Momiji Sohma (草摩 紅葉, Sōma Momiji) is a fictional character from the anime and manga series Fruits Basket created by Natsuki Takaya. He is a member of the Sohma family, one of the twelve members of the zodiac who are cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when they are hugged by someone of the opposite sex or when they are under stress. Momiji is the rabbit of the zodiac and is portrayed as a cheerful, outgoing and compassionate individual who loves to play the violin. Despite his happy-go-lucky demeanor, Momiji has a tragic past that he keeps hidden from his friends. His story is one of the most emotional and heart-wrenching in the series, making him a fan favorite among Fruits Basket fans.
Momiji was born to a German mother and a Japanese father, which makes him a hafu or mixed-race in Japan. His parents’ relationship was frowned upon by the Sohma family, who considered it a disgrace for a member of the zodiac to marry a foreigner. As a result, Momiji was taken away from his mother and raised by his father, who was unable to cope with the loss of his wife and eventually abandoned him. Momiji was then sent to live with his grandparents, who were ashamed of his mixed heritage and treated him cruelly. Despite his difficult upbringing, Momiji remained optimistic and kind-hearted, finding solace in music and his friendship with Tohru Honda, the main protagonist of the series.
Contents
1. History
Momiji Sohma is a member of the Sohma family, a clan cursed to turn into animals of the Chinese zodiac when hugged by someone of the opposite sex. Momiji is the rabbit of the zodiac and is known for his cheerful and outgoing personality. However, his past is filled with tragedy. Momiji’s mother, a German woman, fell in love with his father, a Sohma, but due to the Sohma family’s strict rules, their relationship was forbidden. Momiji’s father was forced to erase Momiji’s mother’s memories of him, causing her to forget about their love and their child. Momiji was left to live with his mother, who eventually married another man and had a daughter. Momiji was forced to keep his true identity a secret from his mother and sister, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Despite his difficult past, Momiji remains optimistic and kind-hearted. He befriends Tohru Honda, the main protagonist of Fruits Basket, and becomes a close ally to her and the other members of the Sohma family. Momiji is also a talented violinist and often performs for his friends. His cheerful demeanor and musical talent make him a beloved member of the cast.
2. Personality
Momiji Sohma is a cheerful and energetic character with a kind heart. He has a playful and mischievous side, often teasing his friends and family, but he also knows when to be serious. Despite his happy demeanor, Momiji has a tragic past that he keeps hidden from most people. He is deeply empathetic and cares for others, often putting their needs before his own. He has a strong sense of justice and is willing to stand up for what he believes in, even if it means going against his own family.
Momiji is also very intelligent and talented, excelling in both academics and music. He is fluent in several languages and enjoys playing the violin. Despite his many talents, he is humble and doesn’t like to brag about his accomplishments. Momiji is also very perceptive and can often pick up on the emotions of those around him, even when they try to hide them.
Overall, Momiji is a lovable and compassionate character who brings joy to those around him. Despite the hardships he has faced in his life, he remains optimistic and determined to make the most of every day.
3. Appearance
Momiji Sohma is a handsome young boy with a slender build and a height of 159 cm. He has a fair complexion, big brown eyes, and short, spiky blonde hair. His hair is styled in a way that it covers his forehead and falls over his ears, giving him a cute and innocent look. Momiji’s most distinctive feature is his rabbit ears, which he inherited from his mother, who was also a member of the Sohma family. He often wears a school uniform consisting of a white shirt, a red tie, and a black blazer with matching pants.
Momiji’s choice of clothing is often bright and colorful, reflecting his cheerful and upbeat personality. He is often seen wearing a yellow sweater with a rabbit design on it, which has become his trademark outfit. In the anime, he is also shown wearing a blue and white striped shirt with a red vest, a green scarf, and brown boots. Despite being a bit of a fashionista, Momiji is not vain and is always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Overall, Momiji Sohma’s appearance is a reflection of his kind and gentle nature. He is a cute and lovable character who is loved by many fans of the Fruits Basket anime.
4. Relationships
Momiji Sohma has a friendly and outgoing personality which makes him quite popular among his peers. He is particularly close to Tohru Honda, who he sees as a mother figure. Momiji is very fond of Tohru and often goes out of his way to help her whenever she needs it. He is also quite protective of her and will not hesitate to stand up for her if he feels that she is being mistreated.
Momiji also has a close relationship with his older sister, Momo Sohma. Although they were separated at a young age, the two siblings have remained close and often spend time together. Momiji is very protective of his sister and will do anything to make her happy. He is also quite close to his cousin Hatsuharu Sohma, who he often spends time with. The two cousins have a playful relationship and enjoy teasing each other.
Overall, Momiji Sohma has a very warm and friendly personality which makes him quite popular among his peers. He is particularly close to Tohru Honda, who he sees as a mother figure, and has a close relationship with his sister and cousin.
5. Role in the Story
Momiji Sohma is a secondary character in the Fruits Basket anime, but his role in the story is crucial. He is introduced as a cheerful and playful boy who is always eager to make new friends. However, as the story progresses, it is revealed that Momiji has a tragic past. He was born to a German mother and a Japanese father, and his parents’ marriage was disapproved of by their families. As a result, Momiji was abandoned by his father and his mother was forced to give him up for adoption. This experience left Momiji with a deep sense of loneliness and abandonment.
Despite his sad past, Momiji remains a positive and optimistic character. He is always there to support his friends and offer words of encouragement. He is particularly close to Tohru Honda, the main character, and often serves as a confidant and ally to her. Momiji’s role in the story is to show that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find happiness and love. He is a symbol of resilience and hope, and his presence in the story is a reminder that no one is truly alone.
6. Trivia
- Momiji’s name means “autumn leaves” in Japanese, which is fitting given his bright and cheerful personality.
- In the Fruits Basket manga, it is revealed that Momiji is half-German on his father’s side. This explains his blonde hair and blue eyes, which are unusual for a Japanese character.
- Momiji is skilled at playing the violin, which is a nod to his classical and refined personality. He often plays music for his friends and family.
- Despite his happy-go-lucky demeanor, Momiji has a tragic backstory. His mother was forced to erase her memories of him and his sister due to a curse, which caused Momiji to be estranged from his family for many years.
- Momiji’s animal form is a rabbit, which is symbolic of his innocence and vulnerability. He often wears bunny-themed clothing and accessories.
- Momiji is a popular character among Fruits Basket fans, who appreciate his positive attitude and heartwarming moments. He is often cited as one of the most memorable and lovable members of the Sohma family.