Arisa Uotani

Lore & Background

Arisa's childhood was troubled; her father is an alcoholic and her mother left him for another man when Arisa was young. In fifth grade, she joined an all-girl gang called The Ladies and idolized Kyoko Honda's reputation from Kyoko's own gang days. When Arisa met Tohru in middle school, she was shocked to see Kyoko transformed from a gang leader into a doting mother but became friends after Kyoko helped her escape the gang. With Saki Hanajima, Arisa swore on Kyoko's grave to look after Tohru. In their near-parental protection of Tohru, noted by Kyo and Yuki, Arisa is depicted as the brash and direct father-figure.

In Their Own Story

Arisa works a couple of different part-time jobs during the series, including one at a convenience store where she meets Kureno Soma. She is immediately attracted to him but worries about their nine-year age difference. They meet a second time a few days later when he nearly kisses her after buying her lunch, but he refuses to see her again because of his promise to stay with Akito. Arisa tries to get over him until Kureno leaves Akito. When this happens, Arisa helps him move out, telling him that she has been waiting for him all this time. In the final chapter, she is preparing to move in with him.

Reader's Guide

Arisa Uotani serves as Tohru's boisterous best friend and protector. She is especially competitive with Kyo and bickers with him frequently. Her personality is defined by her toughness and directness, often speaking like a man. Despite her intimidating exterior, she is deeply loyal to her friends. Arisa works part-time jobs throughout the series, one of which leads to her romance with Kureno Soma. The relationship faces obstacles due to Kureno's duties to Akito, but it resolves happily when he leaves the Sohma head. By the story's end, Arisa prepares to move in with Kureno, marking a happy conclusion to her arc.

Did You Know?

• Arisa's manga symbol is a fish, representing the meaning of the first kanji (魚) of her family name.
• She once claimed she wished to reach 6 feet (1.8 m) in height.
• Arisa and Saki Hanajima swore on Kyoko Honda's grave to look after Tohru.
• In the final chapter, Arisa is preparing to move in with Kureno Soma.
• She developed a crush on Kureno Soma despite their nine-year age difference.