Yuki Sohma
The Rat of the zodiac who sought freedom from the cage of perfection.
Yuki Sohma is a central character in Natsuki Takaya's manga Fruits Basket, serialized between January 1999 and November 2006. As one of the thirteen members of the Soma family cursed to transform into Chinese zodiac animals, Yuki embodies the Rat. He lives with Shigure Soma alongside Tohru Honda and Kyo Sohma after meeting them early in the story. The series follows his journey from a guarded, isolated student to someone who actively works toward breaking the curse that binds him and his family. His character is defined by the contrast between his public image as the "school prince" and his internal struggle with the trauma inflicted by Akito Soma.
- Role
- Main Protagonist
- Zodiac Form
- The Rat
- Affiliation
- Sohma Family, High School Student
Lore & Background
Yuki's backstory is deeply intertwined with the Soma family curse, which forces thirteen members to turn into their respective zodiac animals when embraced by the opposite sex or subjected to extreme stress. As the Rat, Yuki held a unique and painful position as Akito Soma's "favorite" and primary companion, a role that isolated him from other zodiac members. The source notes that Takaya deliberately dressed Yuki in Chinese-style clothes because she felt they suited his androgynous nature and distinguished him from Kyo. While the text describes the curse mechanics generally, it specifically highlights how Yuki's relationship with Akito served as a barrier to genuine human connection, fueling a deep-seated belief that he was only valuable as long as he remained useful to the head of the family.
In Their Own Story
Yuki enters the narrative shortly after Tohru Honda discovers her living situation following her mother Kyoko's death in a car accident. Upon meeting Yuki, Kyo, and Shigure, Tohru learns of the zodiac curse. The story details how Yuki initially maintains a polite, perfect facade to hide his pain. He struggles with the jealousy he feels toward Kyo, who, despite being the Cat (an animal outside the official zodiac), receives less direct control from Akito yet possesses a raw authenticity Yuki envies. A significant turning point occurs as Tohru meets the rest of the zodiac and Akito, eventually resolving to break the curse.
Reader's Guide
Fans exploring Yuki's arc should focus on his evolution from the "school idol" to an individual seeking independence. The source identifies him as part of the main cast developed early by Takaya, alongside Tohru, Kyo, and Shigure. His name follows the Western order (family name last) used in official English releases. Readers will find that Yuki's journey is driven by his desire to escape the "cage" Akito built for him. The narrative progresses as he confronts the reality of the curse and Akito's god-like status within the family. Ultimately, the story concludes with a resolution where the burdens are lifted; while the text specifies Tohru moving with Kyo in the final chapter, it confirms that Tohru "eventually frees" her friends, marking the end of Yuki's isolation.
Did You Know?
- Author Natsuki Takaya named Yuki without a special meaning related to the lunar calendar, unlike most other cursed Somas whose names correspond to months.
- Yuki was one of the first characters created for the series, developed shortly after Tohru Honda.
- Takaya dressed Yuki in Chinese-style clothing specifically because she felt it suited his androgynous nature.
- The 2001 anime adaptation produced by Studio DEEN featured Yuki voiced by Yui Horie in Japanese and Laura Bailey in the English dub.
More in Characters & Zodiacs
Elsewhere in the Fruits Basket universe
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