Makoto Takei (竹井 誠 Takei Makoto) is a fictional character from the popular anime and manga series Fruits Basket. He is also known by his nickname, “Mako-chan.” Makoto is a student at Kaibara Municipal High School and a member of the student council. He is introduced in the series as a love interest for Yuki Sohma, one of the main characters. Makoto is depicted as a kind, gentle, and caring person who is always willing to help others.
Throughout the series, Makoto’s character develops as he struggles with his feelings for Yuki and his own insecurities. He is often seen as a mediator between the other characters and is known for his ability to understand and empathize with others. Makoto’s kind nature and willingness to help others make him a beloved character among fans of the series.
Contents
1. History
Makoto Takei is a minor character in the Fruits Basket anime. He is a former classmate of Tohru Honda and Yuki Sohma, and is shown to have a crush on Tohru. Makoto is first introduced in episode 12 of season 1, where he is seen confessing his feelings to Tohru. However, she turns him down gently, stating that she is already in love with someone else.
Despite being rejected, Makoto remains a friendly and supportive presence in Tohru’s life. He is shown to be a talented artist, and even creates a manga based on Tohru’s experiences with the Sohma family. Makoto’s manga becomes popular among his classmates and even catches the attention of a publisher, leading him to consider pursuing a career as a professional manga artist.
In season 2, Makoto briefly appears in episode 15, where he attends the school cultural festival and is seen chatting with Tohru and her friends. Although he is not a major character in the series, Makoto’s kind and creative personality make him a memorable addition to the Fruits Basket cast.
2. Personality
Makoto Takei is a kind and gentle person who always tries to help others. He is a loyal friend and is always willing to lend a listening ear. He is also very empathetic and understanding, which makes him a great support system for his friends. Makoto is very thoughtful, and he often goes out of his way to make others feel special. He is also very patient and has a calming presence, which makes him a great mediator in conflicts.
However, Makoto can also be quite naive at times, which can lead him to be taken advantage of. He has a tendency to trust people too easily, which has caused him to be hurt in the past. He also struggles with self-doubt and can be quite hard on himself. Despite this, Makoto always tries to see the best in people and remains optimistic about the future. His positive attitude and kind heart make him a beloved member of the Fruits Basket cast.
3. Appearance
Makoto Takei is a tall, lean young man with short black hair and dark eyes. He is often seen wearing a casual outfit, consisting of a white t-shirt, black pants, and sneakers. Makoto has a distinctive scar on his forehead, which he received during a fight in his childhood. He is known for his good looks and charming personality, which makes him popular among his peers.
Despite his attractive appearance, Makoto has a rough exterior and often comes across as intimidating. He has a habit of scowling and speaking in a gruff tone, which can be off-putting to those who don’t know him well. However, those who take the time to get to know Makoto will find that he is a loyal and caring friend.
Makoto’s appearance is a reflection of his personality, which is complex and multifaceted. He is not easily defined by his looks or his actions, and there is much more to him than meets the eye. Makoto is a character who grows and changes over the course of the story, and his appearance is just one aspect of his character that contributes to his overall development.
4. Relationships
Makoto Takei is introduced as a close friend of Yuki Sohma, and the two are often seen together in the anime. Makoto is shown to care deeply for Yuki and is always willing to lend a listening ear or offer a helping hand. However, their friendship is tested when Makoto confesses his feelings for Yuki, who politely turns him down. Despite this, Makoto remains a loyal friend and continues to support Yuki throughout the series.
Makoto also has a complicated relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Motoko Minagawa. Motoko is still in love with Makoto and becomes jealous when she sees him spending time with Yuki. She often tries to sabotage their friendship and even attempts to break them up. However, Makoto is oblivious to her feelings and remains kind to her, which only fuels her obsession.
In addition to Yuki and Motoko, Makoto also forms a close bond with Tohru Honda. Tohru is drawn to Makoto’s kind and gentle nature, and the two become close friends. Makoto is one of the few people who knows about Tohru’s tragic past and supports her throughout her struggles. Their friendship becomes a source of comfort for both of them, and they often confide in each other.
5. Role in the Story
Makoto Takei is a minor character in the Fruits Basket anime, but his role in the story is significant. He is introduced as a classmate and childhood friend of Tohru Honda, the protagonist of the series. Makoto is shown to have feelings for Tohru and often tries to confess his love to her, but she is oblivious to his advances.
Makoto’s presence in the story serves as a contrast to the other male characters who are vying for Tohru’s affection. Unlike Yuki, Kyo, and even the mysterious Hatsuharu, Makoto is not a member of the Sohma family and does not possess any supernatural abilities. He is simply a regular high school student who is in love with his friend. This adds a sense of normalcy to the story and highlights the fact that Tohru’s relationships are not solely defined by the curse of the Sohma family.
Overall, Makoto’s character provides a refreshing perspective on love and relationships in the Fruits Basket anime. While he may not be a major player in the story, his presence serves as a reminder that not all love stories have to be epic or supernatural to be meaningful.
6. Trivia
- Makoto Takei’s zodiac animal is the boar, which is known for being honest, diligent, and reliable. These traits are reflected in his personality as he is a hardworking and responsible student who takes his studies seriously.
- In the anime, Makoto is voiced by Yuma Uchida, who is also known for his roles in other popular anime series such as Haikyuu!!, My Hero Academia, and Sword Art Online.
- Makoto’s name is written in kanji as 竹井 真, where the first character means “bamboo” and the second character means “well” or “mine”. This could be interpreted as a reference to his steadfast and reliable nature, as well as his determination to achieve his goals.
- Makoto is often seen wearing a pair of glasses, which is a common trope in anime and manga for studious and intelligent characters. However, it is revealed that he actually has perfect eyesight and only wears them as a fashion accessory.
- Despite being a minor character in the series, Makoto has a significant impact on the story as he helps to facilitate the development of some of the main characters. For example, he encourages Yuki to pursue his dreams and aspirations, and he also helps to resolve some of the tension between Kyo and Tohru.