Megumi Hanajima (花島恵 Hanajima Megumi) is a fictional character in the anime and manga series Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya. She is also known by her nickname “Megu”. Megumi is a classmate and close friend of Tohru Honda, the main protagonist of the series. She has the ability to sense and manipulate waves of energy, which she uses to create a protective barrier around herself and others. Megumi is often seen with her younger brother, Momiji Hanajima, who also possesses supernatural abilities. Despite her quiet and reserved demeanor, she is a loyal and caring friend to those close to her.
Megumi is initially introduced in the series as a minor character, but her role expands as the story progresses. She becomes a confidante and advisor to Tohru, offering her guidance and support during difficult times. Megumi’s backstory is explored in the manga, revealing the struggles she faced as a child due to her psychic powers. Despite the challenges she faced, Megumi developed a strong sense of empathy and compassion for others, which she uses to help those around her.
Contents
1. History
Megumi Hanajima is a secondary character in the Fruits Basket anime series. She is the older sister of Saki Hanajima and the two of them are known for their supernatural abilities. Megumi is a quiet and reserved person who prefers to keep to herself. She is often seen with her younger sister, who is her closest friend and confidante.
Megumi’s backstory is not fully explored in the anime, but it is hinted that she had a difficult childhood. She and her sister were often bullied and ostracized by their peers due to their abilities. This led Megumi to become withdrawn and isolated, as she struggled to cope with the negativity around her.
Despite her reserved nature, Megumi is a fiercely loyal friend and will go to great lengths to protect those she cares about. She is also highly intuitive and perceptive, often able to sense the emotions and intentions of others before they even speak. This makes her a valuable ally to the main protagonist, Tohru Honda, who is often in need of guidance and support.
Overall, Megumi Hanajima is a complex and intriguing character whose backstory and motivations are shrouded in mystery. Her quiet strength and unwavering loyalty make her a beloved member of the Fruits Basket cast.
2. Personality
Megumi Hanajima is a quiet and reserved individual who often keeps to herself. She is often seen with her tarot cards, which she uses to read people’s fortunes. Megumi has a mysterious aura about her, and her classmates often fear her because of her ability to sense their negative emotions. Despite her intimidating demeanor, Megumi is a kind-hearted person who cares deeply for her friends.
Megumi is also very protective of her younger brother, Hatsuharu, and will do anything to ensure his happiness. She has a close relationship with him and often acts as his confidante. Megumi’s loyalty to her friends is unwavering, and she will go to great lengths to help them in any way she can.
Despite her introverted nature, Megumi has a quirky sense of humor that often catches people off guard. She has a love for all things dark and spooky and is often seen wearing Gothic clothing. Megumi’s unique personality and unwavering loyalty make her a beloved character in Fruits Basket.
3. Appearance
Megumi Hanajima is a tall and slender young woman with long, straight black hair that falls down to her waist. Her hair is usually tied back in a ponytail with a red ribbon. She has dark brown eyes that are often half-lidded, giving her a mysterious and aloof appearance. Megumi is often seen wearing the standard school uniform of Kaibara High School, consisting of a white blouse, a dark blue skirt, and a red bow tie. However, she has also been seen wearing a variety of other outfits, including traditional Japanese clothing and casual wear.
Megumi’s appearance is often described as elegant and graceful, with a quiet and reserved demeanor. She has a natural beauty that is enhanced by her calm and collected personality. Despite her introverted nature, Megumi has a strong presence that commands attention and respect from those around her. She is often seen as a role model by her classmates, who admire her intelligence, maturity, and poise. Overall, Megumi’s appearance reflects her inner strength and wisdom, making her a fascinating and complex character in the world of Fruits Basket.
4. Relationships
Megumi Hanajima is a reserved and introverted character, but she has a few close relationships. Her most significant relationship is with her younger brother, Kazuma Hanajima, who is also a classmate and friend of Tohru Honda. Megumi has a strong bond with Kazuma and often worries about him, as he tends to be reckless and impulsive. Megumi is protective of her brother and will not hesitate to confront anyone who harms him.
Megumi also has a close friendship with Saki Hanajima, who is her cousin and the reason why Megumi attends the same school as Tohru and Kazuma. Saki and Megumi share a similar ability to sense and manipulate waves of energy, which has made them close since childhood. Saki often acts as a mediator between Megumi and the other members of the Zodiac, as Megumi is not always comfortable interacting with people outside her circle.
Megumi’s relationship with Tohru is more distant, but they share a mutual respect and admiration for each other. Megumi admires Tohru’s kindness and strength, while Tohru is fascinated by Megumi’s mysterious aura and unique abilities. Despite their differences, they have a quiet understanding and support each other when needed.
5. Role in the Story
Megumi Hanajima plays a supporting role in the Fruits Basket anime as a close friend of the main character, Tohru Honda. She is often seen hanging out with Tohru and her other friends, and provides a calm and collected presence in the group. Megumi also has a unique ability to sense and manipulate waves, which she uses to protect her friends and family.
Throughout the series, Megumi serves as a confidante for Tohru, offering advice and comfort during difficult times. She also plays a key role in helping Tohru and her friends navigate their complicated relationships and emotions. Megumi’s ability to sense waves often comes in handy, as she is able to detect danger and intervene before anyone gets hurt.
While Megumi’s role in the story may not be as prominent as some of the other characters, her presence is still felt throughout the series. She is a loyal friend and a valuable member of Tohru’s inner circle, and her unique abilities make her an important asset in the fight against the curse of the zodiac.
6. Trivia
- Megumi’s name means “blessing” and “beauty” in Japanese.
- Megumi is often seen carrying a small, black cat plushie, which is a reference to her zodiac animal, the Snake.
- In the anime, Megumi is voiced by Ai Kakuma in the Japanese version and by Tia Ballard in the English version.
- Megumi’s character design was inspired by gothic lolita fashion, which is characterized by Victorian-era clothing mixed with darker elements such as black lace and leather.
- Megumi’s birthday falls on December 24th, which is Christmas Eve in many countries. This is a nod to her zodiac animal, the Snake, which is associated with Christmas in the Fruits Basket universe.
- Megumi’s powers as a psychic are not fully explored in the anime, but in the manga, it is revealed that she has the ability to create barriers and manipulate energy fields.