The enigmatic Sohma family shares a great secret, its members are possessed by spirits of the Chinese Zodiac, and when they are hugged by members of the opposite sex, they transform into their Zodiac animal! Tohru Honda, an orphaned high school freshman, is given lodging in the Sohma household in exchange for taking care of household chores. The humble Tohru is quite grateful for the Sohma family's generosity, and the longer she stays with them, the more they realize what a blessing she is in their lives, as well.

Fruits Basket, the manga, is the basis for the smash-hit runaway anime show of the same name. It is most eagerly-awaited manga series - as voted on by thousands of fans visiting the TOKYOPOP website - in many, many years.

Natsuki Takaya
Natsuki Takaya made her manga debut in 1992. She was born in Tokyo and her Blood Type is A.

Her previous series include:
Gen'eimusou - 5 vols - serialized in Hana to Yume
Tsubasa o motsu Mono (Men with Wings)

Tohru Honda
A very humble and grateful girl, Tohru tries hard to please those around her and sincerely wants to get to know them better. When she discovers the Sohma secret, she promises to take it with her to her grave. She's always felt like an outsider--a rice ball in a fruit basket--so living in a household of outsiders makes her feel as if she's finally home.

Yuki Sohma
Zodiac Animal--the Rat. Yuki is beautiful and mysterious. The other kids at school call him the 'Prince of Kaiwaia High.' He left the main Sohma house so that he could attend a co-ed school, but being so popular yet unable to touch any girl makes his life quite difficult. He's often fighting with Kyo.

Kyo Sohma
Zodiac Animal--The Cat. According to legend, the Cat was tricked by the Rat and was left out of the Zodiac. Kyo certainly acts like someone who was betrayed, and Yuki--the Rat--is his greatest rival. He's been training hard in the martial arts so that he can beat Kyo. Impulsive, headstrong and prone to violence, he has a hard time dealing with others, but he's trying.

Shigure Sohma
Zodiac Animal--The Dog. Shigure is a novelist by trade and tries hard to look the part, lounging around the house in his kimono. He has a dry wit, but a good heart. As senior member of his splinter Sohma house, he looks out for Yuki and Kyo.