Kureno Sohma (草摩 紅野, Sōma Kureno) is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Fruits Basket created by Natsuki Takaya. Kureno is a member of the Sohma family, a clan cursed to transform into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. He is the Rooster of the zodiac and is known for his gentle and kind personality. Kureno is also one of the few Sohma members who has been released from the curse, but his freedom comes at a great cost.
Despite his important role in the story, Kureno’s character remains shrouded in mystery for much of the series. He is initially introduced as a minor character, but gradually becomes more prominent as the story progresses. Kureno’s complex history and relationships with other characters make him a fascinating and enigmatic figure in the Fruits Basket universe. This page will explore Kureno’s backstory, personality, appearance, relationships, and role in the story, as well as provide some interesting trivia about the character.
Contents
1. History
Kureno Sohma is one of the members of the Sohma family who is cursed with the spirit of the rooster. He is also one of the oldest members of the family, being in his late twenties. Kureno’s history is shrouded in mystery, and not much is known about him until later in the series. It is revealed that he was once the lover of Akito Sohma, the head of the Sohma family. Kureno was deeply devoted to Akito and was willing to do anything for her, including keeping a secret that would have changed the course of the Sohma family’s history.
Kureno’s relationship with Akito was not a healthy one, and it is suggested that he was emotionally manipulated by her. Despite this, Kureno remained loyal to Akito until he met Tohru Honda, the protagonist of the series. Tohru’s kindness and compassion touched Kureno, and he began to question his loyalty to Akito. Eventually, Kureno decides to break free from Akito’s hold on him and starts to live his life for himself.
It is also revealed that Kureno is not bound by the curse like the other members of the Sohma family. He was released from the curse when he turned 27, but he chose to continue living with the Sohma family out of a sense of duty. Kureno is one of the more enigmatic characters in the series, and his past and motivations are slowly revealed over time.
2. Personality
Kureno Sohma is a complex character with a multifaceted personality. On the surface, he appears to be a calm and collected individual who rarely shows his emotions. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there is much more to him than meets the eye. Kureno is a deeply introspective person who spends a lot of time reflecting on his past and his place in the world. He is also incredibly compassionate and empathetic, often putting the needs of others before his own.
Despite his kind and gentle nature, Kureno is not without his flaws. He can be stubborn and set in his ways, particularly when it comes to his relationship with Akito. He is also prone to keeping secrets, which can sometimes cause problems for those around him. However, despite these flaws, Kureno is a beloved member of the Sohma family and is respected and admired by those who know him.
Overall, Kureno Sohma is a complex and multifaceted character who defies easy categorization. He is a kind and compassionate person who is deeply introspective and reflective. However, he is also flawed and can be stubborn and secretive at times. Despite these flaws, he is a beloved member of the Sohma family and plays an important role in the story of Fruits Basket.
3. Appearance
Kureno Sohma is a handsome young man with a tall and lean build. He has short, dark hair that is neatly styled and falls just above his eyebrows. Kureno’s eyes are a striking shade of blue, and he is often seen wearing a calm and composed expression. He has a gentle and kind demeanor that is reflected in his appearance, making him appear approachable and trustworthy.
Kureno is often seen wearing traditional Japanese clothing, such as a yukata or kimono, which accentuates his elegant and refined appearance. He also wears a pair of silver hoop earrings, which add to his stylish and fashionable look. Kureno’s overall appearance is one of sophistication and grace, which is fitting for his role as a member of the Sohma family.
In addition to his physical appearance, Kureno’s body language also reflects his calm and composed nature. He moves with a fluid grace, and his gestures are deliberate and measured. Kureno’s appearance and demeanor make him a compelling character in the Fruits Basket anime, and his presence on screen is always captivating.
4. Relationships
Kureno Sohma has a few important relationships in Fruits Basket. Firstly, he is in a secret relationship with Akito Sohma, the head of the Sohma family. Despite their age difference and the fact that Akito is technically Kureno’s boss, they have a deep and complicated love for each other. Kureno is willing to do anything to protect Akito, even if it means sacrificing his own happiness.
Kureno also has a close relationship with Arisa Uotani, who he meets while she is working at a convenience store. Arisa is initially intimidated by Kureno’s quiet and serious demeanor, but they quickly become friends. Kureno opens up to Arisa about his relationship with Akito and his feelings of being trapped in the Sohma family. Arisa becomes a confidante for Kureno, and he even helps her when she is in trouble later in the series.
Lastly, Kureno has a complicated relationship with the other members of the Sohma family. He is seen as a mysterious figure, as he is one of the few members who is not cursed by the zodiac. Kureno is respected by the other Sohmas, but there is also an air of suspicion around him. Kureno’s relationship with Akito also causes tension, as many of the other Sohmas are jealous of their closeness.
Overall, Kureno Sohma’s relationships are a key part of his character in Fruits Basket. His love for Akito, friendship with Arisa, and complicated relationship with the Sohma family all contribute to his complex and intriguing personality.
5. Role in the Story
Kureno Sohma is a significant character in the Fruits Basket anime series. He is the Rooster of the Zodiac, and his curse is that he cannot leave the Sohma estate. Kureno is first introduced as a mysterious character, and his true identity is not revealed until later in the series. Kureno plays a crucial role in the story as he is the one who reveals the truth about Akito, the head of the Sohma family, to Tohru Honda, the protagonist of the series.
Kureno’s revelation about Akito’s true nature is a turning point in the story. It leads to a series of events that ultimately bring about a positive change in the Sohma family. Kureno’s character is also essential in highlighting the themes of the series, such as the importance of breaking free from societal norms and finding one’s true self. Kureno’s own struggle with his curse and his desire to break free from it is a powerful representation of these themes.
Overall, Kureno Sohma’s role in the story is significant, and his character adds depth and complexity to the series. His revelations and struggles help move the plot forward and contribute to the overall message of the series.
6. Trivia
- Kureno’s zodiac animal is the rooster. In Chinese mythology, the rooster is associated with punctuality, courage, and honesty. In Fruits Basket, Kureno embodies some of these traits, such as being reliable and straightforward, but also has a mysterious side that sets him apart from other members of the Sohma clan.
- Kureno’s voice actor in the Japanese version of the anime is Mitsuru Miyamoto, while his English voice actor is Kent Williams. Both actors have extensive experience in the industry and have brought their own interpretation to the character. Some fans have praised Miyamoto’s performance for capturing Kureno’s soft-spoken and gentle demeanor, while others have enjoyed Williams’ portrayal of Kureno’s more emotional moments.
- Kureno is one of the few Sohma characters who doesn’t have a curse. Instead, he is bound by a different kind of curse, which prevents him from leaving Akito’s side. This curse is related to the deeper themes of the story, such as the cycle of abuse and the importance of breaking free from toxic relationships.
- Kureno’s backstory is revealed in the later arcs of the manga, but it differs slightly from the anime adaptation. In the manga, it’s hinted that Kureno had a romantic relationship with Arisa Uotani, one of Tohru’s friends, before he met Akito. This detail is not explored in the anime, but it adds another layer to Kureno’s character and his motivations.
- Kureno’s name can be written in different ways depending on the kanji used. In Japanese, his name is written as 福音, which means “good news” or “blessed sound”. This name reflects Kureno’s kind and gentle nature, as well as his role in the story as a harbinger of hope and change.