Kyo Sohma (草摩 夾, Sōma Kyō) is a fictional character in the manga and anime series Fruits Basket created by Natsuki Takaya. He is one of the main characters in the story and a member of the cursed Sohma family. Kyo is known as the “Cat” of the Chinese zodiac, a position that is often considered unlucky and is shunned by the other members of the Sohma family.
Kyo’s history is marked by tragedy and isolation. He was born into the Sohma family, a powerful clan with a curse that turns its members into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Kyo’s mother, who was not a member of the Sohma family, died when he was young, leaving him with a deep sense of abandonment and loneliness. Kyo’s father, who was also a member of the Sohma family, rejected him because of his cursed form and sent him away to live with his grandfather. Kyo’s grandfather, who was also a member of the Sohma family, trained him to become a martial artist in order to prepare him for the day when he would have to fight for the right to be accepted as a member of the family.
Contents
1. History
Kyo Sohma is one of the main characters in the Fruits Basket anime. He is a member of the Sohma family, a clan cursed with the spirits of the Chinese zodiac animals. Kyo is cursed with the spirit of the cat, which is not one of the twelve animals, and as a result, he is shunned and treated as an outcast by the other members of the Sohma family. His mother committed suicide when he was young, and his father, who is also cursed, blames Kyo for her death.
Kyo’s childhood was a difficult one, as he was constantly bullied and ostracized by his family and classmates. His only friend was his martial arts instructor, Kazuma Sohma, who took him under his wing and trained him in the art of fighting. Kyo’s relationship with Kazuma is a complicated one, as he sees him as both a father figure and a rival.
As a teenager, Kyo is introduced to Tohru Honda, a kind-hearted girl who befriends him and helps him to come to terms with his curse. Over time, Kyo develops feelings for Tohru, but he struggles with the belief that he is unworthy of her love due to his curse. Despite his insecurities, Kyo becomes an important member of Tohru’s circle of friends, and he learns to accept himself for who he is.
2. Personality
Kyo Sohma is initially portrayed as a hot-headed, impulsive, and aggressive person who is quick to anger and prone to violence. He is often seen arguing with his cousin Yuki, whom he sees as a rival, and he has a tendency to lash out at others when he feels threatened or insecure. However, beneath his rough exterior, Kyo is a deeply sensitive and vulnerable person who struggles with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. He is haunted by the curse of the Cat, which has made him an outcast in his own family, and he harbors a deep-seated fear of rejection and abandonment.
As the series progresses, Kyo begins to open up to the other members of the Sohma family and to develop closer relationships with them. He becomes more introspective and reflective, and he gradually learns to confront his inner demons and overcome his insecurities. He also begins to show a softer, more compassionate side, particularly towards Tohru Honda, the kind-hearted girl who befriends him and helps him to come to terms with his past. Despite his flaws and struggles, Kyo is a complex and compelling character who undergoes significant growth and development throughout the course of the series.
3. Appearance
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Kyo Sohma is a young man with a lean and muscular build. He stands at an average height and has bright orange hair that is styled in a spiky manner. His eyes are a deep shade of crimson, which is a unique trait among the members of the Sohma family. Kyo’s clothing style is casual and comfortable, often consisting of loose-fitting shirts and pants.
One of the most notable aspects of Kyo’s appearance is his bracelet, which he wears on his left wrist. The bracelet is made of beads and has a small charm attached to it. This bracelet serves as a symbol of Kyo’s curse as the cat of the zodiac. Whenever he is hugged by a member of the opposite sex, his bracelet breaks, and he transforms into a large, black and orange cat.
Despite his rough exterior, Kyo is a handsome young man with striking features that make him stand out. His unique appearance, coupled with his fiery personality, makes him an unforgettable character in the world of Fruits Basket.
4. Relationships
Kyo Sohma has a complex relationship with his family, the Sohmas. Due to the curse that afflicts their family, Kyo is seen as an outcast and is often treated with disdain by many of his relatives. This has resulted in Kyo harboring a deep sense of resentment towards his family, particularly towards his cousin Yuki, who is seen as the favored one. However, Kyo also has a close relationship with his adoptive father, Kazuma Sohma, who has been a constant source of support and guidance for him.
Kyo’s relationship with Tohru Honda, the protagonist of the series, is also a central focus of the story. Initially, Kyo is hostile towards Tohru and sees her as a nuisance. However, as the series progresses, Kyo begins to open up to Tohru and develops feelings for her. Their relationship is complicated by the fact that Kyo’s curse prevents him from being able to touch anyone of the opposite sex without transforming into a monster.
Finally, Kyo also has a complicated relationship with Akito Sohma, the head of the Sohma family. Akito is portrayed as a cruel and manipulative figure who holds a great deal of power over the other Sohmas, including Kyo. Throughout the series, Kyo struggles to break free from Akito’s control and assert his own independence.
5. Role in the Story
Kyo Sohma is one of the main characters in the Fruits Basket anime, and his role in the story is crucial. He is initially introduced as a hot-headed and aggressive character who is constantly at odds with the protagonist, Tohru Honda. However, as the story progresses, Kyo’s past and his true nature are revealed, and he becomes a more sympathetic and complex character.
Kyo’s role in the story is primarily that of a foil to Tohru. While Tohru is kind and gentle, Kyo is rough and abrasive. However, as they get to know each other better, they begin to understand each other and develop a deep bond. Kyo’s relationship with Tohru is one of the central themes of the anime, and his growth as a character is closely tied to his interactions with her.
In addition to his relationship with Tohru, Kyo also plays an important role in the larger story of the Sohma family. As a member of the cursed Sohma clan, Kyo is ostracized and feared by many of his family members. However, he is also a potential candidate to be the “Cat” of the Zodiac, a position that carries great significance within the family. Kyo’s struggle to come to terms with his place in the family and his relationship with the other Zodiac members is a major plot point in the anime.
6. Trivia
- Kyo Sohma’s zodiac animal is the cat, which is not officially recognized in the Chinese zodiac. According to legend, the cat was left out of the zodiac because it was tricked by the rat, who promised to wake it up for the race but didn’t. This is why Kyo has a complicated relationship with Yuki, who represents the rat in the story.
- Kyo’s voice actor in the Japanese version of the anime is Yuma Uchida, while his English voice actor is Jerry Jewell. Interestingly, Uchida also voiced another popular anime character who shares Kyo’s hot-headed personality: Ash Lynx from Banana Fish.
- In the manga, Kyo’s birthday is revealed to be January 1st, making him a Capricorn. This is fitting for his character, as Capricorns are known for their determination and hard-working nature. It is also the same birthday as the author of Fruits Basket, Natsuki Takaya.
- Kyo is known for his iconic catchphrase, “I’ll beat you up!” which he often says to Yuki or other characters who annoy him. This line has become a popular meme among fans of the series, and is often used in humorous contexts.
- Finally, Kyo’s character design was inspired by the Japanese rock band L’Arc~en~Ciel, specifically the lead singer Hyde. This is evident in his spiky hair and overall punk-rock aesthetic.