru’s dedication to helping the Sohma family and often seeks her advice on how to handle certain situations.
In addition, Kazuma has a complicated relationship with his own father, who was also a martial arts master. His father was abusive towards him and forced him to train relentlessly, causing Kazuma to resent him. However, Kazuma eventually forgave his father and was able to move on from his past trauma.
Overall, Kazuma is a loyal and caring person who values his relationships with those around him. He is willing to go to great lengths to protect those he loves and is always looking for ways to help others.
5. Role in the Story
Kazuma Sohma plays a significant role in the story of Fruits Basket as he is one of the few characters who understands and empathizes with the struggles of the cursed Sohma family. As a former member of the Sohma clan, he has experienced the pain and isolation that comes with being a part of the Zodiac curse. However, he has also learned to accept and overcome it, which makes him a valuable mentor to Tohru and the other members of the Sohma family.
Kazuma’s role in the story becomes more prominent in the second season when he takes on a more active role in helping Tohru and the Sohma family. He becomes a mentor to Kyo, helping him come to terms with his own curse and teaching him how to control his anger. Kazuma also helps Tohru understand the true nature of the curse and how it has affected the Sohma family for generations.
Overall, Kazuma Sohma’s role in the story is that of a wise and compassionate mentor who helps the characters navigate the complexities of the Sohma family curse. His insights and guidance are invaluable to the characters as they struggle to come to terms with their own curses and find a way to break the cycle of pain and suffering that has plagued their family for generations.
6. Trivia
- Kazuma’s name means “peaceful horse” in Japanese, which is fitting considering his calm and gentle demeanor.
- In the manga, it is revealed that Kazuma was actually a member of the Sohma family who was disowned due to his involvement in a scandalous relationship with a woman from another family. This backstory is not explored in the anime.
- Kazuma is known for his skill in martial arts, particularly aikido, which he teaches to Tohru and other characters in the series.
- Kazuma’s zodiac animal is the horse, which is known for being independent and hardworking. This is reflected in his personality and his dedication to helping others.
- Kazuma is often seen wearing a traditional Japanese outfit called a hakama, which is a type of wide-legged pants worn over a kimono. This reflects his connection to Japanese culture and tradition.
- Despite being a relatively minor character in the series, Kazuma has a significant impact on the other characters, particularly Kyo and Tohru. His gentle guidance and support help them to overcome their personal struggles and find happiness.